The performances of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying at Schreiber over the weekend were a smashing success.
The students put on four stellar performances of the play in the Schreiber auditorium to enthusiastic crowds
of family, friends and members of the community.
The creative team behind the play was producer and Schreiber chemistry/biology teacher Christine Nelson, along with alumnae teacher Lauren Foster-Holzer as director and Floryn Glass as choreographer (class of ’98). Set construction was performed by two of Schreiber’s own: Jack Fishman and Luke Grieco.
“On opening night, I was backstage and I’m so proud of all the kids,” said Christine Nelson, producer of the play. “They all had big smiles on their faces. They worked really hard and they worked as a team and were really supportive of each other. The audience was so positive as well.”
Nelson has worked in the school district for 16 years.
Forty students, 11 boys and 29 girls, were in the play that began auditioning back in December. In addition, there are 15 stage crew members and 20 in the orchestra pit.
“So many students are involved in the production,” said Nelson. “We rehearsed every day, sometimes until 6 p.m. And this year we had two less weeks to practice because of the vacation schedule,” said Nelson.
Foster-Holzer said, “The students in the cast, crew and orchestra have worked so hard, putting in countless hours over the last two months. This company has become the most tight-knit group I have ever worked with and it has been a pleasure to see the way they collaborate with each other and share their passion for musical theater.”
The male lead, junior Christian Hill, was fantastic. “Christian showed so much energy and professionalism,” said Nelson. “We’re so happy he’s a junior and not graduating yet.”
Foster-Holzer said, “Other memorable characters include the dynamic president of the World Wide Wicket company, JB Biggley, played by senior Max Miranda; Finch’s hopelessly romantic love interest, Rosemary Pilkington, played by senior Alexandra DeAngelis; the villainous and envious Bud Frump, JB Biggley’s nephew, played by senior Evan Gilmore, who relies solely on nepotism to get ahead in the company and sees Finch as a threat to his position; Smitty Smith, Rosemary’s best friend and confidant, played by junior Sarah DeMarino, who lives vicariously through Rosemary as she pursues Finch; and junior Kelsey Weisburd as Hedy LaRue, JB Biggley’s mistress, whom he hires as a secretary at the company, despite her obvious lack of secretarial skills. These players, along with the other 34 members of the ensemble, bring the over-the-top characters of this musical to life in ways I never dreamed possible. I am in awe of their dedication and creativity during this rehearsal period and each performance fills me with immense joy and pride.”
Cast and crew stepped up to the plate and helped behind the scenes.
“Students were assisting the choreographer and helping out in many ways because of their passion for theater,” said Nelson.
Nelson did the costuming for the show. Some costumes were rented but many were vintage. “As soon as I knew what show we would be performing, I started looking for costumes. I’m a thrift store fanatic,” said Nelson. “I scoured thrift shops looking for vintage pieces and found hats, purses, gloves. I love watching Mad Men for ideas. I’m a costumer at heart.”
The cast and crew put on an outstanding performance and got a huge turnout from the community for their efforts.
“The talents of our students and their passion for the arts never cease to amaze me,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Mooney. “The cast and crew of this year’s production of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying are no exception. Their performance is impressive and I am extremely proud of their work.”
