School's comedy also has a message

Climbing the corporate ladder generally is a mixture of honesty, hard work and determination.

J. Pierpont Finch doesn't subscribe to that philosophy.

He takes the short route.

Instead of working late, he sleeps at his desk all night then wakes up just before the boss arrives to give off the appearance he's been putting in extra hours. That's his road to a promotion.

Strategies like that are straight out of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," both the book Finch found and the musical on tap at Glenbard West High School this week.

Finch starts out as a window cleaner for a large corporation, but thanks to his wonderful find, shoots up the corporate ladder. This to the chagrin of the boss's nephew.

"It's a musical comedy, but there's a lot of really strong themes and messages," teacher Mike Moran said.

Lessons such as is it right to take the short path if it's dishonest?

"Sometimes musicals can be a bit fluffy. This one has a lot of substance to it in addition to being entertaining," Moran said.

Glenbard West is submitting its play as an entrant in Theaterfest, an annual competition of high school performances. If it chosen, the entire cast will head downstate and take the set with them.

If you go

What: "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"

When: 7:30 p.m. today to Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn

Cost: $8

Details: (630) 469-8600

Cast

Mitch Conti as J. Pierpont Finch

Madeline Raube as Rosemary

Conor Owens as J.B. Biggley

Pat Boylan as Bud Frump

Emily Crowe as Smitty

Jaclyn Ortiz as Miss Jones

Cherice Cosentino as Hedy La Rue

Michael Holding as Gatch

Parks Payton as Bratt

Nick Agro as Twimble

Kate Wesolowski as Miss Krumholtz

Joe Sinopoli as Womper

Spencer Steevensz as Ovington

Sean Jackson as Tackaberry