The Kelly Critics is a joint program of the Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh CLO's Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musicals, in which students at Kelly schools review musicals at other Kelly schools. Reviews are edited by PG senior theater critic Christopher Rawson. For the full schedule of spring high school musicals and more reviews, go to post-gazette.com/ae.
With a Pulitzer-Prize-winning musical like “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” I believe actors are able to expand and have more of a platform to show their talent. Baldwin High School’s production used its talent wisely and had many students from different subject areas involved to create a great atmosphere and overall show. A creative yet minimalistic set combined with bright, colorful costumes and noteworthy lighting design let actors take the spotlight and stand out. Those portraying lead roles were humorous and delightful to watch as they all brought something unique to their characters.
Walking in, it was easy for me to tell how theater is loved by many of the students that attend Baldwin High School. About a dozen display cases showed production photos and awards hung from the walls as I entered the theater. I was escorted by members of the football team into a theater filled with a surprising amount of students.
“How to Succeed” follows J. Pierrepont Finch, played by Quintin Michalski, on his journey up the corporate ladder as he uses a satiric handbook to guide him every step of the way.
▪ How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Baldwin
▪ Once Upon a Mattress, North Hills Area
▪ Once Upon a Mattress No. 2, North Hills Area
▪ Legally Blonde, Thomas Jefferson
▪ Legally Blonde No. 2, Thomas Jefferson
The majority of the show took place in front of a base set; three painted walls represented the interior of the World Wide Wicket Co. building with the back wall having two elevator doors used for entrances and exits. The entire set was painted with rectangles of various sizes and colors, inspired by the painter Piet Mondrian. Large set pieces like desks and tables moved on and off stage to show different locations. The wardrobe was inspired by the 1960s. Brightly colored costumes and hair embodied each individual character and brought life to the show’s ensemble. In addition, unique lighting design enhanced the actors’ performance, especially during Finch’s “lightbulb moments.”
The cast was filled with great supporting characters and a surprising number of male actors for a high school show. Vocals were satisfactory, with actors able to blend good singing with comically bad moments to add to the witty humor. While the dancing left something to be desired, members of the ensemble were truly committed to the show and each of its gags.
My personal favorite number was “Been a Long Day,” which put the spotlight on three of my favorite actors. They were able to take beautiful vocals and tight harmonies and combine them with acting to put the audience right there with them in the uncomfortable moment. “Paris Original” was another number that stood out as it allowed each of the female characters to individually shine.
As Finch, Michalski possessed a great witty energy that let the role shine in a way I haven’t really seen before as well as a large vocal range which is key for a well-rounded actor. Max Pratley, who played Bud Frump, was downright hilarious as the show’s antagonist, the nephew of the CEO. With his extremely melodramatic acting style, he truly left it all on the stage.
Morgan Smeal, who played Rosemary Pilkington, has a beautiful voice and was able to embody the role quite well. Her acting style added to the show’s tender and sentimental moments, especially in her pursuit of a relationship with Finch. Lila Kelley had a big yet down-to-earth presence in comedic moments that kept the show grounded and set up the larger gags. Olivia Penrod is a wonderful actress, willing to step into some uncomfortable scenes and make them look natural to embrace the witty elements of the show.
The most impressive part of this production, I believe, was the chemistry between the performers. Principal characters stuck to their roles, creating distinctions between them, but their interactions did not feel awkward or hesitant at all. The show also featured several stage kisses which sometimes tend to feel weird. But here, actors leveraged the comedic elements of the show to leave the whole crowd laughing or sighing.
All in all, the combination of actors, their talent and their chemistry, along with almost seamless technical elements and a sufficient pit orchestra created a successful, satisfactory show.
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” ran at Baldwin High School March 30-April 2.
First Published: April 22, 2022, 10:00 a.m.