How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Bought tickets online and was lucky to be at a pretty empty show (at least up on the upper level) so was able to sneak to the mezzanine section for a closer view!
Nick Jonas was cute and charming as the lead and had a good singing voice. I’ve heard some people say Daniel Radcliffe projected more which I agree with but Jonas did a decent job playing the role. Other highlights were veteran, Beau Bridges and Michael Urie (from Ugly Betty!) who was hilarious.
If you are a fan of Mad men (and like musicals too) I’d definitely recommend this show! Its fun for adults and has good, playful humor.

A must-​see show!
After several reproductions dating back from 1961 of on and off Broadway, this show has finally made its way back to the streets of New York. It is about our not too distant American past-​time of what it took to succeed in corporate culture during the 50’s-60’s. J. Pierrepont Finch, played by Nick Jonas (which the audience was star-​crazed for, and who I thought was quite entertaining because he was able to both act and sing), is beginning his career in the mail room of some highly prestigious global company. It narrates through his successes and failures of working his narcissistic way to the top, all while trying to manage a dreamy girl who is head over heels for Finch. But it’s not as easy as climbing the rungs of a ladder. Finch has to compete against the nepotistic Bud Frump (played by Michael Urie who is a joy to watch, yes the Marc fellow from Ugly Betty), who is the nephew of the president JB (played by Beau Bridges, brother of Jeff Bridges, I can’t stop thinking of Tron).
It’s a whimsical and ingenious show, with entertaining music and lyrics, though not sing-​along quality where you’ll find yourself singing to the tune as you walk out of the theater. Yet its witty dialogue keeps it fresh and entertaining for the show in its entirety. The costumes are colorful and appropriate for the time period, props are realistic, and choreography was superb in every way. And if the edginess doesn’t keep you entertained, its light comedy to keep you laughing throughout.
So get up and and pick up some tickets to see this show! It’s tentatively scheduled to
be on Broadway through July 1, 2012, so you don’t have much time left!

Interesting but simple story, had Nick Jonas in it, which was just okay, maybe «Harry Potter» was better. None of the songs or singers really blew you away and same for the props and choreography.

Call me crazy but in my head I had a picture of who I thought should have certain roles:
Character Starring
J. Pierrepont Finch Justin Timberlake
Bud Frump Topher Grace
How to Succedd in Business Without Really Trying has taken off due to it’s star power. Daniel Radcliffe, Darren Criss, and now Nick Jonas with Beau Bridges. The musical is also narrated by Anderson Cooper. Everyone wanted to see Harry Potter, I wanted a Glee moment, and I saw the show with Nick Jonas. Hey, the kid can actually act and sing! Now there’s a little fan girl in me.
The supporting cast as well as the lead did pretty well. The problem with How to Succeed is the show/​musical score itself. It does have it’s moments but there are some slow scenes and the music is not very memorable.
This is a show that’s good for the whole family, a barrel of laughs, and for the tourists and star struck Hollywood followers. Can’t lose with this show but won’t exactly call it winning that is until JT makes his debut.
JT when are you coming to Broadway?!

I would rate this show as 3.5 stars.
Nick Jonas did a good job but his voice didn’t project as well as I would have hoped. I liked Beau Bridges but didn’t think he had a great voice. Michael Urie from Ugly Betty was great.
The show is long… 3 hours with one 15 minute intermission.
I am only giving this show 3.5 stars because I love musicals and usually when I leave a show, I am immediately on Amazon buying the cd. When I left this show I didn’t even have any of the songs stuck in my head.
I’d recommend seeing this show if you have time, but if you are in New York and can only see one show, splurge for Wicked!

Critiques say: The characters are too «flat.» For example, Nick Jonas’ character is too «one dimensional,» as he is entirely egocentric and lacks anything interesting.
I say: Who cares??? This is a comedy, not a Greek tragedy! Excellent cast, fantastic scores and music, and a great sense of humor.
Only complaint — I feel like Nick Jonas has an even better voice then he lets out… he feels a bit constrained and inhibited. Let it out Nick! I’m not even a HS girl and I’m rooting for you!

8:15am. This is what time I needed to be in line for rush tickets to see Darren and Beau perform on a Tuesday. The box office opened at 10am, and by 10:20am, I had gotten my tickets and heard there were ~10 tickets left.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the show was your upbeat ensemble (read: lots of colors) and interesting stage scenes. I thought it was definitely enjoyable and entertaining, and I’m glad I got to see it during Darren’s run. The girl sitting next to me mentioned she had also seen the show with Dan and John – she thought Darren and John were better.
After the show, there was a mob to the stage door. A handful of fans were able to get their items signed and before you knew it, Darren and Beau were off in their black cars.
Didn’t make my list of favorite shows (Jersey Boys still at the top of the list), but the star appeal was worth it. :-)

After seeing this wonderful play on the Broadway circuit, the only exclamation possible is OMG! Superb acting by some outstanding characters including Harry Potter himself :-) and incredible stage settings. My partner and I took his daughter to see this play and we were all taken aback by the high quality of acting, sound, and experience. We had choice seats courtesy of the American Express Platinum Service and they were outstanding, although I wholeheartedly agree with the Unilocaler commentaries that there is not one bad seat in the house at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
Superb!!!

