To read TheDailySnitcher's review of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, featuring Daniel Radcliffe along with an amazingly talented cast, just click the "Read More" button below!
Enjoy!
Daniel Radcliffe has done a great job of looking like a bad dancer in the Harry Potter films, of course, and even though he might say that he isn’t a good dancer in real life, don’t believe him! His hard work and training has definitely paid off and it shows in his performance as J Pierrepont Finch in his new Broadway musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
In addition to the hard core training Radcliffe and his costars have gone through leading up to the musical’s opening, director Rob Ashford deserves a big hand for bringing out the talent in these performers, most especially with Radcliffe who almost always outshone the other actors on stage with his exhilarating, heart-racing dance moves. Not only that, but the choreography was exceptionally brilliant. Fun to watch, displaying the amount of talent required to pull off the moves, they made all of the actors shine in their performances. Radcliffe and costar Rose Hemingway do a superb job of leading the cast of 29, synchronizing with each other with grace and fluidity as they deliver their difficult dance moves, most notably for numbers Brotherhood of Man and Grand Old Ivy. The audience was certainly satisfied, both impressed and highly entertained.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying tells the story of Finch's climb up the ladder of success in the World Wide Wicket Company using his trusty manual, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (narrated by Anderson Cooper). The opening of the musical begins with Finch pulling himself up from the orchestra pit on a rope while he washes windows and reads his guidebook. This in perfect directorial symmetry when at the end of the show Bud Frump, Finch's archenemy, is shown fumbling in a mess of ropes as he falls from the 'sky' and is now the window washer.
Speaking of which, not only was this a breakout role for Radcliffe, but Christopher J Hanke (WWW's boss J.B. Biggley's nephew and Finch’s nemesis, Bud Frump) was a surprising standout. Both Radcliffe and Hanke were hilarious in their roles, never over the top, and delivered their comedic lines with perfect timing and absolute ease. Everyone in the audience was completely amused at all of their jokes, which were never too obvious or overdone but just right. It was great fun watching as spoiled, whiny Frump tried to get the top job by doing as little work as possible and simply using his connections, while Finch used his sucking-up skills (newly acquired from his faithful guidebook) to get Frump out of the way and into the top position for himself. They never missed a comedic beat and played off of each other incredibly well.
The musical also costars Hemingway as Finch's love interest, Rosemary Pilkington, who brings the dated role to life perfectly and with an understanding of that character’s mindset and the time in which she lives that is truly admirable. Hemingway is definitely a gifted performer. And of course John Larroquette as Biggley deserves great applause. The actor was hilarious at times and displayed amazing ability to switch to a more serious side when the situation called for him to do so, making him the perfect choice to play the role of both scary boss and nervous boyfriend.
Radcliffe was definitely treated like the star at the end of the show when everyone took their bows. He was well-received by the audience who seemed to want to see him succeed in a role outside of Potter and were very supportive of his endeavors.
The audience found it highly amusing when it the suggestion was made to add the Queen to make the TV show that they were developing more successful, and Radcliffe retorted “This is an American show!” He also brought his hyper self to the role when needed, and it was extremely funny to watch when he was courting Rosemary and jumping on the couch in his excitement. The audience seemed to really welcome him in the role of J Pierrepont Finch and really wanted him to do well in the role and in his projects outside of Potter. They were willing to see him in the role of Finch completely and forget about Potter, which is due a great deal in part to Radcliffe’s acting skills in that he is able to make you forget the famous role he played and see him in an entirely new character. Radcliffe’s American accent was very well-done as well; in fact, it was only through half of the first act that I even remembered to take note of it because his British accent was so unnoticeable. His singing voice was truly impressive; you can tell how much hard work he’s put into perfecting his singing and dancing moves as well, which were amazing.
Everyone’s performance was spot on and the best that it could have possibly been, as was their singing and the way in which they brought their characters to life. All of the performers were really into their roles and made their characters living and breathing and completely three dimensional. No one seemed stiff or uncomfortable or nervous on stage, making the performance truly magical and exceptional.
Overall, the musical was really, really excellent! For Radcliffe fan’s, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a fantastic way to see him in a role that is great for all ages. It is a family friendly musical that everyone will enjoy and will leave you laughing and incredibly impressed by his singing and dancing. It is a wonderful experience to see the talented actor in a role of outside of Potter, so definitely don’t miss this one! Also, you’ll also love to see Radcliffe in his bright blue bow tie, which is one of the souvenirs being sold and which you can order here. And for fan’s of musicals, this is a must-see as everyone was absolutely brilliant!
Tickets for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying can be purchased at Broadway.com. For special fan exclusives and discount tickets, head to the official fan page for the musical.
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