I have been involved with FYP since my first semester, first year. I joined and participated primarily as a member of the technical staff, but proposing to direct a show for this organization is something that I always dreamed about. Since getting the position, people often ask me, why did you choose How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying? 

I saw the show for the first time about a year ago when I saw the Broadway revival with Daniel Radcliffe. I have to admit that it was my love of Harry Potter that got me into the theater, but it only took me two minutes to realize there was something special about this show. When it was over, it easy claimed a spot as one of my favorite shows of all time. It is so much fun and is so entertaining that you can’t help but enjoy every minute. When I was looking back through the playbill after the show was over, I couldn’t help but think that it would be a perfect show for FYP. It is a true ensemble show that allows everyone to have a hilariously great time, whether you are performing or watching. 

The story follows J. Pierrepont Finch, a young window washer who finds a book that helps him rise to the top of the corporate ladder. The story follows him as he progresses chapter by chapter into higher positions at the World Wide Wicket Company in a matter of weeks. The show is a satire of the early-1960s business centered world, and so along the way, the audience is introduced to different personifications of stereotypical businessmen and practices from the 1960s. 

Other than the fact that How to Succeed is pure enjoyment from the Overture to the bows, I was also drawn to the themes that the story presents. I found them relatable not only to today’s society, but especially to young adults at schools such as UVA. Underneath all of Finch’s actions lies ambition, determination, and desire to succeed and improve, which is a common trait of all students that attend UVA, and something to which the first years could personally relate. They are all starting fresh at a new school and they are eager to rise to the top and make the most of their experience. 

I am extremely proud of everyone in this organization and all of the work that they have put into this production whether it is as a member of the cast, artistic staff, technical crew, pit, or production staff. Every single member of this organization has made this show what you see tonight, and it is because of each and every one of them that we were able to produce this show in just a matter of seven weeks. Students producing full-length musicals without any faculty supervision is a daunting task, but when you shorten the rehearsal and design process to just seven weeks, it becomes an incredible undertaking. I am happy to say that it is an undertaking that everyone rose to meet and one that everyone faced head-on in order to make the show a wonderful success, and I want to personally thank them all for their hard work and support. Thank you all so much for coming to support this organization and our production of How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Enjoy the show!