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Wharton Follies 2004 — A Different Kind of Network
The wacky plot of this year's Wharton Follies,
"Watchu Talkin' Bout, Anjani," centered on Vice
Dean Anjani Jain's plan to turn Wharton into a
TV network. . . or perhaps not. Alumnus Donald
Trump, W'68, was recruited to seal the deal which
ultimately fell through at the show's first ever
Anjani Awards. The winner, who would get the
chance to be on Trump's new reality series, "The
Apprentice," declined—not wanting to leave
Wharton under any circumstances.
Another smash hit, the show played to audiences
of nearly 1, 600 in Philadelphia on Feb. 12-13 and
to 450 in New York on Feb. 20. Attendees in New
York had the added incentive of attending an after
party at the Metronome Restaurant. Here the cast
from the MBA Classes of 2004 and 2005 mingled
with alumni and previous Follies casts—another
Wharton network.
"When I went back for the show it was the most
important and meaningful type of reunion that
I could imagine," said Melissa Tischler, WG'03,
artistic director of Follies 2003. "Not only did it
provide a reason for my 2003 classmates to travel
across the country to see the show, but it gave us a
chance to cheer on our friends in the class of 2004
and a chance to meet and instantly bond with the
class after that."
This mini-reunion for New York area alumni is
as much a tradition as the Follies itself, which celebrated its 28th anniversary this year.
"The NY alumni show has become an incredible
tradition for Follies alumni and alumni in the local area," said Gladys Chen, co-executive producer
of Follies 2003. "Over the past two years, we have
had former members of the Follies fly in from as far
away as Israel and Moscow."
The show itself was an eclectic performance of
Wharton MBA students, showcasing their talents in
singing, dancing, and comedy, very different from
their skills with spreadsheets and client presentations. Where else would an audience be exposed
to possible TV programming like "The ABP After
School Special: Why Billy Can't Lead"? Audiences
had as good a time as the actors did.
"I know there is nothing else that draws class-mates from all corners of the world. And I think
the show and (almost more importantly) the after
party let the recent alums reconnect and catch up
with one another," observed Tischler.
"The Job That I Want"
(Sung to "The One That I Want" from Grease)
I've got skills at multiplyin'
And I'm made . . . for this role
Of all the can . . . didates applyin'
I'm electrifying!
I better step up, cause I need a job
And my heart is set on you
I better dress up, I better get some suits
Cause I'll start September 2
Yes you'll start
Yes you'll start September 2
You're the one that I want (you are the
one I want), ooh ooh ooh, honey
The job that I want (the job that I
want), ooh ooh ooh, honey
The one that I want (you are the one I
want), ooh ooh ooh, honey
The job I need, oh yes indeed . . . .
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