What Is the Story of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying?

As the show begins, J. Pierrepont Finch, a young window washer, is poring over a how-to book for transforming himself into a tycoon. He soon bluffs his way into a job in the mail room at World Wide Wicket Company, where he catches the eye of secretary Rosemary Pilkington. With a mixture of innocence and smarts, our hero continues to climb the ladder of success, impressing boss J.B. Biggley while overcoming opposition from Biggley’s lazy nephew, Bud Frump. Meanwhile, Biggley is trying to keep his sexy mistress, Hedy La Rue, happy, and Rosemary is dreaming of an idyllic suburban life with her future husband “Ponty” Finch. Will everyone at World Wide Wicket get their version of a happy ending?

Should I See It?

What is How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Like?

How to Succeed is a delightful musical satire of corporate life and office politics, packed with memorable songs such as “I Believe in You,” “Brotherhood of Man” and “Been a Long Day.” The big draw of director/choreographer Rob Ashford’s revival is the exhilarating musical debut of Daniel Radcliffe as Finch. With impish charm, Radcliffe sings and dances his way through this big, bright production, which features Ashford’s signature high-energy musical numbers and design elements perfectly in sync with the show’s early ’60s setting. Winner of both the Tony and Pulitzer Prize for its 1961 debut, How to Succeed has earned its status as a classic, not-to-be-missed musical treat.