Sunday, November 6, 2011

Daniel Radcliffe Wows Broadway in 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'

I recently had the opportunity to entertain some customers in New York, and brought them to see a show on Broadway. I chose 'How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying'(H2SIB). It's a fun musical that is enjoying tremendous success in it's second revival since the original bow in 1961. The story is a satire on big business, corporate life and office politics (anyone who has ever worked in a corporate office can appreciate this storyline). "H2SIB" stars Daniel Radcliffe, everybody's favorite boy wizard Harry Potter. Without a doubt, the theatre had a significant number of people who were clearly fans of Mr Radcliffe, and were visibly excited by the opportunity to see Daniel on stage. Admittedly I too, found it rather titillating having long been a fan of the Harry Potter series. That being said, I am also a fan of Broadway theatre and musicals especially.

image from digital book I purchased on iTunes
Mr Radcliffe gave an impressive performance on every level as J. Pierrepont Finch who goes from window washer to business executive. He has great stage presence and easily commands attention of the audience. He executes a flawless American accent, and has impressive vocal abilities considering he is not classically trained as a singer. Perhaps it was his dancing that I found equally impressive (incidentally the choreography is really terrific).

With respect to the show itself, the music from How to Succeed In Business is top notch. With a retro feel, it is packed with genuinely catchy and toe-tapping tunes. I left the theatre singing and wanting more, which is always a good sign I think.

image from digital book I purchased on iTunes
John Larroquette is a pure delight as boss J.B. Biggley. The supporting cast were all excellent, in particular Rose Hemingway as love interest Rosemary Pilkington, Tammy Blanchard as the sultry Hedy LaRue and Ellen Harvey as Biggley's secretary Miss Jones. I don't claim to be a theatre critic so this isn't intended to be an all encompassing review. However I do know this: I LOVED How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and highly recommend it for anyone to see if you can get to New York. You will leave the theatre smiling and feeling good, and that is certainly worth the price of a ticket.

Don't just take my word for it, here is a quick video review of the show too.

2 comments:

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Thank you kindly.