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College Presents 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (February 16, 2010) - SUNY Plattsburgh's music and theater departments will present "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," a musical by Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows, March 4 through 7 in Hartman Theatre, Myers Fine Arts Building. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with an additional matinee performance 2 p.m. on Sunday.

This production of the 1962 musical will feature a cast of 26 students along with a live band and many crew members working behind the scenes.

"'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' is a humorous jab and cautionary tale about putting business before relationships," said Kim Hartshorn, director.

In the musical, J. Pierpont Finch, a young, ambitious window washer, skyrockets up the corporate ladder of the World Wide Wicket Company, guided by the "how to" book, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."

Hartshorn explained the origins of this Broadway smash hit. 

"Shepherd Mead's 1952 bestselling 'tongue and cheek' novel by the same name ended up in the hands of playwrights Willie Gilbert and Jack Weinstock," said Hartshorn. "Together they wrote the play, which was later adapted and successfully produced as a musical by Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows of 'Guys and Dolls' fame." 

Music Director Timothy Morningstar described the music as wonderfully eclectic.

"The score encompasses a variety of musical styles including comic songs, Latin rhythms, traditional jazz, and large company numbers," said Morningstar. "Many of the songs feature ensembles, versus soloists, and this plays an active role in moving the story forward."

Morningstar added, "I enjoy the collaborative process of working with my theater colleagues and a very talented cast of young artists who come from many different disciplines."

A band of 10-12 musicians, conducted by Herm Matlock, will accompany the singers. Many of the large song and dance numbers such as "A Secretary Is Not a Toy," and "Brotherhood of Man" are choreographed by Laura-Jean Schwartau-Swanson.

Tickets are on sale now at the Hartman Theater Box Office. Reserved ticket prices are $15 general admission, $12 seniors, students, and SUNY Plattsburgh faculty and staff, and $8 for SUNY Plattsburgh students. Non-reserved ticket prices are $12, $8 and $5, respectively. Call 518-564-2282 for box office hours.

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