Original Finch, Robert Morse on HOW TO SUCCEED

Before Daniel Radcliffe started playing HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT RELLY TRYING's leading man, J. Pierrepont Finch, the part belonged to now 'Mad Men' star Robert Morse. Morse, who orginated the role in 1961 and returned for the 1967 movie, won a Tony Award for his performance back in the day.

In a recent interview with the NY Post, Morse commented: "I used to sneak out the back door some nights, but Daniel Radcliffe will probably have to sneak out a window!"

On how the role led him to his current gig he added, "I know that Matthew Weiner [‘Mad Men' writer and producer] wanted me for the role because he remembered me in ‘How to Succeed,' " says Morse, who recalls experiencing déjà vu when he first stepped onto the "Mad Men" set. "When I saw the rows of desks and typewriters and everything else from that period, I started walking up and down the aisles singing songs from ‘How to Succeed.' You can't believe how similar it is."

"I am so happy for this production. It fills me with joy that they are doing it, and I think Radcliffe is an amazing talent. I know when I see it I will look at the stage and say to myself, ‘How the hell did I ever do that?' and tears will probably roll down my face."

To read the full interview, click here.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING opens Sunday, March 27, 2011, at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street). 

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, directed and choreographed by Tony and Emmy Award-winner Rob Ashford, stars Daniel Radcliffe as J. Pierrepont Finch, John Larroquette as J. B. Biggley, introduces in her Broadway debut Rose Hemingway as Radcliffe's onstage romantic interest Rosemary Pilkington, Tammy Blanchard as Hedy La Rue, Christopher J. Hanke as Bud Frump, Rob Bartlett as Twimble/Wally Womper, Mary Faber as Smitty, Ellen Harveyas Miss Jones, Michael Park as Bert Bratt, and Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalistAnderson Cooper making his Broadway debut as the voice of the narrator. The cast of 30 includesCameron Adams, Cleve Asbury, Tanya Birl, Kevin Covert, Paige Faure, David Hull, Justin Keyes,Marty Lawson, Erica Mansfield, Barrett Martin, Nick Mayo, Sarah O'Gleby, Stephanie Rothenberg,Megan Sikora, Michaeljon Slinger, Joey Sorge, Matt Wall, Ryan Watkinson, Charlie Williams and Samantha Zack.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING has music and lyrics by Academy Award and Tony Award winner Frank Loesser, and a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock andWillie Gilbert, based on the book by Shepherd Mead. The creative team for HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING includes Derek McLane (Sets) Catherine Zuber (Costumes),Howell Binkley (Lighting), Jon Weston (Sound), Tom Watson (Hair), Doug Besterman(Orchestrations), and David Chase (Music Director and Arranger). The 50th Anniversary production of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING is produced by Broadway Across America (John Gore, Thomas B. McGrath, Beth Williams), Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Joseph Smith,Michael McCabe, Candy Spelling, Takonkiet Viravan/Scenario Thailand, Two Left Feet Productions/PowerArts, Jen Namoff/Fakston Productions, Hilary A. Williams, HOP Theatricals, LLC/Paul Chau/Daniel Frishwasser/Michael Jackowitz, and Michael Speyer - Bernie Abrams/Jacki Barlia Florin - Adam Blanshay/Arlene Scanlan/TBS Service.

With the aid of a trusty self-help book "How to Succeed in Business" wily window washer J. Pierrepont Finch enjoys a riotous rise up the corporate ladder. Will Finch's unorthodox business practices at the World-Wide Wicket Company get him in hot water with the head honcho J.B. Biggley, and jeopardize his romance with secretary Rosemary Pilkington? With a hilarious book and beloved score by Frank Loesser, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING is packed with hit standards such as "I Believe in You," "Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm," "The Company Way," "Been a Long Day," "Rosemary," and "Brotherhood of Man."

Tickets for HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING range from $52 - $132, and are available at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre box office and at Telecharge.com ( 212-239-6200 ). The playing schedule from February 26 through March 27 is as follows: Monday through Saturday at 8pm, with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm. Beginning March 28 the playing schedule is as follows: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday at 8pm, with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 3pm. Please note there will be no 8pm performance Monday, March 21.

 

 

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