Putting a musical together can be hectic for both the cast and crew. But for leading man Eric Ankrim, life couldn't get any crazier.
"I just had my fourth child, she's two months old. So I've got a six year-old, a four year-old, a two year-old and a two month-old. So life is incredibly full." Said Ankrim.
Ankrim plays J. Pierrepont Finch in the 5th Avenue Theatre's production on"How to Succeed in Business, Without Really Trying". It's a big promotion of sorts since the first time he performed in this Broadway classic.
"I went to Curtis High School and my sophomore year of high school all the choir kids, of which I was one, tried out for the school musical. And that was "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". I was 16 years old and I played Mr. Twimble the head of the mail room. And I wore age makeup and a fat belly."
When it first came out in the early sixty, the musical won eight Tony awards and the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for best drama. But this show is all about the laughs.
"It's a spoof of the Sheapard Meed book that he wrote as a business satire," said Ankrim. "And basically I'm a window washer who reads this book with secret tips and I work my way to the top with no qualifications what so ever other than a big beaming smile and a bright pair of eyes. It's basically Mad Men meets musical theatre. So the women are in these gorgeous Easter egg dresses. The men are in all well-tailored suits and it's such a sleek fast talking era that lends itself perfectly to the big boisterous energy of musical theater."
Ankrim's life may be busier than ever, but to be able to perform in this show in his hometown, makes it all worth it.
"To grow up in this community of artists and to be able to lead this company, it's as big as a moment can get for me in the Pacific Northwest."
"How to Succeed in Business, Without Really Trying" is now playing at the 5th Avenue Theatre now through February 21.
