Another Success...With A Lot of Trying

Last night I got to go see our local high school's production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying".  It is a musical, set in the very early 1960s corporate America.  While it may not be my favorite musical theater show, it is quite cute and the kids, of course, are simply amazing and talented to an excess.

But the funny thing I noticed last night, drawing a strong contrast to my own high school theatrical experiences, was that the 60s-esque secretarial pool (all the women characters are secretaries in this show) didn't know how to "act sexy" or how to smoke.  One character, Hedy LaRue, came the closest to the sexy mark, but she was more an amalgamation of Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop--so already a cartoon character.  The girl that played her was excellent in pulling that off, by the way.

But the other secretaries had a number where their womanly distractions int he work place were to be emphasized and the girls tried really hard but it still looked sillier than sexier.  And for that, as a former YW leader, I am glad.

But the biggest chuckle I got was watching them with their cigarette props.  I'm sure their drama teacher had to coach them about how to hold the prop and then how to "smoke" it.  But there were several who never quite "got it".  It was comical.  But such a relief.

How nice that our high school kids didn't really know how to hold or smoke a cigarette.  We really have come a long way, baby!  My high school had a smoking section--for the students!  Many kids I trod the board with knew from personal experience how to smoke...and many other things.

It was a cute production, and one that made me grateful that I am working in the business world--though at a MUCH smaller business--in the current day.  Sadly, much of what that show portrays is likely very true...both for the way women in the workplace were treated and for the incompetence of both men and managers.

It was a fun night and any time I get to hang out with my friend Amy, especially with comped tickets from the drama teacher, I'll take it!