Musical Spotlight: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying by Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows (1962)
Description
Set in the 50s, this musical chronicles J. Pierrepont Finch's ascension from window-washer to chairman of the board of the World Wide Wicket Company. Pierrepont finds his success through following the directions of a booklet for which the show's title is named. In fact, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was written by Shepherd Mead in 1952 as a faux-self-help, satirical jab. The show lampoons workplace sexism, trivializes fashion, and pokes fun at fraternal pride. All the while, the musical focuses on identity and romance. The plot thickens as J. Pierrepont tries to balance work life and his romantic life.
On a side note, the president of the company in the show is named J. B. Biggely, which is hilarious to think about right now . . .
Set in the 50s, this musical chronicles J. Pierrepont Finch's ascension from window-washer to chairman of the board of the World Wide Wicket Company. Pierrepont finds his success through following the directions of a booklet for which the show's title is named. In fact, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was written by Shepherd Mead in 1952 as a faux-self-help, satirical jab. The show lampoons workplace sexism, trivializes fashion, and pokes fun at fraternal pride. All the while, the musical focuses on identity and romance. The plot thickens as J. Pierrepont tries to balance work life and his romantic life.On a side note, the president of the company in the show is named J. B. Biggely, which is hilarious to think about right now . . .
Candid Reaction
I was not expecting to enjoy this musical as much as I did! I had the privilege of seeing it performed at Anderson University. Although the satire was nothing special in the sense of my not being surprised by the message of the show, I still laughed throughout the show. The structure of the show was interesting with the book's narration performing as scene-breakers, for the lack of a better phrase.
Top Two Aspects/Reasons for Winning
1. + 2. Challenging American Society on Sexism and the Corporate World
The show opened in 1961. Unfortunately, the '50s in America seem to typify American shortcomings regarding workplace sexism. Additionally, the American message that "rising to the top of the corporate ladder" is a simple process was timely, too. Quite frankly, I'm surprised by the success of the show with the counter-cultural messages that were being sent. The show seems to urge, Look at how ridiculously we're living!" For audiences to laugh at that is incredible. This is why satire is important. A musical preaching on how society should behave is difficult to sit and listen to for 2.5 hours.
Classroom Implications
The show opened in 1961. Unfortunately, the '50s in America seem to typify American shortcomings regarding workplace sexism. Additionally, the American message that "rising to the top of the corporate ladder" is a simple process was timely, too. Quite frankly, I'm surprised by the success of the show with the counter-cultural messages that were being sent. The show seems to urge, Look at how ridiculously we're living!" For audiences to laugh at that is incredible. This is why satire is important. A musical preaching on how society should behave is difficult to sit and listen to for 2.5 hours.
Classroom Implications
Well . . . if I was to teach "how-to" writing . . .
Once more, satire could be examined. Narrative structure could be discussed, too (subplots and conventions, especially).
Personal Takeaway
Once more, satire could be examined. Narrative structure could be discussed, too (subplots and conventions, especially).
Personal Takeaway
American theater has challenged society throughout decades. Satire can be a more tolerable way to serve general indictments.
Ranking
TBD
Ranking
TBD
Comments
Post a Comment