‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’

Presented by Sequim High School Operetta Club

When: 7 p.m. May 4, 5, 10-12, 17-19

Where: Sequim High School Auditorium, 601 N. Sequim Ave.

Tickets: $12 opening night special, $12 general seating, $18 premium seating, $15 premium senior, $12 premium child, $12 handicapped, $5 limited view, available online at https://shsoperetta.ludus.com/index.php

The 1960s satire and Tony Award-Winning show, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is coming to Sequim High School in conjunction with the first weekend of Sequim’s Irrigation Festival starting Friday, May 4.

This is the 52nd year the Sequim High School Operetta Club is putting on a show filled with big musical numbers and comedy.

The musical is based off the books by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, Willie Gilbert and Shepherd Mead, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. The show premiered on Broadway in 1961 and has starred well-known actors such as Matthew Broderick in the 1995 revival and Daniel Radcliffe in the 2011 revival.

“It pokes fun at the corporate world,” show co-director Laura Lorentzen said. “It’s very funny.”

Show times start at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 4, and continue through May 5, 10-12, and 17-19 at the Sequim High School Auditorium.

The storyline revolves around J. Pierrepont Finch (Thomas Hughes), a window washer living in early 1960s New York who picks up a self-help book, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” He later finds himself moving up the ladder in the corporate world with the help of the book.

In a world similar to that of the hit television series “Mad Men,” the show portrays a satirical look at life in the workplace, gender roles, good business practice and more. Lorentzen said there are elements of social commentary presented throughout the show.

“I think the audience will enjoy some of the jokes about interactions within the workplace,” she said.

Conflict arises when the lead female character, Rosemary, played by Sequim Irrigation Festival Royalty Queen Erin Gordon, begins to fall for Finch — who isn’t exactly who he presents himself to be.

Both juniors at Sequim High School, Hughes and Gordon said they have known each other since kindergarten and this is the third time they have been cast as a couple in a show.

For Hughes, this is the first lead role he has played. “It’s a big step up,” he said.

Gordon said having familiarity with her fellow lead actor makes it easier on stage.

“We’re able to portray more of our characters,” she said.

Hughes’ sister Audrey also is in the play, cast as Smitty, a character who tries to set up the two leads. The show also includes Irrigation Festival Royalty Princess Gabi Simonson cast as a secretary and previous Irrigation Royalty Princess Abby Norman, cast as Hedy LaRue. The show also features about 20 other Sequim High School students.

Lorentzen said while the show features comedy and show stopping musical numbers, such as “Brotherhood of Man,” in the end the show is about integrity, honesty and being genuine.

“It’s really about being authentic and true to yourself,” she said.

The show also includes: John Lorentzen, musical director, Mark Lorentzen, technical director and set design, Dave McInnes, co-director, Anna Pederson as the choreographer, and many parents who served as volunteers.

For more information about the show or to buy tickets, vist https://shsoperetta.ludus.com.

Maggie van Dyken, Damon Little, Audrey Hughes, Caleb DeMott and Erin Gordon rehearse a musical number from this year’s operetta production, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Sequim Gazette photo by Erin Hawkins

Lead actors Thomas Hughes, cast as J. Pierrpont Finch, and Erin Gordon, cast as Rosemary, said they have known each other since kindergarten and this is the third time the actors have been matched as a couple in a production. Sequim Gazette photo by Erin Hawkins

Thomas Hughes and Jonathan Heintz act out an animated scene from “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Sequim Gazette photo by Erin Hawkins

Payton Sturm, Abby Norman, Jonathan Heintz, Isabella Fazio, Audrey Hughes and Lindsey Coffman rehearse a scene from the musical comedy “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Sequim Gazette photo by Erin Hawkins