Barn Players "How to Succeed in Business" review by Piddums

Succeeding at the Barn

Rating: 3

How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying
The Barn Players, Inc.

"How to Succeed in Business (Without Really Trying)" is an odd duck. An obvious period piece, very much mired in the early nineteen sixties when it was first performed, it's become a Broadway revival perennial, serving recently to kick-start Matthew Broderick's, then Daniel Radcliffe's musical comedy careers. With "Mad Men" on the air, the early sixties milieu of cut-throat office politics is popular once more, and this show is an easy fit for those community theaters that want to play with the style. Plus, the Frank Loesser score is almost irresistible, one of his quartet of great musicals, along with "Guys and Dolls", "The Most Happy Fella", and "Where's Charley?"

The Barn Players acquit themselves quite nicely with the material. The only major issue I see is that the female talent in the show somewhat outweighs the male talent. And this is a very male centric musical. But the overall effect is charming and well worth watching.

The story is about the rise of J. Pierpont Finch at the World Wide Wicket Corporation. As Finch, Adam McAdoo shows a beautiful voice and fine dancing movies which serves him well in all his numbers. He is particularly good in the "Brotherhood of Man" song and dance that closes the show, showing a lithe performing style. As Rosemary, Erin Coleman is a delight. Playing a role that easily shows its early sixties roots, she never devolves to the level of being the simple man chaser that the script seems to call for.

As Smitty, Rosemary's friend from the secretarial pool, Tracy Van Unen shows considerable chops, both as a dancer in the "A Secretary Is Not a Toy" number and as a vocalist in the "Been A Long Day" number. It's this last song that's a particular delight, with its tight three part harmonies between Coleman, Van Unen and McAdoo.

As Hedy Larue, the mistress of big boss J.B. Biggley, Alisha Garnier is a surprise and a treasure. Playing a dimbulb bombshell, she hits the right tone for a woman who understands her value. Her duet with Biggly, "Love From a Heart of Gold" also contains a surprise that had me cheering.

But the female talent on display is consistently wonderful. In the chorus I recognized local actresses Sophie Santos and Briana Marxen-McCollom, each capable of carrying a show on her own. This ensemble raises itself above the sexist material and brings humor and skill to everything they do.

Make certain to see this at the Barn Players while you have the chance. It plays through March 11.