Ohio Northern University’s Freed Center for the Performing Arts will present “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” from April 7-10 at 7:30 p.m. Two matinee performances have been scheduled for April 9 and 10 at 2 p.m.
A satire of big business and all it holds sacred, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, who uses a little handbook called “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive, tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant “company man,” the office party, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love.
A tune-filled comic gem that took Broadway by storm, winning both the Tony Award for Best Musical and a Pulitzer Prize, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” boasts an exhilarating score by Frank Loesser, including “I Believe in You,” “Brotherhood of Man” and “The Company Way.”
The musical is directed and choreographed by Mark Allan Davis, assistant professor of theatre at ONU. Travis Jürgens, ONU’s music director, will serve as music director, and Michael Jordan, ONU lecturer in music, will serve as associate music director.
The cast includes Garrett Hill, a senior musical theatre major from Ridgeway, Ohio; David James Grant, a senior musical theatre major from Medina, Ohio; Tyler Matanick, a senior musical theatre major from Maumee, Ohio; Briana Biffath, a senior musical theatre major from Hilliard, Ohio; Josh Heard, a senior musical theatre major from Fremont, Ohio; Madeleine Gish, a senior musical theatre major from Evansville, Ind.; Patrick Plucinsky, a senior musical theatre major from Cleveland, Ohio; Sarah Keune, a senior musical theatre major from Perrysburg, Ohio; Timothy Swaim, a senior musical theatre major from Oregon, Ohio; Madeline Chitty, a senior musical theatre major from Charleston, S.C.; Hannah Lane, a sophomore musical theatre major from Pittsburgh, Pa.; Joey Nicoletti, a sophomore musical theatre major from Cleveland Heights, Ohio; and William Lockhart, a freshman musical theatre major from Bay City, Mich.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors. Tickets are $10 for ONU faculty and staff and $5 for ONU students and children. The Freed Center box office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phone orders are accepted with American Express, MasterCard, VISA or Discover by calling 419-772-1900. Tickets also are available online at www.freedcenter.com.
