Oct. 1, 2013
For Immediate Release
CAMPELLSVILLE, Ky. — Campbellsville University’s will present “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” a musical comedy, Oct. 3-6 and Oct. 11-13 at the Russ Mobley Theater in the Alumni Building at 114 University Drive, Campbellsville, Ky.
Show times are as follows: Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 4 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m.; Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 13 at 2:30 p.m.
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is a satire story concerning a young man, J. Pierrepont Finch, who rises from window washer to chairman of the board of the World Wide Wicket Company with the help of the handbook “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
Throughout this story, you will follow Finch on his journey to the top as he experiences office parties, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction and true love.
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” was a winner of the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for drama. This musical melds wit, comedy and romance. The play is basked on the book by Abe Burrows and Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.
Starr Garrett, director of theater and and associate professor of theater who serves as artistic director, said, “It is a fun, melodramatic look into the corporate business world. It jokingly examines how we should and should not behave in our professional and personal lives.”
Garrett said, “I hope you appreciate the cast members’ dedication to making the World Wide Wicket Company come to life before your eyes.”
The cast and crew are made of a mix of veterans but also many newcomers too.
CU sophomore Blake Kennedy of Hebron, Ky. plays the lead role of Finch. A new theater major, this is Kennedy’s first year in the theater program. Opposite Kennedy is freshman Shelby Knuckles of Elkton, Ky., who plays the role of Rosemary.
Having two new performers cast as the lead roles has been a learning experience for everyone involved.
“It’s been exciting to watch them see the standard of the theater around them, and to watch them rise to meet that standard. They’ve both done very well,” choreographer Nathan Allen, assistant theater instructor, said about the two leads.
“It’s been great to work with both new people and veterans,” Matt Hodge, music director, said.
Other cast members include: Lane French as Bud; Alia McClendon as Smitty; Ian Shepard as Biggley; Michaela Parker as Miss Jones; Nathan Cahall as Bratt/Jenkins/Peterson; Mami Kudo as Miss Krumholtz; Megan Kist as Hedy;
Tyler Abney as Womper/Matthews; Raleigh Abbott as Gatch/Toynbee; Tyler Litton as Twimble/Tackaberry; Seth Pierce as Johnson/Pete/Davis; Zach Wilson as Ovington; Blair Lamb as Girl 1/First Girl;
Megan Hill and Shamir Hazelwood as Scrubwomen; Raleigh Abbott as Policemen; Victoria Hundley, Raleigh Abbotts and Tyler Litton as Pirate Dancers; Seth Pierce as TV Announcer; and Megan Hill, Blair Lamb, Shamir Hazelwood and Victoria Hundley as the Secretary Pool.
In addition to Garrett, Hodge and Allen, other crew members are: Andrew Ward/Town Hall Productions, publicity; Matt Nall, shop supervisor; Jordan McMurray, Holly Bowles, Joe Le Donne, Haley Roehl, Raleigh Abbott and Tyler Abney, construction/paint crew; Courtney Waddles, stage manager;
Becca Noel, assistant stage manager; Steven Yosper and Sarah Mortenson, props; Sarah Mortenson, box office manager; Jordan McMurray, lights; Bethany McIntosh, sound board; Alia McClendon, costume shop manager;
Bethany McIntosh, Amy Lair and Jennifer Coffey, costume crew; and Haley Roehl and Holly Bowles, hair and makeup.
“As the audience, you are the final member of our theater family to join us in experiencing each show; and we love it when you join us!” Garrett said.
Garrett said, “The cast members and crew would like to thank our sponsors Brothers, Wise Dentistry for Kids and Staff Management.”
The ticket price for general admission is $10; senior citizen (65 and older) tickets are $7 and children 12 and under are $5.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,600 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master’s degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.