See 'How to Succeed' at LMMS Thursday-Saturday

Special to Emmaus Patch

As spring is opening its blossoms, schools across the area will be opening their musicals. On Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Lower Macungie Middle School will open its biggest production of the year, the popular musical comedy How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, directed by Patrick Campbell.

The show is about a window washer who reads a book about how to succeed in business, and gets a job at a big company. Using his slick words and tips from the book, his plan works a little too well and he is promoted to vice president without knowing much of anything. Along the way, he runs into troubles with finding love and finding who he really is. The music is catchy and upbeat, and it is from the same producers who brought Guys and Dolls. This comedy has something in it for the whole family!

Theatre at LMMS has been a tradition for 14 years, with one fall comedy and one spring musical each year. More than 10 percent of the students at LMMS are involved in this production. The students have been working hard to produce the very best show they can give to the community. In this article, you get two perspectives of what goes on to put the show together.

Caroline Fletcher

My name is Caroline Fletcher, and I’m an eighth grade student at LMMS. I am one of the stage managers for the show. I am in charge of instructing members of the backstage crew and keeping notes in the script. I also fill in for any members of the cast that are absent in rehearsals and performances. It is a big responsibility, but it is worth it for the experience. Being a part of crew is very important to the musical because without costumes, makeup, lights, sound, props, run crew, or sets there would be no show. Although the audience can only see the actors, the people behind the scenes are what really make the show happen. 

Julia Bezems

My name is Julia Bezems. On the opposite side of the spectrum, I am an actress involved in LMMS Theatre. I am now in eighth grade, and I have been acting in shows at LMMS since seventh grade. For this show, I have been cast as the part of Rosemary Pilkington, one of the secretaries in the show. Our cast of about 65 students has been working very hard since the beginning of January. This show has been so much fun to put together. In our theatre program, everyone grows close, so it’s like a big family. On the artistic side, the show has been a great opportunity for us all to learn about the stage. I’ve learned so many skills from our stage director and music director. They’ve taught me enunciation, confidence, how to get into character, how to deliver lines, singing skills, and the importance of teamwork. The most exciting part of theatre is stepping out on stage underneath the lights on opening night. Performing in How to Succeed has been a great experience, and the show will be a great success! 

Show times are March 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and March 23 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for children (14-) and seniors (60+).
There are three ways to get tickets:

1) At the door
2) Online at: http://www.eastpennsd.org/LMMS/Activities/Theatre.html
3) Phone 610-395-8593 ext 26212