How to Succeed... to end B'way run on 20 May 2012

The 50th Anniversary production of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical comedy How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying will end its Broadway run on 20 May 2012.

When the show closes it will have played 30 previews and 473 regular performances. It recouped its $9 million initial investment in Dec 2011.

Producer John Gore said, "We could not have asked for a better vision of this legendary show than Rob Ashford's joyous production which literally sent audiences dancing out into the streets. I am certain the original creators would be proud of this chapter in the legacy of this great show."

Fellow producer Michael McCabe said, "My producing partners and I are extremely grateful to the unbelievably talented company of actors and skillful crew that have given vibrant life to this show for over 500 performances. Their collective commitment, spirit and energy is what has made the audience experience so singular and thrilling. We could not be more proud of this production."

How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying opened at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre on 27 Mar 2011, following previews from 26 Feb 2011, where it had been selling tickets through to 1 Jul 2012.

The musical has recently been struggling at the box office, with last week's house capacity at the 1,435 seat Al Hirschfeld Theatre a mere 43%.

The musical opened to mixed reviews: Everyone is earnest to distraction (newyorktheatreguide.com); Charm-free revival (NY Times); Bright, cheerful and energetic (NY Daily News); High-octane, hard-working revival (Bloomberg); Frenetic and dull all at the same time (Back Stage).

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?

How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying currently stars Nick Jonas (J. Pierrepont Finch), Beau Bridges (J. B. Biggley), Michael Urie (Bud Frump), Tammy Blanchard (Hedy La Rue), Rob Bartlett (Twimble/Wally Womper), Mary Faber (Smitty), Ellen Harvey (Miss Jones), Michael Park (Bert Bratt), Rose Hemingway (Rosemary Pilkington) and featuring the voice of Anderson Cooper as the narrator.

The musical's original cast starred Daniel Radcliffe (J. Pierrepont Finch) and John Larroquette (J. B. Biggley), who both played their final performance on 1 Jan 2012. On 3 Jan 2012, the star of Fox' smash hit television show "GLEE" Darren Criss stepped into the role of 'J. Pierrepont Finch' opposite Beau Bridges' 'J.B. Biggley.' On 24 Jan 2012 24, Nick Jonas began his run as 'J. Pierrepont Finch.'

Director and choreographer Rob Ashford's creative team for How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying includes Derek McLane (Sets) Catherine Zuber (Costumes), Howell Binkley (Lighting), Jon Weston (Sound), Doug Besterman (Orchestrations), and David Chase (Music Director and Arranger).

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 and Willie Gilbert, based on the book by Shepherd Mead.

The production was nominated for eight 2011 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Director, Best Choreography, and earned John Larroquette a Tony Award for 'Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical.'

The score includes the songs, "I Believe in You," "Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm," "The Company Way," "Been a Long Day," "Rosemary," and "Brotherhood of Man."

The musical 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 and Two Left Feet Productions/PowerArts.