The Company Way

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

           There are many angles to How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying that are intriguing - its music, its humor, and of course, its actors throughout history.  Ranging from stars of stage such as Robert Morse to stars of film such as Matthew Broderick to stars of television such as Walter Cronkite, the cast of characters in this show has always been as diverse as it was entertaining.  
           This is evident now, as Daniel Radcliffe takes the stage as J. Pierrepont Finch, a polished businessman who climbs rapidly to the top of World Wide Wickets, a company run by philandering (and knitting) tycoon J.B. Biggley (John Larroquette, Night Court) with the help of his extremely descriptive book: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – sonorously intoned by an off-stage voice, (CNN’s Anderson Cooper).

           Though the show in itself is greatly entertaining and rightfully twice revived, the greatest appeal of the show is watching Radcliffe (the 21-year-old actor who starred in all eight of the Harry Potter films) sing, dance, and act - and end up being really good at it.  There you have it, I suppose.  Radcliffe steals the show, especially in his final (mainly) solo number, Brotherhood of Man, where he performs feats unheard of from a star mostly known for casting spells.  In a new environment, he casts a spell on his audience, and as if entranced, they stand and applaud him, laughing hysterically at his jokes, gobbling up his every word, amazed to be in the same room as an actor of such magnitude, and of such obvious depth.  And who wouldn’t be?

           I shouldn’t slight the rest of the cast - their performances were greatly admirable as well. Larroquette delivers as a CEO unsure what to do with his power besides exercise its perks, and Christopher J. Hanke shines as his nephew, the villain of the show who is so jealous of Finch’s success that he wheels and deals his way to a position of power to have power over Finch - only to end up back in the mailroom once again.  Also unforgettable is Rob Bartlett, who plays two roles - first, the timid Head of Mailroom-soon-to-be-Head of Shipping who is willing to do anything to stay employed, and second, Wally Womper, a former window washer who grew to be Chairman of the Board of World Wide Wickets but dislikes high-rolling style.  The show also boasts an amazing, multi-purpose set designed by Derek McLane, who won a Tony in 2009 for his sets in 33 Variations.  However, when all of these elements converge and a product such as the one I’ve just seen is the result- well, that’s when you know you’ve got a musical that knows a little something about how to succeed.