Despite cast worries, the spring musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (otherwise known as H2$) had a successful opening night April 29.

Director Colleen Hovis began rehearsals three times a week at the beginning of February. Despite the early start, the 31-member cast ran into difficulties right up until the opening night performance.

Junior Andrew Gerbetz, who played the lead, J. Pierrepont Finch, explained the difficulties.

"During our dress rehearsal [Thursday night] we were missing cues and forgetting lines," he said. "[Hovis called an] emergency mandatory rehearsal after school Friday."

Many cast and audience members were surprised at how well the performance went.

"Compared to the rehearsals we'd been having, it went really awesome," freshman Kelsey Njus said.

Junior Dana Speicher watched the performance.

"I know [the cast] was really nervous about it, but they pulled it off," Speicher said. "The acting was great."

H2$ is the story of the ambitious J.P. Finch. The audience was charmed by Finch, and laughed hysterically during many of the dance scenes.

One favorite character seemed to be the boss's obnoxious nephew, Bud Frump, played by sophomore Will Hamilton.

"The whole audience paid attention when he was on-stage, and he got an amazing response after every joke or goofy gesture," junior Erica Nunez said.

Working on H2$ was enjoyable for junior Megan DalSanto, who played Rosemary.

"The music is fun," Dal Santo said. "Plus, we got a lot of time to prepare. Ultimately, it went really well."

Njus also had a good time.

"I've been in a lot of musicals, but this was especially fun," she said. "I loved getting to know everyone in the cast."

The musical sold 125 tickets opening night and enjoyed a successful following two days.