This past Saturday evening Carolyn and I spent a delightful evening at the Davis Musical Theater production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." The play was inspired by a paperback book of the same name which was published in 1952. The book by Shepherd Mead was close to biographical, describing Mead's meteoric rise in a corporation, so the play is biographical as well. Both the book and the play are also grossly satirical -- poking fun at corporate culture such as sending a memo to attempt to rein in excess memos. But it (they) is also dated. In the 50's corporations were largely male dominated, sexual harassment was not a problem, and a chairman of a board apparently has more power in daily decisions. Thus, the play comes off as an old relic.
But for doing such an old looking play, the cast did a marvelous job. Casting was, as usual, right on the money. The principals all sang in tune and with a suitable accent when required. Choreography involved more than just dancing and was carried out with precision and energy. I was exhausted just watching them.
The music was fun rather than memorable. You won't go away humming a tune or even remembering one from the show unless it's "I Believe in You" or "The Brotherhood of Man."
I would recommend the DMTC's production of "How to Succeed" as a great example of what a community group can do with a dated production.
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