Actors From 11 Communities Appear In Possum Point Players HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

According to Possum Point Players' production of the award-winning musical comedy, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," all you need to advance your career is a good handbook, some gullible, if snarky, co-workers and a good dose of caffeine. Show dates of this irreverent and tuneful satire are April 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14; Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, and may be purchased at www.possumpointplayers.org or the ticketline, 856-4560. Possum Hall is located at 441 Old Laurel Rd, Georgetown.

Co-directors John H. Hulse and Lorraine Steinhoff say this Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning show is a tongue in cheek look at big business in 1961 that is jam-packed with sly, swift, and sharp humor. They add that the humor in Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows' musical is as fresh today as when it won awards on Broadway in the sixties.

"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" is based upon the book by Shepherd Mead and the story follows the career rise of J. Pierrepont Finch. If the name enough didn't guarantee his success, he uses a handbook as his guide to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive. Rung by rung of his climb, he tackles such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant "company man," the office party, backstabbing coworkers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love.

The musical comedy features the talents of Andrew Hertzberg, Broadkill Beach; Paul Janiga, Dover; Alexis Waddy, Frederica; and Leah Bollinger and Abigail Porter of Laurel. Also appearing are Mike Mahaffie, Lauren McLane, and Dick Pack of Lewes; Ashlie Workman, Long Neck; and Karla Bradley Manhard, Lauren David, Dan Gaffney, Greg Manhard, Lorraine Steinhoff, and Kenney Workman, all of Milford. Rounding out the cast are Natalie Lattanzi, Millsboro; John Zinzi, Milton; Steven Dow and Steven Perry, Rehoboth Beach; and John Moller of Wyoming.

The Production Team is led by co-directors Steinhoff, Milford, and Hulse, Rehoboth Beach; and includes musical conductor, Julie Fair Keefer, and stage manager, Donna Flomp, both of Milton. Commenting on the team effort of mounting the production of "How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying," Hulse said more than 20 people help out with behind-the-scenes work.

"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 423 West 55th St; New York, NY 10019; Tel.: (212) 541-4684; Fax: (212) 397-4684; www.MTIShows.com

"How to succeed in Business Without Really Trying" is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Possum Point Players is supported, in part, by grants from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photo: Steven Perry, Paul Janiga, John Zinzi, Steven Dow, Mike Mahaffie, Kenney Workman, John Moller and Greg Manhard.