The Madness for Darren Criss

Darren Criss gave his farewell performance in How To Succeed on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012. Above is the video of the crazy stagedoor after the performance. He sends out a very appreciative message to the fans waiting for him after the show. Check it out.

Meet the New Finch

Darren Criss takes over tonight as J. Pierrepont Finch in How To Succeed. The NY Times did a profile interview with him as he prepares for his Broadway debut. Read about it here.

(photo from DarrenCriss.com)

Funny and Classy

Daniel Radcliffe's last show in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying was yesterday, Jan 1, 2012. Here is his Final Curtain speech that is indeed funny and classy. Taking over his role is Darren Criss (Glee) starting tomorrow, Jan. 3.

How to Help The Trevor Project

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying 's October 6 performance will be fund-raiser for The Trevor Project. There will be an exclusive talk-back with Daniel Radcliffe and other cast members after the show.

Click here to get tickets.

How To Succeed Daniel Radcliffe

Broadway message boards are a-buzz that A Very Potter Musical star and Glee alumni, Darren Criss will replace Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying when Mr. Radcliffe leaves the production in Jan. 2012.

Dealine reports that Mr. Criss is in negotiations with the producers of the musical. If plans push through, he is slated for a 3 week run in January. It's also said that Glee creator, Ryan Murphy has give his blessing. Read more about it here.

My question is.......why only 3 weeks?!!!

Tragedy at How To Succeed

Huffington Post is reporting that the 100th show of How To Succeed, which was suppose to be tonight, was cancelled after an hour's delay. They report that stars John Larroquette and Daniel Radcliffe addressed the audience that the show was going to be cancelled due to a tragedy in the company. Read about it here.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the cast and crew of How To Succeed in these trying times.

The Brotherhood of Dan

I was in NYC again this past weekend to see some shows just before the Tony Awards. First up on Friday night (6/3) was How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying with Daniel Radcliffe. The show is about J. Pierrepont Finch, a window washer who manages to make his way up to be an executive in the World Wide Wicket Company by following the advice of a book called How To Succeed In Business.

I relished the chance to see how this kid we all know as Harry Potter morph himself into a song and dance man. Daniel Radcliffe, who plays J. Pierrepont Finch, carries the show with energy, charm and pure determination. He has a decent voice but I would have to say he is a better dancer than a singer. It's evident that when seen with the ensemble, who perform the dances mellifluously, you can see how much effort he pours into his dancing. Not that it's bad but I do think it's very admirable that he does it with much gusto and he seems to be having the time of his life. He also has great comedic timing and yes, I have to say it again, he's very charming on stage so it is no surprise that he can get away with what he does in the show.

John Larroquette as JB Biggley is amusingly funny. Mr. Larroquette and Mr. Radcliffe play very well off each other. Rose Hemingway (Rosemary Pilkington) has a lovely voice but is limited since her character isn't well developed. Tammy Blanchard plays Hedy LaRue and she is a delight. She has the most hilarious line readings in the show and when coupled with a great NY accent, she just runs away with the show. The ensemble of dancers are wonder to watch but I have to say that my eyes are always drawn to Megan Sikora. She's fascinating to watch with her great lines and control.

The honey comb set with it's 60's vibe were also engaging as well as Rob Ashford's choreography. Although it did remind me of Promises, Promises which Mr. Ashford also directed. I do love the way he incorporates office equipment in some of his dances. It's pretty clever. Over all, it's an entertaining night at the theatre with lots of song and dance numbers and who doesn't want that?

Some photos I took that night:


the craziness of the stage door from across the street


check out the sea of people at the stagedoor


John Larroquette


Rob Bartlett (Mr. Twimble/Wally Womper)


Daniel Radcliffe






Elle Harvey (Miss Jones)

Well, he's not in How To Succeed but when we were walking home, we ran into Tony winner and repeat nominee, Mark Rylance of the play Jerusalem filming his segment for the Tonys.

Daniel Radcliffe: Wizard, Music Man, Auctioneer

Fresh from the opening night success of How To Succeed Without Really Trying, Daniel Radcliffe adds auctioneer to his resume. As it is now time to raise money for BCEFA's Easter Bonnet, Mr. Radcliffe offers a signed copy of "How To Succeed" book for auction to the audience. Read more about it here. (photo from playbill.com)

How to Succeed on Broadway

I didn't see the revival of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying with Matthew Broderick, so I'm happy that it's back. I must admit, getting another chance to see Daniel Radcliffe again on Broadway was a major draw. It's great to see the actor tackle other challenges in his young career. And he did a splendid job as J. Pierrepont Finch, a window washer eager to get ahead in life.
Finch applies for a job at World Wide Wicket, headed by J.B. Biggley (the hilarious John Larroquette with impeccable comic timing). With the help of the book How to Succeed... (Anderson Cooper provides the Book Voice), he steadily climbs the corporate ladder. He also catches the eye of a young secretary, Rosemary Pilkington (Rose Hemingway in her wonderful Broadway debut). Tammy Blanchard plays Hedy Larue, a sexy but ditzy secretary assigned to Finch. Christopher Hanke is Bud Frump, Biggley's incompetent nephew out to thwart Finch's advancement in the company.
The show is reminiscent of Promises, Promises, with its costumes, sets, and choreography. No surprise there: both shows were directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford. Even Megan Sikora is in the cast. Show-stopping numbers include "Grand Old Ivy" and "Brotherhood of Man". Mr. Radcliffe can really dance, and you can see how much fun he's having. It is a fun, high-energy show. But mostly, it's a satire of the business world. Nepotism, sexism, ambition. Business people would probably feel that not much has changed in their world since its first publication.
Daniel at the stagedoor. We didn't get his autograph but at least we were able to inch our way to the front of the line despite the shoving and pushing.
We had much better luck this time than at the Equus one.
The show is still in previews. It was sold-out, and the audience went crazy after every number. There were school groups, and many kids. The show opens 27 March.
The madding crowd

Brotherhood of Man

My sister and I watched How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying last night. It's a fun, hilarious show. Daniel Radcliffe did a fantastic job singing and dancing. It is still in previews, and it was a full house. Very enthusiastic responses, standing ovations at the end. And yes, we did see a brief glimpse of Dan Rad at the crazy stage door. Full review to follow. Here's a little tease: Seth Rudetsky deconstructing Brotherhood of Man.