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

Lauren Brown Shepherd as Hedy, Jonathan Berry as Finch and Lindsey Kimball as Rosemary, from left. (Contributed Photo)
Lauren Brown Shepherd as Hedy, Jonathan Berry as Finch and Lindsey Kimball as Rosemary, from left. (Contributed Photo)

If you go

› What: “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”› Where: Athens Arts Center, 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn.› When: 7 p.m. Feb. 15-17, 22-24; 2 p.m. Feb. 18 and 25› Admission: $15 adults, $10 students› For more information: 423-745-8781Special events› Thursday: Opening night “Cocktails with Characters,” hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar included with ticket. Members of All McMinn Modern Professionals, which is holding its February social at the performance, are entitled to two tickets for $25.› Feb. 18: McMinn Senior Activity Center members may purchase tickets for $12.

A musical lampoon of life on the corporate ladder opens Thursday, 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 Taylor, 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 veteran duo, Art Kimball and Ellen Kimball, with choreography by Angie Hudson. It features live accompaniment by Tristen Rowland, Dave Ledbetter, Pam Thigpen and Joe Littleton.

Tickets may be purchased at The Arts Center, online at athensartscouncil.org, or by phone at 423-745-8781.

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