From start to finish I loved this performance! There wasn’t a down moment except for the damn intermission. I was so thrilled about this show that I looked around to see if others were enthralled as I, wanted to make sure I wasn’t seeing something others didn’t see. Everyone was loving this.
Great story, great acting and the theatre was amazing!

If you are in the mood for a feel good, fast paced, smart, and belly.shaking.full.of.laughs show– then this is for you!
There is not a bad seat in the house, the drinks are great (keep the collectors cup) and you will leave the show with a smile on your face! Daniel Radcliffe is only here for one more month, then Darren Criss (glee, very potter musical) takes over for a brief time.
Enjoy it — go with some friends — and expect to laugh your socks off!

The show was AMAZING!
I love how everything played together, even with the changing of scenes so the lights didn’t go out as much like in other shows I’ve seen. Not to mention that my boyfriend isn’t into the whole Broadway Show thing, but he seriously enjoyed this show.
This show is a MUST see and I plan on seeing it again whenever my friends & family come to visit ^_^!

Fabulous performance that will make you laugh outloud, cheer, and have you second guessing who in your life has caught wind of that book. It’s hilarious from beginning to end and keeps your attention the entire time.
Musical aside, the security is top notch. We had an altercation between patrons in front of us and another person in our row. The security held them accountable for the disturbance and didn’t let them back in. I was able to watch the rest of the performance in peace.
Definitely go see this show… you will not be disappointed!

I rarely see Broadway musicals, but had an opportunity the other day. So I went, and for once had a smile on my little cynical face.
The best parts of this musical was the performances themselves. I had always liked Daniel Radcliffe because of –what else– the Harry Potter flicks. After catching this musical, I will make it a point to see anything Radcliffe performs in.
The other standouts were: John Laroquette as Biggley, Rose Hemingway as Rosemary, and Mary Faber as Smitty. The biggest surprise of all was how the part of Hedy La Rue was handled by actress Paige Faure. Paige Faure really nailed the part. Usually Faure does the scrubwoman role, but in the part of Hedy La Rue, she really does shine!
After the performances, the next best thing was the set design. I really dug the retro quasi-​Mad Men look. It went perfect with the musical itself.
I wasn’t so crazy about the script itself. Yet I understand that this play was a revival, so yeah, the way Rosemary plotted at first to nail Finch so she could have that mansion somewhere, oh, I forgot where… it made the feminist inside me cringe. I forgive the script though, ’cause it was written in a different time. Unfortunately, there are some women who still think along those lines. In the end, Rosemary falls fully for Finch, even with his fast talking, ass-​kissing schemes up the corporate ladder.
My other problem with the script was how Finch basically did scheme his way to the top position, by brown-​nosing, slightly fibbing and yeah, manipulating at every chance he got. Why didn’t anyone do a background check on him!?!
Ah, I realize it’s just a fantasy. Though I wouldn’t be surprised this actually happens in some places.
Basically its a satirical tale about overcoming nepotism, and making your dreams come true. it’s supposed to be a light comedy, but yet, with the economic climate, corporate bailouts and all, this revival couldn’t have come at a better time.
That’s about it. Oh yeah, and Daniel Radcliffe is a short dude. He could dance though.

By far, one of my favorite Broadway shows, up there with Wicked.
My friend suggested that we go see the Daniel Radcliffe broadway show on my most recent visit to NYC, so why not? I said, and off we went. Tickets were a little more pricier than I normally pay when I see a show via rush style ticketing in NYC, but it was definitely worth it.
Charming, funny, action packed, this show definitely kept my attention throughout its entirety. Daniel Radcliffe plays his part well, keeping up with the dancing, singing, and so on. His voice is not as strong as Rose’s, but still a cute pair. John Laroquette was absolutely hilarious– loved him in J B Biggley’s role– his little turns and quirks made the show hilarious and oh so good.
I highly recommend seeing this Broadway show if you’re in NYC. Highly recommend. Funny, cute, witty, charming, –it’s definitely a must see!
There’s a scene in it that portrays individuals who can’t get coffee… every time I’m standing in line, I think of it… go see it to figure out why it’s so funny…

Extremely excited to see this show and loved every minute. Lighting was spectacular: Enhancing the set and matching each scene’s wardrobes perfectly, bravo!
Daniel Radcliff (aka Harry Potter) was brilliant, full of energy and presented a nice Broadway voice. Great transition into Broadway with Equus and now this to break the HP pigeonhole.
Particularly enjoyed the «Brotherhood of Man» number (performed for Tony Awards 2011) that alone is a show stopper. Worth every penny!

