How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying is based on a book titled the same name by Shepherd Mead, published in 1952. The musical started its first run on Broadway from 1961-1965 but gained a new generation of fans with its 2011 Broadway revival run with many well know actors and celebrities taking on the role of Finch. The story is based around the protagonist, Finch, a young window cleaner, and his experiences working within the World Wide Wicket Company and dealing with all the colorful characters within the company.

Finch was played by the charming Nick Stough. He was always confident and quick to deal with what the arrogant and childish Bud Frump brought his way. Of course though Finch had the full support of Rosemary (Gabrielle Wibbenmeyer), a secretary and Finch’s love interest. Wibbenmeyer with her strong vocal talent did a great job showing the sweet side (like in the song “Happy To Keep His Dinner Warm”) and sassy side (“Paris Original”) of Rosemary.

Scott Saunders who played Bud Frump was a great comic relief throughout the entire show. He was always able to add some sort of humor as soon as he enters the scene whether using actually words or just through his body language and movement. Another standout cast member was Elyse Bertani who played Hedy LaRue, the air head secretary. Bertani did a great job of staying in character and choosing to include an accent that truly enhanced her character.

Along with the slew of talented actors was a strong technical crew behind them. The bright colors of the sets along with the many different set pieces added excitement and really tied the show together. Also utilizing the fly system for many different scene changes was a great idea to speed up the scene changes. Also all the costumes were well chosen and matched the fashion of the 60’s very well.

As with all performances there were some minor problems in the show. There were times when it was very difficult to hear the cast because of the microphones. Also it was a recurring distraction when the stage crew would move the sets while the lights were still on and there was still a scene going on. Lastly some of the group songs seemed to lack energy and enthusiasm.

Besides a few minor flaws Rockwood Summit High School showed that one cannot “stop that man” or the large amount of talent from the cast and crew.

by Desirae Eagle of Pattonville

A boy stabbed his own father. There were a few witnesses of the crime. All signs point to him truly being the culprit. But one juror out of the twelve jury members believes he is innocent. And so the tension already builds in the three-act drama 12 Angry Jurors, recently performed at Rockwood Summit High School.

As the play progresses, Juror Number Eight presents the evidence and his reasons, and the other eleven jurors are slowly convinced that the suspect is actually innocent. 12 Angry Jurors, adapted from Reginald Rose’s 1954 television show, was made into a stage play by Sherman L. Sergel. It ran on Broadway fifty years later for over 300 performances.

Kyle Twomey possessed the perfectly relaxed, mature stage presence needed for his character (Juror Eight), making great use of all aspects of the set. His emotions heightened at the appropriate times in the show, causing tension and suspense. Elyse Bertani, playing the role of Juror Ten, also looked very comfortable onstage and made a standout personality for her character thanks to various facial expressions and gestures. Another who fulfilled the requirements of his often tough role was Mr. Spencer Blow; the growth of his character, Juror Three, was visible and made a wonderful enhancement to the already enjoyable cast.

Lighting was nicely executed, not too much to take away from the acting, but just enough to be notable part of the production. The sound was a bit patchy throughout, but generally improved as the show went on. The set changes were indeed small, but the fact that the stage crew paid attention to detail was much appreciated.

Some of the supporting cast members’ acting stayed at about the same level the whole time, impairing the most climactic scenes. However, everyone worked well with each other, looking quite natural and distinct in his/her character.

A simple court case that climaxed into something a lot more personal, 12 Angry Jurors at Rockwood Summit provided memorable characters, a moving plot, and a striking message of justice.

by Marissa Schrader of Notre Dame High School