How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Last night we went into the city to see "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" starring Daniel Radcliffe, John Larroquette, and Rob Bartlett!
Here's just one review:
The show is a diabolical take on the American dream realized via pure cunning and calculation. In the witty book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert (based on Shepherd Mead's novel), Finch's meteoric rise takes him in record time from window-washer to mailroom clerk to junior executive to VP of advertising, and finally, to chairman of the board. He hurdles over and eliminates rivals along the way, neglecting his steno-pool sweetheart Rosemary (Rose Hemingway) to serve his ambition.
Finch is a conniving antihero, so he needs to keep the audience on his side. On that count, the still-boyish Radcliffe's butter-wouldn't-melt smile and ingratiating manner fit the bill nicely.
Looking to expand his range as the Harry Potter franchise wraps up, Radcliffe deserves credit for setting himself new challenges. This role calls for an entirely different skill set from the febrile intensity he brought to his last Broadway assignment, as the psychotically disturbed stable boy in Equus. His voice is a little thin, but he does a capable job on Frank Loesser's songs, and while Ashford mostly entrusts the heavy lifting to the ensemble, Radcliffe more than holds his own in the boisterous dance numbers.
Overall, it was enjoyable. The sets and costumes were bright and entertaining. Our seats were good and I had a lovely time. We did get several autographs after the show (including Daniel Radcliffe's!)
Here's just one review:
The show is a diabolical take on the American dream realized via pure cunning and calculation. In the witty book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert (based on Shepherd Mead's novel), Finch's meteoric rise takes him in record time from window-washer to mailroom clerk to junior executive to VP of advertising, and finally, to chairman of the board. He hurdles over and eliminates rivals along the way, neglecting his steno-pool sweetheart Rosemary (Rose Hemingway) to serve his ambition.
Finch is a conniving antihero, so he needs to keep the audience on his side. On that count, the still-boyish Radcliffe's butter-wouldn't-melt smile and ingratiating manner fit the bill nicely.
Looking to expand his range as the Harry Potter franchise wraps up, Radcliffe deserves credit for setting himself new challenges. This role calls for an entirely different skill set from the febrile intensity he brought to his last Broadway assignment, as the psychotically disturbed stable boy in Equus. His voice is a little thin, but he does a capable job on Frank Loesser's songs, and while Ashford mostly entrusts the heavy lifting to the ensemble, Radcliffe more than holds his own in the boisterous dance numbers.
Overall, it was enjoyable. The sets and costumes were bright and entertaining. Our seats were good and I had a lovely time. We did get several autographs after the show (including Daniel Radcliffe's!)
