Long Beach Playhouse to Stage 'HOW TO SUCCEED'

Climbing the corporate ladder has always been easy for some and difficult for others. In 1961, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying explained the secrets off success included luck, charm, connections and a willingness to use those things to personal advantage. Proving not much changed in the next 45 years, the Long Beach Playhouse takes us back to 1961 for an entertaining refresher course in the fine art of ladder climbing as we watch J. Pierrepont Finch's meteoric rise from lowly window washer to high-powered executive.

"This show is fun. It was popular when it first hit Broadway, it won several awards, including the Pulitzer. It's revived every few years someplace in the world. That's always a mark of a show that audiences enjoy," said Andrew Vonderschmitt, Executive and Producing Artistic Director.

The show begins when Finch gets a business success handbook. The satirical musical takes off from there and includes familiar hits as "I Believe in You" and "Brotherhood of Man."

"Biting comedy and bright insights are central to this play's popularity. It tackles many of the typical corporate traps like office parties and backstabbing co-workers. Add to that memorable songs, dances and a sweet love story and you've got all the ingredients for a hit production," said Vonderschmitt.

With a large cast of 19 people and many scenes revolving around advertising campaigns, The Playhouse costume shop is working overtime. Hanging on the racks are parts of pirate costumes and styles straight out of a 1961 fashion magazine. The lively colors of the set are immediately appealing and the brightly painted desks look like they can't wait to take part in the dance scenes.

"The show will be visually stunning. Between Donna Fritsche's costumes and Sean Gray and Naomi Kasahara's set design, audiences are going to be charmed and delighted. Add to that the incredible talent of our cast and crew and this show sparkles in absolutely every way," Vonderschmitt said.

How to Succeed in Business opens on July 2 and runs through August 6.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

Pay what you can Thursday June 30- community can see this production for whatever they can afford

Two for One Preview Friday July 1 - Tickets are $12.00

Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on July 2- Tickets are $27.00

NEW PRICING FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS

Friday: Adults are $20.00, Seniors $18.00, and Students $14.00

Saturday and Sunday: Adults are $24.00, Seniors $21.00, and Students $14.00.

Tickets are available at www.lbplayhouse.org, or by calling 562-494-1014, option 1.

To request an interview with the director, cast members or reserve your media tickets to this performance, please send an email to: pr@lbplayhouse.org.

Long Beach Playhouse is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90804, right across from the Long Beach Recreation golf course. The Playhouse is community-supported theatre with programs and events that cut across age, gender, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.

Performances are 8 p.m. Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3:00-8:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00-2:00 pm on scheduled matinees.

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