How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying — Nominee for Best Revival of a Musical

Opened:
March 27, 2011

The Story:
J. Pierrepont Finch, a young window washer, pores over a how-to book for transforming himself into a tycoon, and 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 climbs the ladder of success ever higher, impressing boss J.B. Biggley while overcoming opposition from Biggley’s lazy nephew, Bud Frump.

Based On:
In 1955, playwrights Willie Gilbert and Jack Weinstock created a dramatic interpretation of Shepherd Mead's 1952 bestselling satirical book, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Show History:
The show first bowed on Broadway in October 1961, winning seven Tony Awards and the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. A successful revival was mounted in 1995, starring Matthew Broderick as J. Pierrepont Finch and Megan Mullally as Rosemary Pinkington.

Authors:
Book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert; music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.

Producers:
Broadway Across America, Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Joseph Smith, Michael McCabe, Candy Spelling, Takonkiet Viravan/Scenario Thailand, Hilary A. Williams, Jan Namoff/Fakston Productions, Two Left Feet Productions/Power Arts, Hop Theatricals, LLC, Paul Chau, Daniel Frishwasser/Michael Jackowitz, Michael Speyer – Bernie Adrams/Jacki Barlia Flori – Adam Blanshay/Arlene Scanlan/TBS Service

Other Honors:
—Broadway.com Audience Choice Award for Favorite Musical Revival
—Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Revival of a Musical
—Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Revival of a Musical
—Drama League nomination for Distinguished Revival of a Musical

Fun Fact:
How to Succeed was only the fourth musical ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, following in the footsteps of Of Thee I Sing!, South Pacific and Fiorello!.