How to Succeed: D. Criss to replace Radcliffe

Darren Criss (GLEE) is to make his Broadway debut when he stars in the 50th Anniversary production of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical comedy How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, for a three week limited engagement from 3 - 22 Jan 2012.

Criss will assume the role of 'J. Pierrepont Finch' from original cast member Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), who will play his final performance in the musical on 1 Jan 2012.

Director/choreographer Rob Ashford said, "Daniel gives an extraordinary performance eight times a week and we knew finding someone to fill his shoes would be nearly impossible. When we learned of Darren's dream of performing on Broadway we knew we had found our Finch but presumed his "GLEEâ" schedule would eliminate any chance to work with him. We are ecstatic and grateful to Ryan Murphy and his 'GLEE' team at 20th Century Fox TV for helping to make both Darren's and our dream come true"

Actor/musician/songwriter Darren Criss stars in Fox's Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning series 'GLEE.' He was recently promoted to a series regular after making a guest star appearance in Season Two, playing 'Blaine Anderson.' He is also the co-founder of StarKid Productions, where he wrote and starred in 'A Very Potter Musical' and 'A Very Potter Sequel.' His television credits include "Eastwick," "Cold Case" and "Archer."

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 opened at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre on 27 Mar 2011, following previews from 26 Feb 2011, and is currently booking through to 22 Jan 2012.

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).

How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying currently stars Daniel Radcliffe as 'J. Pierrepont Finch,' John Larroquette as 'J. B. Biggley,' Christopher J. Hanke as 'Bud Frump,' Tammy Blanchard as 'Hedy La Rue,' Rob Bartlett as 'Twimble/Wally Womper,' Mary Faber as 'Smitty,' Ellen Harvey as 'Miss Jones,' Michael Park as 'Bert Bratt,' Rose Hemingway as 'Rosemary Pilkington' and features the voice of Anderson Cooper as the narrator.

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 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.