Wow, wow, wow! What a fabulous production with a superb cast. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying delivers a brilliant night of entertainment that is bursting with energy. From start to finish the show is a visual and musical delight. I was mesmerised with the vibrant musical numbers, the non-stop action, the stunning array of costumes, and props that were whizzed on and off the stage with perfect precision.
Image courtesy of Shane Caddaye
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying tells the story of ambitious window washer, J.Pierrepont Finch who with the help of his trusty book on how to succeed in business without really trying, decides to toss in the cleaning rags and work his way inside the building he has been cleaning and climb right to the top of the corporate ladder, in record time. There are some hilarious antics as the company's president J.B Biggley's incompetent nephew, Bud Frump, attempts to compete with Finch in the race to the top, with a little help from his pushy mother.
Image courtesy of Shane Caddaye
Ethan Liboiron, who played J.Pierrepont Finch, gave a flawless performance, as did his love interest, Cassidy Mackie, who played Rosemary Pilkington. Ethan maintained a high level of energy throughout the show and certainly succeeded in winning the hearts of the audience with his endearing performance. Cassidy has a magical presence on stage, which is exuberated when she sings. She is a delight to watch and a true star on stage.
image courtesy of Shane Caddaye
I was really impressed with all the cast. They appeared to be having the time of their lives, which is exactly what you want to see in a show. Their enthusiasm was infectious and I noted the continuous smiles on the audience's faces, mine included.
Director Shane Caddaye is to be highly commended on the success of this production. His choice of cast was superb and it was obvious that he had a dedicated production team that assisted in ensuring that the lights, sound, choreography, set construction, costumes, props were of a very high standard.
Image courtesy of Shane Caddaye
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is the Gold Coast Little Theatre's last production for the year and certainly not one to be missed. Treat yourself to a pre-Christmas outing with a group of friends. I highly recommend it. Book early to avoid disappointment.
image courtesy of Shane Caddaye
Gold Coast Little Theatre may be tricky to find but I encourage you to discover this little gem hidden at the Queens Street end of Scarborough Street, behind the Westpac drive-through bank, and adjacent to the Southport South tram station. Parking is available in front of the theatre. There is wheelchair access and an electronic chair to help those with wobbly knees to manage the stairs. On opening nights you get to enjoy snacks on arrival and supper after the show. There's a bar with an assortment of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks ranging from cheese and biscuits to chocolates and chips.
Image courtesy of Shane Caddaye
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – A musical by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert. Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Directed by: Shane Caddaye
Assistant Director: Noella Johnson
Musical Director: Brady Watkins
Choreographers: Tiahni Wilton and Erin Brummage
Set Design: Shane Caddaye & Terry Docker
Lighting & Vision Design: Alex Moloney
Sound Design: David Thorndyke
Cast:
J.Pierrepont Finch – Ethan Liboiron
Rosemary Pilkington – Cassidy Mackie
J.B Biggley – Russell White
Hedy La Rue – Wendy Rosenbaum
Bud Frump – Brody Seignior
Smitty – Ruby Hunter
Mr Bratt – Josh Lovell
Mr Twimble/Mr Womper – Grant Ebeling
Mr Gatch – Johnathon Fife
Mr Ovington/Policeman – Dom Bradley
Mr Toynbee/TV Announcer – Boston Shields
Mr Tackaberry – Liam Chapman
Mr Jenkins – Tom Weatherall
Mr Peterson – Jordan Foster
Miss Brown – Montanna Dowden
Miss Green – Charlotte Schmidt
Miss White – Tayla McPherson
Miss Black – Lucy Hourn
Miss Jones – Donna Masters
Miss Krumholtz – Harmony Breen
Mr Gatch (swing) – Phillip Maas
Reviewed on 17 November by Jacquelin Melilli
image courtesy of Shane Caddaye
