Review: Miten menestyä vaivatta liike-elämässä
How to succeed effortlessly in business. Screenplay by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert. Composed and lyrics by Frank Loesser. Translated by Reita Lounatvuori. Finnish translations of the songs by Ilkka Talasranta. Directed and choreographed by Markku Nenonen. Conductor Risto Kupiainen. Production by Jani Uljas. Costumes by Elina Kolehmainen. The cast includes Antti Lang, Esko Roine, Anna Victoria Eriksson, Ilkka Forss, Kaisa Mattila, Raili Raitala and Kari Mattila. Premiere on the big stage of the Helsinki City Theatre on 27.8.2014.
“The purpose is to tell a story, entertain and take the viewer on a journey into the world of music, text and movement.” This is how director Markku Nenonen describes the Broadway musical comedy How to Succeed Effortlessly in Business Life. The plot twists are easy to keep up with, and the dramatic irony makes sure that the viewer knows more than the characters.
Finch, a young window washer, is hired by a large company. To support his roadmap, he has a guidebook for success. A touch of wit to spice it up and the road to the top is open. The American errand boy to leader lie is available on stage. We are in an office environment from the 60s. Wax figure-like secretaries are typing on their typewriters and dreaming of a rich man, that’s enough for them. There are all kinds of caricatures, from a stupid tripper to a knitting CEO.
Men lead and women obey
The overall look of the performance, which is costumed by Elina Kolehmainen and staged by Jani Uljas, is pure candy.
Nenonen’s choreography is spectacular, and the musical is at its best in the dance parts. Antti Lang’s witty Finch is a great role. Finch’s star moments are accompanied by sound effects, creating a cartoonish atmosphere.
The plot is built on Finch’s progress and the actions of Bud Frump (Iikka Forss), who is stumbling with him. Relationship themes and power play are bubbling next to it. Men lead and women obey. However, a charming woman makes even a leader make stupid decisions. Gender roles are a thing of the past. It’s okay to laugh about it.
Esko Roine makes a great lazy chubby CEO, who is spun around by Kaisa Mattila’s shapely girl Hedy. The whole thing is skilfully made, but it remains too shiny to be a statement on the current power game. Only the song of praise to humanity and the good-brother system at the end is pure satire, the address of which is clear.
The performance is perfect for a high-quality lightening in the autumn. The orchestra conducted by Risto Kupiainen sounds handsomely and the vocal parts are mostly performed cleanly. The fit of Ilkka Talasranta’s lyrics deserves a special mention.