Big business makes for some big laughs

‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ opens at Athens Arts Center

A musical lampoon of life on the corporate ladder opens tonight, Feb. 15, for eight performances when “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is presented at the Athens Community Center in Athens, Tenn.

A tune-filled comic gem that took Broadway by storm, winning both the Tony Award for Best Musical and a Pulitzer Prize, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” boasts an exhilarating score by Frank Loesser that includes “I Believe in You,” “Brotherhood of Man” and “The Company Way.”

The show follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, played by Jonathan Berry, who uses a little handbook to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high- powered executive. Along the way he tackles familiar but potent dangers such as the aggressively compliant “company man,” the office party, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love.

It stars several Athens Arts Center favorites: Lindsey Kimball, as Finch’s romantic sidekick, Rosemary Pilkington; Dave Siklosi as J. B. Biggley, boss of the World Wide Wicket Co. and Lauren Brown Shepherd as a newly minted secretary.

Rounding out the cast are Josh Bragg, Emma Brannen, G. David Brown, Jedi Gabel, Claire Offutt, David Offutt, Miriam Offutt, Sarah Offutt, Rick Parker, Nathaniel Parsons, Tyler Peaden, Alexia Tay- lor, Katie Torbett, Christen Webb, Jasmine McDermott, Jenny Yates, Blake Chastain, Trey Byrge, Nevil Parsons and Alex Sharp.

“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is directed by vet- eran duo, Art Kimball and Ellen Kimball, with choreography by Angie Hudson. It features live accompaniment by Tristen Rowland, Dave Ledbetter, Pam Thig- pen and Joe Littleton.

Tickets may be purchased at The Arts Center, online at athensartscouncil.org, or by phone at 423745-8781.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Lauren Brown Shepherd as Hedy, Jonathan Berry as Finch and Lindsey Kimball as Rosemary, from left.