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How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
2026 • Act II Players
Details
Sunday, July 19, 2026 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
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying follows ambitious window washer J. Pierrepont Finch as he uses a self-help book and plenty of charm to climb the corporate ladder.
Along the way, office rivals, romance, and gleeful workplace chaos turn this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical into a sharp, tuneful satire of big business.
Cast
Crew
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