Pulteney Grammar School’s production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying opened at the Future Events Centre in Paradise with a spectacle before the curtain had even risen. The foyer was filled with branded snack cups, a videographer, and a balloon-festooned photo backdrop complete with props, setting the tone for a production determined to make an event of the evening.
That same sense of scale carries into the auditorium, where towering multimedia screens glow with bright 1960s-inspired colours, and the stage bursts to life with coiffed hairstyles and boldly patterned costumes. Taking on directing, musical staging, costume design and set design, Jo Casson has assembled a visually ambitious production powered by a massive cast and crew.
Written in 1961 by Frank Loesser and based on the 1952 self-help book by Shepherd Mead, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying follows ambitious window washer J. Pierrepont Finch as he uses a series of dubious lessons from a career guide to climb the corporate ladder.
As Finch navigates office politics, workplace rivalries and romance, the musical pokes fun at the culture of big business and the pursuit of success at any cost.
The variation of the large set, such as elevators, and smaller pieces, such as desk chairs, allows for an interesting flow of movement and, for the most part, the audience’s eye was always drawn away from surprise entrances. The projected nature of some of the background, however, had an oddly artificial quality that clashed with the otherwise cohesive design.
While it is certainly an ensemble cast, there are some standout performances. Patrick Longden as J. Pierrepont Finch displays consistency in clear vocals, facial expressions, and athletic energy that enable the audience to remain engaged with the story.
Keira Wubbolts as Hedy La Rue is a fun and chaotic contrast to many of the more serious characters, and cheekily takes command of the stage.
Billy Rowan is a stable presence as long-suffering Bratt, who always appears the most rational amongst those supposedly succeeding in business.
They are supported by several ensemble groups and characters that incorporate the sharp choreography from Rosanna Dobre and clever musical direction from Jonathon Rice.
The band underneath the stage is joyful to listen to, with each of the instruments having its moment to be showcased in various songs and interludes.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying remains a classic of the ‘golden age’ musical canon, though this production highlights some of the challenges contemporary performers face when engaging with material written for a different era.
The self-help book chapters provide some genuinely humorous moments, but they are often overshadowed by the two-dimensional and unlikeable characters who populate the musical. Much of the satire no longer lands as sharply for a contemporary audience.
Particularly with a large female chorus, some of the musical’s outdated attitudes towards women feel more difficult to reconcile, and the satirical framing does not always fully bridge that gap.
Nevertheless, the commitment and enthusiasm of the student cast, crew, and creative team remain undeniable. Whatever reservations may arise about the material, there is no questioning the immense effort, talent, and energy poured into bringing this large-scale production to life.
Pulteney Grammar School has assembled a confident and ambitious showcase for its young performers, and the audience’s warm response throughout the evening reflected just how much passion was shared on stage.
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying is presented by Pulteney Grammar School. It runs to 30 May at Futures Theatre, 57 Darley Road Paradise SA 5076.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/how-to-succeed
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/pulteneymusical/
Photo credits: Vini Paiva
