Corporate Satire Stars Virginia Beach Performer Andrew Nelin and Broadway's Elisabeth Evans

Anyone who loves movies such as Office Space, loathes their boss, or has ever been at odds with the 'buffoonery' of big business, take note: Virginia Musical Theatre (VMT) is back at it again with another production that will leave audiences laughing, relating, and commiserating. Opening April 21, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (H2$) continues the VMT tradition, now 26 seasons strong, of bringing Broadway-caliber performing arts to the area.

The VMT artistic team has chosen this award-winning musical full of retro flair wisely. H2$, directed by VMT artistic director Chip Gallagher, not only secured seven Tony awards when it first opened, but was also the recipient of the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Since then, the acclaimed musical has been made into a film, enjoyed a revival production starring Matthew Broderick in 1995 and, more recently, a 50th anniversary production starring "Harry Potter's" Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway.

Virginia Musical Theatre's loyal audiences will notice a new leading man: Andrew Nelin will be taking on his first VMT starring role as J. Pierrepont Finch, the window washer with 'the eagerest ambitions.' "It's such a great role," explains Nelin, "Finch is a young, smart, clear-eyed and charming guy who wants to make it to the top."

Nelin will be playing opposite accomplished Broadway actress Elisabeth Evans (Broadway's Once the Musical) and, as he puts it, can't wait to bring this production to life in true VMT style. Executive Director Mark Hudgins believes that VMT's audiences will find Nelin's performance relatable, pointing out that "Andrew has an endearing quality that really draws the audience in. He brings smart choices to the character, and is the complete song and dance man -- equally adept at singing, dancing and acting."

"This show is witty and Frank Loesser's writing is brilliant," Nelin remarks. Nelin and Evans will be supported by a cast of more than 20 regional and equity professionals, including favorites Mike Joyner, Conor DeVoe, Hannah Zilber, Scott Rollins, Mike Dimirsky and ShaRon Cook.

Evans and Nelin (and the entire VMT ensemble) do this award-winning musical justice with Loesser classics such as the surreal and funny "Coffee Break," the rousing "Brotherhood of Man," and the melodious tongue-in-cheek ballad, "I Believe In You." Director Chip Gallagher sets the stage well, "Audiences can expect a satire of the 1960's corporate world...this powerfully written piece explores the relationships between men and women set against an incredible Frank Loesser score, terrific choreography by Jeff Warner and hilarious book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert."

Tickets are on sale now for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, running April 21-23 at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Visit the Sandler Center box office or call 757-340-5446 to purchase tickets. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.sandlercenter.org.

About Virginia Musical Theatre

For more than 26 years, the award-winning Virginia Musical Theatre (VMT) has presented top-flight musical theatre, featuring many of today's finest regional and Broadway artists...more than 100 productions in all. VMT offers special discounts for seniors, military, groups, children and students.

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