One of the funniest and most entertaining musicals on Broadway. After seeing Daniel Radcliffe on Equus and how amazing he was, I was a little bit anxious about him on a Broadway musical. Well he absolutely succeeded! We have to admit he is not a singer, but he commanded the stage with such charisma and charm. The charming and mischievous character was a perfect fit for him. The choreography and music scores were fantastic and Daniel really kept up with other dancers. There was no single dull moment.
Last night was the last night for the Broadway Care campaign and he auctioned his bow-​tie after the show. Someone auctioned off for over $ 3000 with a photo opportunity with amazing co star John Larroquette.
Director/​Choreographer: Rob Ashford

Harry Potter aka Daniel Radcliffe is the marquee draw in this 50s Broadway revival playing a charismatic singing-​dancing schemer, with erstwhile funnyman JohnLaroquette dependable as ever for comic moments a’plenty. watch out for Bud and Ms LaRue who are definitely the night’s scene stealers. truth is the awesome cast of 20 each have their own star turns with one show-​stopping number after another, leading to a rousing finale and the loudest, most spirited audience ROAR I’ve ever heard on Broadway.

Yay for Free Tickets courtesy of Unilocal.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a musical that is brought back as part of a 50 Year Revival (first opened in 1961). It’s a story about a young kid trying to climb the corporate ladder with the use of a handbook. In my opinion, the story is pretty well written & funny.
PROS:
— Great for Harry Potter fans — I wouldn’t say that I am one… but there were a ton of Daniel Radcliffe fans in the audience. For me, I personally couldn’t get the Harry Potter image out of my head.
— Dance & Choreography is fantastic — the audience clapped and cheered
CONS:
— Singing — could be better
CONCLUSION:
I took my little bro as my +1 and he said that overall, this show compared to other Broadway shows could be better. He agreed that it was still entertaining though. I personally still enjoyed it.
So, my suggestion is that if you do go, I would probably pay up to $ 70 or $ 80 for the show. For those on a budget, there are limited number of $ 30 general rush tickets are available to each performance. Located at the box office beginning at 10am on the day of the performance only; limit of two tickets per person.
Enjoy!

Do you remember a time when TV just came out in color, women were only secretaries, and the dream job was in a big office job? «How to succeed without even trying» will make you laugh the night away as you step back in time to when life was simpler and succeeding was a little easier.
Go step by step with the main character Mr. Finch as he climbs the corporate ladder with tips from a hand book. you’ll have fun all night with the office of WWW.
But viewer beware, although great actors, the majority of the females of the show were not great singers. in fact, many had trouble hitting the high notes in their song and their singing was a little choppy. dancing, story, and choreography was fantastic! but don’t get your hopes up too high, some songs ruined the moment.
Guest Reviewer– Ashley W.

**I wrote this originally as a review for the Al Hirschfeld Theater but I loved the musical so much it deserves its own little review too!**
So my plans at kidnapping Daniel Radcliffe were unsuccessful (do you know how much dough that guy has!?)… but overall, I very much enjoyed my trip to the Al Hirschfeld Theatre last night to see him perform in «How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.» Winning free tickets from Unilocal made the night that much more memorable as I never win tickets to anything!
I freaking loved this show. Seriously. I was a little worried about it at first since my last new musical experience here did not go so well. I walked out during the intermission at Hair (I’m not into hippie stuff… especially old naked women and men shaking their dangley bits in my face!) but I was totally enraptured by this musical the ENTIRE time. It was hysterical with great acting, singing and set design. The humor is definitely for adults but if you bring a kiddo I don’t think they’d understand the sexual jokes. If they do get it, I’d be worried and you should take a good look at who your child hangs out with at school plus check their room for any smut magazines. The sexism bits were hilarious with «A Secretary is Not A Toy» being one of my most favorite numbers. I was laughing so hard.
After the show, I was one of the idiotic hopefuls waiting in the freezing cold to get a glimpse of Daniel and possibly an autograph. There were armed cops all around as well as bodyguards and squealing girls. Well, hate to say it but I did get my glimpse but no autograph… after waiting 30 minutes. Epic fail. Mr. Radcliffe, if you read this review, please know that I think I still deserve that autograph… more so than those little brats who cut the line right when you came out!!!
In hindsight, I wish I had worn platform heels and brought some NyQuil-​laced candy to distract the kids with… Next time I will be prepared!
Haha just joking… I think.
P. S.: Thank you again Jane K. and Unilocal for hooking me up with such an amazing musical. I loved every minute of it and I’m so glad I got to preview it before its official opening on March 27^th! :)