Daniel Radcliffe ended his run in the lead role of J. Pierrepont Finch earlier this month in the Broadway revival of 'How to Succed in Business Without Really Trying'. Though the show was short of a complete sell-out, Radliffe never missed a performance during his 10-month contract, helped to fill the theater to an average of 94% of capacity, and was instrumental in producers recouping their $9 million production cost by December 2011.
Radcliffe's replacement is Nick Jonas (of Jonas Brothers fame). Though he is contracted to star from January 24 to July 1, 2012, producers had the great idea in casting Darren Criss ("Glee") to fill the interim between Radcliffe's departure and the the arrival of Jonas.
With Criss starring only three weeks in the role and his fame cemented by his role of Blaine on the FOX television series and his cover of the Katy Perry song "Teenage Dream" from the show, the box office is currently on fire with grosses coming in at over $1.3 million each week.
With Jonas starring in the role for six months, predictions are that the box office will soften as audiences have a wider window to catch the actor/singer in the role. Other major changes in the cast includes Beau Bridges as J.B. Biggley (replacing Tony Award winner John Larroquette) and Michael Urie ("Ugly Betty") as Bud Frump (replacing Christopher J. Hanke).
Publicity for the show has remained similar with the three young actors gracing adverting, the marquee and playbill cover by wearing a similar grey suit. But it was rather cutesy that each actor would have a signature color bow tie: blue for Radcliffe, purple for Criss and green for Jonas. Souvenir ties in each color were sold at the show. Photos below of the 'How to Succeed' marquee from BroadwayWorld.com.
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| (images: BrodwayWorld) |
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