Presented by the 2025 Graduating Class of Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre: ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’
It’s happening! This October 2nd-5th, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is hitting the Scott Theatre stage. Starring the Elder Conservatorium of Music Theatre’s Graduating Cohort, this multi-award-winning Broadway Classic is bound to be showstopping. Buy your tickets while you can!
Tickets: ua.edu.au/ecmt
Scott Theatre, The University of Adelaide
2nd – 4th October 7:30pm, 5th October 2pm
Our first ever fully staged Golden Age musical, this high-energy satire features a luscious orchestral score written by Frank Loesser – a widely accomplished composer of the era, best known for his composition of Guys and Dolls. Our 12-piece orchestra will be musically directed by Paul Sinkinson, who brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the pit.
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a brilliant fusion of Golden Age Broadway, swing jazz and vaudeville satire. From the caffeinated chaos of Coffee Break to the gospel flair of Brotherhood of Man, Frank Loesser’s lyrical wit and rich big band sound still resonates with audiences today. Contemporary musical theatre owes plenty to this clever, timeless classic.” – Paul Sinkinson
From quirky comedy songs, to soaring ballads, to classic Broadway ensemble numbers, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying has something to thrill every kind of music theatre lover – whether you’re 18 or 80!
The iconic score is matched by slick choreography from Alexander Kermond, who artfully blends narrative movement with vibrant 1960s-inspired jazz and tap numbers.
“I am overjoyed to be back choreographing such a talented cohort this year in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The original choreographer of the show, Bob Fosse, is a huge inspiration, and I am thrilled to have the chance to choreograph alongside a phenomenal team. I can’t wait for audiences to witness this classic Broadway show and see the best and brightest of what the future of musical theatre has to offer here in Australia.” – Alexander Kermond
In their final musical before graduation, the Third Year cohort are thrilled to be directed by Erin James, Head of the Elder Conservatorium’s Bachelor of Music Theatre program. A highly respected theatre-maker, James brings over 20 years of industry experience to this high-energy satire.
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a gloriously cheeky deep dive into ambition, office politics, and 1960s gender roles, all set to one of the most irresistible scores of the golden age. It’s satire with a smile and a wink, and our thirdyear cohort at ECMT are attacking it with flair, finesse, and just the right amount of corporate chaos.” – Erin James
Written by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying follows the charmingly opportunistic J. Pierrepont Finch as he schemes his way from window washer to executive at the World Wide Wicket Company. With a self-help book in hand and a twinkle in his eye, Finch navigates love, rivalries, and ruthless corporate culture. The original 1961 production offered a sharp, satirical take on gender roles, office politics, and corporate power structures. Over sixty years later, many of these themes still resonate. Erin James’ direction of this production leans into that ongoing relevance – highlighting the ways in which gender and power dynamics may have evolved in form, but remain deeply woven into the fabric of modern life.
Simon Greer’s inventive set design captures the sleek, stylised world of a 1960s office, while subtly nodding to the architecture of our performance venue, the Scott Theatre. By incorporating the theatre’s distinctive exterior window panels Greer bridges period style with architectural homage, creating a set that feels uniquely personal and meaningful for the cast performing within it.
The third-year cohort have thrown themselves into the world of this Golden Age classic, relishing the chance to tackle its extravagant choreographic numbers and rich harmonies.
“This production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Serving as both a cast member and assistant to the director offered me the rare opportunity to contribute both onstage and behind the scenes. Though the show was written in the 1960s, its sharp commentary on ambition, workplace dynamics, and gender roles remains strikingly relevant today. Collaborating with Erin and our incredible production team has underscored the power of creativity, professionalism, and, above all, storytelling. Erin’s guidance and generosity in the rehearsal room creates a space where ideas are welcomed, voices are valued, and learning is constant – an environment I feel truly grateful to be a part of.” – Sophie Carmody
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was birthed after Abe Burrows came across a real book of the same title, which claims that skill and qualifications are secondary to networking and strategy in the corporate world. Upon its release, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was an instant hit, winning seven Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. With equal parts satire and spectacle, there is something for everyone in this show. Whether you’re a long-time musical theatre fan or discovering How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying for the first time, this production is not one to miss!
