Climb the corporate ladder of laughs when Lower Macungie Middle School Theatre presents the 1962 Pulitzer Prize winner based on Shepherd Mead's 1952 book, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" held at LMMS 7:30 p.m. March 21 and 22 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 23.

This hysterical satire is about an ambitious window washer who reads a book and applies its simple steps along with some charm and flattery to rise from mailroom to executive suite under the wing of World Wide Wickets president J.B. Biggley while also catching the eye and heart of a secretary. Following the book's advice to "start with a company big enough that nobody knows what anybody else is doing," he becomes vice president without knowing much about business.

"This comedy has many catchy tunes from the same team that brought us 'Guys and Dolls," Director Patrick Campbell said. "Part farce, part mock of the business world and part romantic comedy– this show has something for everyone and a lot of fun for all!"

Joining Campbell in the production are choreographer Diane Geroni; music/ pit conductor Kelly McConahy; costume director Jenifer Trautmann; set design Jenn Campbell; props Audrey Stevens; stage managers: Kyle Kleimberg and Caroline Fletcher; and many parent volunteers.

Seventh grader Ryan Peiffer plays the role of the enterprising J. Pierrepont Finch and describes his character. "He's this very energetic, very fun loving guy; he's really nice but he's also very clever and keeps promoting himself. He's climbing the corporate ladder without really doing anything."

When asked if Peiffer thinks this would work in real life he said, "Hmm, that's a good question, I guess it could work but I think people are smart enough to know that he's playing a trick on them."

When realizing he got a lead part, Peiffer's reaction was "Oh my gosh! I was so excited I ran home and I told my parents; they were so happy and we were so excited! I couldn't believe it! It was amazing!"

Although it is challenging memorizing lines, Peiffer said once you get in motion it's really easy. He thinks it's great being part of the theater group. He would advise anyone interested to, "Go for it. It's such a fun experience and everyone is so nice and caring for everyone else."

When asked about his favorite scene Peiffer says, "Oh I love Grand Old Ivy, that's where Finch and Biggley sing the college song. It's really fun cause I get to hop on his back and there's a lot of singing and it's a lot of fun."

Peiffer hopes the audience sees it is a really fun play and hopes they like the acting and the set.

Crew member Emily Yen is at a different spectrum of the production. After having some friends involved in theater and wanting to try some clubs or after school activities Yen found her niche using her arts and crafts skills working with props. Yen made the poster for the production and organizes props. She figured helping out in theater would be a fun way to get to know more people at school and do something to help.

LMMS Technical Education teacher Audrey Stevens is in charge of props and works with Yen. "She's been a part of my props team for the whole time she's been here; she rocks," Stevens said.

Yen will be moving on to the high school next year and says she loves being part of theater and will miss not being at LMMS. "It's neat seeing it (the production) all come together," Yen said.

Fletcher is stage manager and has to be really familiar with the play and at times fill in for multiple roles as needed during rehearsals and performances. Following in her sister's footstep, which is how she was introduced to theater, Fletcher really likes being stage manager because she gets to interact with both cast and crew. Fletcher says it is a lot of work but a lot of fun and requires being responsible, listening well and following directions.

Jason Kashuba describes his character Gatch as "a bit of an older guy, a bit of a slime ball; I personally call him a playboy cause he hits on just about every girl that walks on stage."

In the play, Finch sees Gatch as a guy to get out of the way. Since Kashuba will be in high school next year, he will miss being at LMMS. "I have to say Mr. Campbell is a pretty cool director and he normally picks pretty cool musicals and comedies each year."

Kashuba thinks the audience "will get a big kick out of seeing these young, not even teenagers most of us, doing what they do or did back in the 50s as adults. They are going to see their kids and be like, huh, oh that's what I did, that's funny."

There are approximately 86 students involved in the cast and crew. Tickets for the spring musical can be purchased at the door before performances, by calling 610-395-8593, ext. 26212, or online at www. eastpennsd.org/LMMS/Activities/Theatre.html.