Mission Theatre presents lively comedy "How to Succeed in business Without Really Trying"

A great cast of local actors, funny writing and spot on casting make this play a must see. The office drama that is caused by the characters is entertaining. A young charming Mr. J. Pierrepont Finch, played by Zack Wolfe, is finagling his way up the corporate ladder with perfect comedic timing and a beautiful voice. Mitchell Ness should get an academy globe for his quirky portrayal of Bud Frump, whose mission at the office is to weasel his own way to the top while trying to destroy Mr. Finch.

The casting is some of the best I’ve seen between the main actors and the trashy mistress of the big boss, played by Lindsay Case. The big boss J.B. Biggley is played by Dave Lewis, who plays an intimidating character that knits behind closed doors to reduce stress along with the vice of his mistress. An equally intimidating Miss Jones is played by Pamela Lambert who makes a surprising transformation at the end of the play with her lovely voice, and Katie Rose does a wonderful job playing sweet Rosemary, the lovelorn secretary of charming Mr. Finch.

Patty Hornsveld is the producer of the play and the Director/Musical Staging is done by Jennifer Hornsveld, who returned to Fallbrook after attaining a degree in theater from U.C.L.A. Over a dozen others are working behind the scenes to help bring live theater to Fallbrook, including costume and prop design, lights, choreography, music arrangement, sound, etc.

The song and dance numbers are appropriate lengths and entertaining. For some scenes there seem to be as many as 30 people choreographed together on stage. Everyone was right on cue and overall it was just a really cute play with funny lines and actors and actresses who hammed it up sufficiently to make it a great time for the audience. The most amazing thing is that the ticket prices are just a few dollars over the price of a movie ticket. This week there are still some shows left, starting with a matinee today and going through May 29th. In addition to seeing a great show, you can feel good about the fact that you’ve helped support local live theater, giving local actors and actresses a forum to display their talents as well as providing “life” to Main Street.

Tickets can be ordered online by visiting http://www.missiontheatre.com. The show will have its final performances this weekend, May 27-29.