How to Succeed: Nick Jonas and Michael Urie

As previously announced, Nick Jonas stars as 'J. Pierrepont Finch' from the 24 Jan 2012 in the 50th Anniversary production of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical comedy How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Jonas is the third actor to play the role of 'J. Pierrepont Finch.' Daniel Radcliffe originated the role which he played through to 1 Jan 2012. Darren Criss (Glee) - in his Broadway debut - temporarily assumed the role from 3 - 22 Jan 2012.

Nick Jonas, along with his brothers Joe and Kevin, is a member of the multi-platinum-selling boy band, The "Jonas Brothers." The group first gained popularity through the Disney channel movies "Camp Rock" and its sequel, "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam."

In 2008, the "Jonas Brothers" launched two sold-out tours and released their second album, "A Little Bit Longer," becoming the first artist ever to have three albums on the Billboard Top 10 at once (Jonas Brothers, A Little Bit Longer, and the Camp Rock soundtrack) and receiving a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.

In 2010, Nick Jonas launched a solo effort: "Nick Jonas and the Administration" and released the album "Who I Am."

Jonas first appeared on Broadway age 8 as 'Young Scrooge/Tiny Tim' in 'A Christmas Carol' and followed it up with roles in the Broadway productions of 'Les Miserables,' 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Annie Get Your Gun.' In 2010 he played 'Marius' in London's West End production of 'Les Miserables' as well as at the 25th Anniversary Concert at The O2 Arena. Most recently, he starred as 'Link Larkin' alongside Harvey Fierstein and Marissa Jaret Winokur in the Hollywood Bowl's production of 'Hairspray.'

Also as previously reported, "Ugly Betty" star Michael Urie makes his Broadway debut on 24 Jan 2012 when he assumes thr role of 'Bud Frump' from original cast member Christopher J. Hanke, who played his final performance on 22 Jan 2012.

Urie recently starred Off-Broadway as 'Yepikhodov' in the Classic Stage Company's production of Anton Chekhov's 'The Cherry Orchard.' He also recently starred in the Signature Theatre Company's revival of 'Angels in America' as 'Prior Walter,' as well as the 2009's 'The Temperamentals,' in which he originated the role of 'Rudi Gernreich' and received a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. He is most probably best known for his TV role as "Marc St. James" in the ABC comedy series "Ugly Betty."

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 1 Jul 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 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.

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.

 

Originally published on

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