'How To Succeed' is a success

I thought I had the right recipe.

I went to college and nabbed my degree. I took internships, got a job and, like my goodly coworkers, have been working earnestly since, quietly hoping for an eventual raise.

Apparently, we've all been wasting our time.

Because the real key to success is simply carrying a pocket-sized, how-to book with uncannily spot-on advice for every possible business scenario, guaranteed to land you swiftly in an executive position of high-pay and low responsibility.

Don't believe me? Then see "How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying," running through June 17 at the Lake City Playhouse. The perky musical delineates an ambitious window washer's gallop up corporate ladder by relying on charisma and a fantastic web of lies.

Think of it as a '50s precursor to "The Secret of My Success." The main character J. Pierrepont Finch doesn't know business, but that's a minor hiccup in his plan to dominate a large-scale company. Starting in the mailroom, he manipulates, lies and flatters his way up to the head of advertising in under a month, pretending to work the weekend here, setting up a competitor with the boss' mistress there.

Along the way, he wins the admiration of a receptionist and nearly brings the ruination of the entire company.

One caveat: It might make your work week feel a little stale in comparison.

Packed with lively songs about coffee breaks and football fight songs - it's one way to bond with your boss - the two-and-a-half-hour musical never lags, mostly because of the cast that boasts strong singing voices and also seems to ooze energy.

Jett Bingman happily channels the charmingly soulless Finch. Frolicking around the stage winning over everyone he meets, Bingman embraces the sprightly, effervescent attitude of the go-getter everyone hates in their office. He conquers his many musical numbers with the same energy.

Emily Cleveland, playing the marriage-fixated receptionist Rosemary Pilkington, applies poise and smart comedic timing to her role. Grasping the tongue-in-cheek nature of her character's ambitions, Cleveland is bubbly and fun to watch.

Kent Kimball is memorable as J.B. Biggley, the rigid corporate tycoon who melts over knitting and football. Brooke Wood earns a lot of laughs as the boss' flaky mistress, and Laticia Widman has some show-stealing moments applying slapstick to her top secretary role.

The show is light, delightful fare, though it might inspire audience members to butter up their bosses on Monday.

"How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" plays at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Folks can buy tickets at the door, at lakecityplayhouse.org or by calling 667-1323.

Alecia Warren is a staff writer for The Press. She can be reached at 664-8176, Ext. 2011, or via email at awarren@cdapress.com.