THEATER REVIEW:Vanguard musical succeeds

If any performing group is well-versed in the art of presenting big musicals on small stages without losing any dimension other than size, it’s Costa Mesa’s Vanguard University, which has demonstrated how to succeed in the past with “Into the Woods,” “Brigadoon” and “The Secret Garden,” among others.

Now the university is succeeding again with “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” the 1960s-era musical satire on the world of big business directed, as were the aforementioned others, by Amick Byram. It’s one of the tastiest treats in the “oldies but goodies” file.

Byram has opened up new areas of the Lyceum Theater, adding several scenes on a second level, alongside the small but mighty orchestra that pumps out the bouncy Frank Loesser score under the baton of Kenneth Foerch, to which the performers respond with energetic abandon, mindful that the show, which made a star out of Robert Morse, is nearly a half a century old.

With tongue firmly in cheek, Vanguard gives us the tuneful tale of an enterprising window washer on his way up the corporate ladder, one satirical situation at a time. The show bursts with strong voices and rib-tickling comedic moments that still garner good laughs in the 21st century.

At the center of all this musical one-upmanship is Jeff Fazakerley, who out-Morses Morse to make the role of J. Pierpont Finch his own.

Intimate theater offers the actors an ideal opportunity to sell the subtlety of their characters, and Fazakerley is so successful in this regard you almost can detect the light bulb snapping on over his head when a new upwardly mobile plan is born.

As the office secretary who sets out from the beginning to snare him, Kelsey Cooke offers an exceptionally strong voice and pleasing characterization. Warbling the ‘50s-style love song “Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm,” Cooke registers highly on the admirability scale.

The scheming fly in the ointment, shifty office fink Bud Frump, is richly delivered by Jordan Byers, adding a pair of spectacles for effect. Christopher Ramirez tosses his considerable comic weight around as the bullying company president, and Barbara Richardson scores as his no-nonsense secretary who surprises with a rich set of pipes during the “Brotherhood of Man” ensemble number.

There are show-stealing roles and then there’s Hedy LaRue, the stereotypical sexpot secretary, here presented with eye-catching verve by Charlotte Self, who satisfies both the eye candy and showmanship requirements of the role. Colleen Warner is delightful as Cook’s steno-pool pal Smitty.

Other supporting performances worth noting are Blaine Jenks’ board chairman, Ryan Miller’s personnel chief and the scrubwoman duo of Kelsey Johnston and Jennifer Nelson.

Choreographers Kerry Cass and Cierra Mosby have designed some terrific production numbers, chief among them “A Secretary is Not a Toy,” “The Company Way” and “The Brotherhood of Man.” Costume coordinator Lia Hansen has come up with a series of colorful outfits that define the period splendidly.

One personal carp: Vanguard prides itself on presenting theater “without gratuitous language.” I’m not offended by “gratuitous language,” but cigar smoke is most offensive to me and, I’m sure, to many other playgoers who are forced to endure it. For the benefit of future audiences, please snuff the stogie — the show’s good enough to entertain without it.

That said, “How to Succeed,” no matter how many miles may be on its odometer, is a bouncy, tuneful and highly satiric piece of musical theater that you’ll enjoy — without even trying.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”

WHERE: Vanguard University Lyceum Theater, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

WHEN: Closing performances at 8 p.m. April 12 and 13, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. April 14, and at 2 p.m. April 15 (dark Easter weekend)

COST: $15

INFO: (714) 668-6145