High schools 'succeed' in joint musical High schools 'succeed' in joint musical (March 14, 2003)

Hundred-plus cast performing this weekend and next

Foothill and Amador Valley High thespians are kicking up their heels in satirical fun in the joint high school production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." The musical, which features a cast and crew of more than 100 students from both schools, is the story of a lowly window washer's rise from his soap and bucket to the executive board room, all with the guidance of a self-help book.

J. Pierpont Finch is a window washer at World Wide Wicket Co. who sees greater things for himself when he reads the book "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." With the book to guide him, he maneuvers himself into the mailroom and, from there, up the corporate ladder to advertising vice president.

Using the book's advice, he outfoxes his adversary and company president nephew, Bud Frump. But his by-the-book directions to success come to a halt when Finch is duped into supporting a doomed ad campaign, and he is forced to rely on himself for the answers.

Based on a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert, the play features the music and lyrics by composer Frank Loesser, whose credits include "Guys and Dolls." The musical opened in 1961 and continued a successful 1,417-performance run as well as earning a Pulitzer Prize for drama.

All of the principal roles in the joint high school production are double cast, with Neel Upadhye and Sean O'Connor playing Finch; Melissa Harding and Erin Roush as Rosemary; Andy DiGiralomo and Tim Mendonsa as Bud Frump; and Andy Bowen as Biggley.

Performances are Thursday to Saturday, March 13-15 and March 20-22. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students, and can be purchased at the door or in advance at either high school. -Teresa C. Brown