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VIDEO: Watch a Preview of HOW TO SUCCEED... at Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre Starring Frankie J. Grande

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Big business means big laughs in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre's delightful sendup of corporate life playing in Muhlenberg's Baker Theatre, July 11-29.

"How to Succeed..." is the story of a young window-washer named J. Pierrepont Finch, played by Broadway star, TV personality, and Muhlenberg alum Frankie Grande. With a whole lot of charisma and some dumb luck, Finch rises through the ranks of his company until he accidentally-on-purpose becomes a powerful business executive.

Grande is known for his performances in "Rock of Ages" and "Mamma Mia!" on Broadway, as well as for his stint on reality TV series "Big Brother" in 2014. He was last seen at Muhlenberg in the 2013 MSMT production of "Crazy for You."

Get a first look at Grande in the show's video preview below!

Muhlenberg dance program director and founder Karen Dearborn choreographs the production, which features musical direction by Bryan L. Wade, scenic design by John Raley, costume design by Hunter Kaczorowski, and lighting design by Gertjan Houben.

Several other Muhlenberg alumni have made the trip back to their alma mater to be a part of the production, including Aran Abilock Clemmons '17, Meredith Doyle '16, Zach Love '16, and Samantha Simon '15. Also joining the cast, MSMT mainstay Neil Hever '82, a veteran of the first-ever MSMT production - and many since.

Doyle, who plays Finch's love interest and secretary Rosemary Pilkington, will be familiar to SMT audiences as last summer's Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady." Zach Love, last summer's Colonel Pickering, plays zany villain Bud Frump.

Winner of the 1961 Pulitzer Prize in Drama, "How to Succeed..." is celebrated for its hilarious book (co-written by comedy legend Abe Burrows), clever lyrics, and memorable ensemble numbers - including second act showstopper "Brotherhood of Man."

"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" plays July 11-29. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets for the first four shows are $35 regular admission. Senior tickets are $31, student tickets (ages 19-22) are $20, and youth tickets (18 and under) are $17. For the rest of the run, regular tickets are $41, senior tickets are $37, student tickets are $24, and youth tickets are $21. Groups of 15+ are $25 per person, $16 for students and youth.

Tickets can be purchased online at muhlenberg.edu/smt or by phone at 484-664-3333. Performances are in Baker Theatre in the Trexler Pavilion for Theatre and Dance, Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew St., Allentown.

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2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Choreography - Top 3
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26% of votes
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