"How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying

In most cases succeeding in the business world involves politics and getting in good with the boss and those higher in command. In the musical "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" at the Whittier Community Theatre, the character J. Pier Pont Finch has a book that is the core of his plan to succeed as he reads and works his way up the corporate ladder.

Finch, who is played by former Rio Hondo student, Eric Cajiuat, has a charming and clever way of speaking to people, which results in winning them over. His rapid promotions through the company are owed to a well thought up plan full of tact.

In a company where there is envy, nepotism and political involvement fitting in becomes almost natural to Finch.

Cajiuat plays Finch with a wonderful flare for comedy and his singing voice is second to none. He seems to glide through the paces of the character with ease.

As Finch continues his seemingly effortless rise throughout the World Wide Wickett Company, he meets some familiar faces such as his romantic interest Rosemary, her best friend Smitty, the president of the company J. B. Biggley, his mistress Hedy LaRue and his foil throughout, Bud Frump, and a loadful of assorted characters that make up this very talented and outstanding cast.

In meeting his romantic interest Rosemary, Finch finds himself finally succumbing to her but not without some troubles along the way. Amy Coles plays Rosemary and is a terrific actress and her singing and dancing throughout the play are highlights.

Frump, played by Justine Murphy, nearly steals the show with his rip-roaring tongue-in-cheek portrayal of a man destined to keep Finch from becoming a top executive of the company.

Mark Palmer, as Biggley, shines in his portrayal as Finch's boss and his two numbers, "Old Ivy" and "Heart of Gold," work up the audience.

But the one that really gets the audience going is Griffin Gunderson, who plays Biggley's mistress, Hedy LaRue. Gunderson has the "dumb blonde" character down to a tee and her comic timing really shows forth.

Veronique Merrill Warner plays Smitty with a fun turn and her voice is like velvet as she bangs out her songs and gets plenty of laughs with her wisecracks.

One of the finest numbers in the show is the Pirate Dance, which displays the tap dancing talents of Sarah Crouse, Jennie Silva and Maury Shemper.

Other standouts in the cast Candy Beck, Andy Kresowski, William Crisp, Ray Merrill, Tom Sandoval and Stephen Henry.

Directed by John Francis and assisted by Suzanne Frederickson, the play runs smooth and is fast paced inspite of the its nearly three hour length. Choreography by Aidan Daguro is superb and musical direction by Brian Murphy is excellent.

This is Whittier Community Theatre's 85th season opener and it couldn't have been a better production for it to begin the season with.

"Succeed" will continue through this weekend Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Whittier Center Theatre, 7630 S. Washington Ave. and tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and juniors under 18. For ticket information and reservations you can call. (562) 693-1105 or visit the website, www.whittiercommunitytheatre.org.