Barn Players "How to Succeed in Business" review

Success is Fun
Rating: 5

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

Though it's been a week or so since I attended the Barn Players' presentation of Eric Van Horn's production of "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying", I am still tapping my feet under my desk while some of the songs go through my head.

From the very start, I knew I was going to enjoy this production. The energy that was very quickly apparent was the first clue. Adam McAdoo, as J.P. Finch exuded the boyish hopefulness of an ambitious young man who knew he would soon be on the way up in his chosen corporation.

Erin Coleman as sweet Rosemary was as genuine as genuine could be, and what a smooth beautiful voice to add to the joy of her songs. Being a graduate of Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, I was particularly fond of her song by the name of that fair city.

Tracy Van Unen was not just a business-like secretary in this show. She was a heck of a protector for sweet little Rosemary, and a terrific voice too. Put them together with the rest of the cast in "Coffee Break" and it was a standout number.

(BTW, at intermission there was "No Coffee!" either.)

The rest of the cast followed suit with those three. Lots of energy; they were obviously having a good time up there, in the 1960's world of big business. Particular standouts were Michael Nemath as J.B. Biggly, with a wife, a girlfriend, and his knitting, and Alisha Garnier as Biggly's not so very bright girlfriend with the great accent and high pitched voice. I had to say a few words to Ms. Garnier after the show, just to listen to her real voice. hen there was Steven James as the big boss' nephew, Bud Frump. What a great trouble-making, selfish, evil, and very, very funny, little guy he made his character. He was the little man you loved to hate.

The joy and fun the cast presented was no surprise with Van Horn at the helm. He likes to build a family of the cast, staff, and crew of each of his shows; this was obviously one big, happy family.

Adding to the fun was the great multi-leveled, multi-depth, set Van Horn put together. Again, not a surprise as he always makes maximum use of all the space he has.

The orchestra backstage sounded great out front, never overpowering the cast singing on stage but providing wonderful musical support to the singing and the total show.

"How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" at the Barn Players succeeded as a FUN show to see because they were having a lot of Fun on stage.

Every KC theatergoer deserves this kind of a good time when they go out to see a show. Here's where to find it.