Eldred drama ‘Succeeds’ in staging Broadway hit

Kids rise to the occasion to bring off ‘How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.’

By RICHARD A. ROSS

ELDRED, NY — The charming story of a window washer who ascends the corporate ladder with advice from a book enchanted audiences at Eldred on March 23-25 as students of Drama of ’07 overcame some daunting last-minute challenges to stage Abe Burrows’ 1961 Broadway smash “How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Frank Loesser wrote the music and lyrics.

Being in a dramatic production is all about making adjustments and following the credo that “the show must go on.” The Eldred students rose to the occasion and brought to life the notion of how to succeed with their efforts.

Splendid lead performances were turned in by Matthew Terpening as clever J. Pierrepont Finch, and by Dustin Cook as his jealous adversary, Bud Frump.

Other principal standouts included John Burrow as mailroom supervisor Mr. Twimble, Gregory Flores as Mr. Gatch, Krystina Drosher as Jenny, Elizabeth Heck as the loyal Rosemary, Evan Laput as Mr. Bratt and Ashley Horton as the provocative Hedy La Rue.

Directed by Brittany Robinson and under the musical direction of Brian Nivison, the show featured choreography from Alexandra Amore, technical direction and set design from Joshua Poston, costumes designed by Dayelle Watts and the work of Stephanie Roeder as production manager.

The ensemble featured Karlee Contrera, Shannon Hanson, Megan Patterson and Lucy Snyder, who added depth and color to the rest of the cast, which included Lacey Snyder as Tackaberry, Robert Syder as J.J. Bigby, Hannah Powers as Smitty, Alexandra Amore as Miss Jones and Jonathan DeStefano as Ovington and Womper.

The show, which tells the zany story of the ups and downs in the corporate world, featured several hit numbers including “Coffee Break,” “Paris Originals,” “I Believe in You,” and “The Company Way.”

The voice of the book was eloquently spoken by teacher Robert Bliefernich.

The show continued a fine tradition of musicals at Eldred that have included memorable performances of “Annie,” “Anything Goes” and “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Congratulations to the cast, director and crew for a job well done.

For an album of pictures from several scenes of the show, click here.