Cooper High back in ‘Business’ with winter musical

Window-washer J. Pierrepont Finch discovers a book. Following the book, the character quickly advances in his career. Thespians of Robbinsdale Cooper High School will bring “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” to the stage for their winter musical with singing, humor and lots of choreography.

Alleyne Syverson, who plays Rosemary Pilkington, said the show takes place in the 1960s. Women hold some traditional roles. Syveron’s character aspires to be a suburban housewife and pines after Finch, played by Kindrick Yang. Syverson’s main song is “Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm.”

Director Gretchen Wurzer-Palm changed some of the lines to make the show appropriate for a 21st century high school, but kept the humor and spirit of the script.

“It’s pretty cool,” Syverson said. “We dance on the tables, we dance on the levels. ... There’s a lot of dance numbers.”

A few months ago Syverson was in Cooper’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” which is a more well-known story. The challenge was presenting a fresh take on a familiar story.

“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is not quite as famous. Now the challenge is getting people on board with something that’s probably new to them.

“It’s kind of an obscure musical,” Syverson said. “Not many people – unless you’re a super theater nerd – might have heard of it. But that makes it like special because then we can introduce it to people.”

Addie Grimes plays Ms. Jones, who is in her 60s and is the highest-ranking secretary.

“People are afraid of her,” Grimes said. “She’s kind of mean, kind of crabby.”

Although Ms. Jones is confined by the strict gender roles of the 1960s business office, she has a meaningful career. Grimes said Ms. Jones doesn’t care to find a husband.

Grimes was involved in the musical “Newsies” last year.

“It’s a very big switch from a bunch of homeless kids running around to a bunch of people working in an office,” Grimes said.

Samuel Momanyi plays Bert Bratt, the personnel manager. Momanyi sings a song, “A Secretary is Not a Toy,” reminding people to respect women in the workplace.

“It’s mostly about Bratt lecturing the men who are gawking over this woman who just came to the company,” Momanyi said.

Momanyi said he learned a lot in this production, including that his vocal range makes him a tenor.

“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” will run 7 p.m. Feb. 22-24, March 1-2 and 3 p.m. Feb. 25 at Robbinsdale Cooper High School, 8230 47th Ave. N., New Hope.

Tickets can be purchased online at chs.rdale.org/activities/admission-tickets or at the door. Prices are $7 for adults, and $5 for students and senior citizens.