Sequim High sets satire of annual operetta: ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ starts tonight

SEQUIM — 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.

Shows start at 7 tonight and continue through Saturday, as well as May 10-12 and May 17-19 at the Sequim High School auditorium at 601 N. Sequim Ave.

Tickets are $12 for an opening night special, $12 general seating, $18 premium seating, $15 premium senior, $12 premium child, $12 handicapped and $5 limited view. They are available online at https://shs operetta.ludus.com/index.php

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 on 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.”

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 and good business practice. 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 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 as musical director, Mark Lorentzen as technical director and director of set design, Dave McInnes as 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://shs operetta.ludus.com.

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Erin Hawkins is a reporter with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach her at ehawkins@sequimgazette.com.