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How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
2025 • Amelia Musical Playhouse
Details
Sunday, May 4, 2025 Tap here to see all showtimes... Click here to see all showtimes...
Synopsis
J. Pierrepont Finch, a young window washer, discovers a book titled “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and decides to follow its advice to ascend the corporate hierarchy. Through a combination of charm, cunning, and a series of fortunate events, Finch quickly rises from the mailroom to the executive suite, outwitting his rivals along the way. However, his rapid ascent attracts scrutiny and puts his career, as well as his romantic relationship with secretary Rosemary Pilkington, on the line. Through catchy tunes and comedic twists, the musical explores the absurdities of corporate life, touching on themes like nepotism, ethics, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Musical numbers
Act I
- “Overture”
- “How to Succeed” – Finch and Ensemble
- “Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm” – Rosemary
- “Coffee Break” – Bud Frump, Smitty, Ensemble
- “Company Way” – Twimble, Finch
- “Company Way (Reprise)” – Bud, Twimble, Ensemble
- “A Secretary Is Not a Toy” – Bratt, Ensemble
- “Been a Long Day” – Smitty, Finch, and Rosemary
- “Been a Long Day (Reprise)” – Bud, Biggley, Hedy
- “Grand Old Ivy” – Finch, Biggley
- “Paris Original” – Rosemary, Smitty, Krumholtz, Miss Jones, and Girls
- “Rosemary” – Finch, Rosemary
- “Act I Finale” – Finch, Rosemary, Bud
Act II
- “Cinderella, Darling” – Smitty and Girls
- 1995 revival replacement: “How to Succeed (Reprise)”
- “Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm (Reprise)” – Rosemary
- “Love From a Heart of Gold” – Biggley, Hedy
- “I Believe in You” – Finch, Men
- “I Believe in You (Reprise)” – Rosemary
- “Brotherhood of Man” – Finch, Womper, Miss Jones, and Men
- “Company Way (Finale)” – Company
Production Notes
Big business means big laughs in this delightfully clever lampoon of life on the corporate ladder. A tune-filled comic gem that took Broadway by storm, winning both the Tony Award for Best Musical and a Pulitzer Prize, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying boasts an exhilarating score by Frank Loesser, including “I Believe in You,” “Brotherhood of Man” and “The Company Way.”
A satire of big business and all it holds sacred, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, who uses a little handbook called How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive, tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant “company man,” the office party, backstabbing coworkers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love.
An irreverent and tuneful romp, jam-packed with sly, swift and sharp jabs to the funny bone, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying is a surefire hit!
Cast
Crew
Orchestra
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