Roots
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying derives its basis from the masterfully written book of the same name by Shepherd Mead. It is one of the most revealing works by the writer and has been adapted to stage, film and television. In 1955, the resourceful book for the musical was written by Jack Weinstock, Abe Burrows and Willie Gilbert. It wasn’t until 1961 that the first production of the musical was finalized.
Premiere and Reception
Directed by Abe Burrows, the original Broadway production made its debut at the 46th Street Theatre in October 1961. The music of Frank Loesser and lyrics by Frank Leo added a new life to the book and turned it into a theatrical masterpiece. In 1962, the musical was nominated for eight Tony Awards out of which it won seven. This warm critical reception encouraged the musical to run for more than three years and it closed in March 1965 after completing 1,417 performances.
Ravishing Revivals
During its engagement on Broadway, the musical made its West End premiere in March 1963 and closed in 1964 after 520 shows. In 1967, a successful film adaptation of the musical was made that was equally liked by the viewers. The show made its first Broadway revival at the same theatre, which was renamed as the Richard Rodgers Theatre, in March 1995. Earning an overwhelming response from the audiences as well as the critics, the musical successfully completed its series of 548 shows and closed in July 1996.
In 1995, this new production was nominated for several Tony and Drama Desk Awards and one of the featured actors in the musical won a Tony Award. The popularity of the musical spawned its first US National Tour and it played at some of the leading theatres of the country.
February 2011 marked the latest Broadway revival for the show where it premiered at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. This Broadway production featured the Harry Potter star, Daniel Radcliffe in the lead role and was directed by the theatre genius Rob Ashford. The musical created enough buzz among the theatergoers and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying tickets once again were in great demand. The musical closed in May 2012 after finishing 473 shows.
In Theatre Again
After 2012, a number of regional productions in the US performed the musical in their respective neighborhoods which increased its popularity further. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying will be performed at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia during the theatre’s 205th anniversary. Experience this provokingly funny musical during its recent engagement.
About the Show
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a story of an ambitious young man and his inspiring journey from a window cleaner to an influential business executive. This ingeniously written and beautifully performed show presents Shepherd Mead’s satirical take on the dark practices of big businesses and how they affect the emotional relations of two beloveds. Comedy, romance, music and drama put together in one place make the musical a complete entertainment package.