HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

Synopsis

Satire: the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people`s stupidity and vices, particularly in the context of big business and other topical issues such as contemporary politics.

A satire of big business and all it holds sacred, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying details the journey of J. Pierpont Finch up the corporate ladder from lowly window washer through the executive ranks of the World Wide Wicket Company using a little book called How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.  Along the way, this Pulitzer Prize winning Musical tackles such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant company man, the office party, sexual discrimination, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction, and, of course, true love.

Although originally set in 1961, many of its themes still resonate today. After all, who could imagine someone with no education, intelligence, and ability rising to the top?

AUDITION NOTICE

SUNDAY, March 5, 2023 – 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

MONDAY, March 6, 2023 – 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.

Footlite Musicals

1847 N Alabama Street – Indianapolis IN

Looking for ages over 18, all genders, shapes, and ethnicities.

PLEASE BE PREPARED TO:

* SING – 16 accompanied measures of a song that makes you happy

* MOVE – everybody will participate in movement auditions

* READ – from the script

PRODUCTION DATES – May 5-7, May 11-14, May 18-21

Please provide proof of COVID vaccination at the time of the audition.

GENTLEMEN:  this is a 1961 period piece, you must have an appropriate haircut by the first rehearsal – March 13^th. 

If you cannot agree to this, please do not audition.

For more information contact:
Director:  Paula Phelan

paulamphelan@gmail.com

H2S – Characters Roles 

11 roles for men characters – 18 and older 

5 roles for women characters – 18 and older

J. Pierpont Finch – early to late 20’s.  Charming.  You want to pinch his cheeks and take him under your wing, but there is something just a little off.  Determined to get ahead by any means necessary.

J.B. Biggley – 50-to infinity.  Big boss.  Proud GroundHog.  Secret knitter. Clearly related to the founder somehow.

The Yes Men (Jenkins, Tackaberry, Bratt, Gatch, Toynbee) – a variation of middle-aged.  They live to pat Biggley on the back no matter how wrong he is and pick him up when he falls down, no matter how hard.  Each has a very specific identity/tics that will be developed by the actor playing the part. 

Rosemary Pilkington – early to late 20s.  Gosh, golly.  Wants to find a husband. Wants to move to New Rochelle and stay home. Wants the husband to be Finch.

Smitty – 20s to?  –  Rosemary’s Best Friend.  Shakes her head in frustration a lot.

Bud Frump – 20’s to?  –  the man everyone loves to hate – and deservedly so. He gives nepotism a bad name.

Miss Jones – ageless – Biggley`s secretary. We all know where the real power lies.

Twimble – 50 -?  looking forward to his promotion out of the mail room to the head of shipping. This will put him in The Yes Men.

Hedy LaRue -? – Biggley`s inamorata.  She wants to be treasured for her brain, not her other obvious assets.  She is NOT Lena LaMonte from Singing in the Rain.

Miss Krumholz – any age – Secretary.

Willie Womper – 50+ – Chairman of the board – clearly not a college man.  Would probably never be seen without a cigar.

Extremely busy ensemble – every small part will be taken from here and there are many.

Featured dancers which will also be a part of the ensemble.

Cleaning Ladies – any age – very busy.