By Jet Burnham | [email protected]

Up next for Taylorsville High School’s performing arts department is the theatrical production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying,” which will run Oct. 26–27, 29, Nov. 2–3 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6-8. Taylorsville High School is located at 5225 South Redwood Rd.

Cameron Gardner, theater teacher at THS, describes the play as a witty satire on big business and the quirks of business people. Although it was written in 1962, the play’s topic is one modern audiences can relate to.

“It is relevant especially as we are examining the practices of powerful people and looking at the things that are easy to get away with when you say the right thing or things that come easily to people with all the right connections,” said Gardener. “It’s a great way of poking fun at that without being too confrontational—it’s very, very funny.” 

The play won a Pulitzer Prize for drama. The distinction is rare but even more so for a musical.

With a cast of 50 actors, 20 musicians and 20 stage crew, the play has been a learning experience in teamwork.

Gardner believes theater teaches the value of the individual's work in a team’s success; it is a team activity with no benchwarmers.

“Everybody who’s on stage matters to the story that's being told,” he said. “Whether they’re the lead role or the smallest ensemble role, they all contribute to the overall story.”

Upcoming productions from THS theater department include:

“An Heir of Mystery,” Dec. 20–21, 2018

“Sense and Sensibility,” Feb. 22–23, 25, 27–28, 2019

“A Doll’s House Part 2,” March 12, 2019

 “Spotlight Showcase,” May 8–11, 2019