Georgie Rankcom’s re-imagined new production of classic Broadway musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying has announced further casting.
Coming to Southwark Playhouse Borough this spring, the show will feature West End and Broadway star Tracie Bennett as J B Biggley, the boss in the musical, a role usually played by a man.
Tracie Bennett has played numerous starring stage roles, including recent turns in Hangmen on Broadway, Follies at the National Theatre, and Mame at Hope Mill Theatre. She has also picked up two Olivier Awards, four nominations and a Tony nod!
Tracie is also well known for playing the recurring role of Sharon Gaskell in Coronation Street.
The show also features the voice of Ru Paul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage as ‘The Book’, with further casting to be announced.
This revival of Frank Loesser (Guys & Dolls) and Abe Burrows’ Broadway musical is helmed by director Georgie Rankcom, and plays at the Southwark Playhouse Borough from 12 May to 17 June 2023.
Watch Tracie Bennett announce the news!
A satire of big business and all it holds sacred, it 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 co-workers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love.
Tracie Bennett said in a video statement: “I’m excited to tell you that I’m coming back to London to start rehearsing the 1960s satirical musical, ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’. I’ll be playing a man. Yes, it was bound to happen some time, wasn’t it? With these very dulcet tones of mine! Looking forward to it very much. Lots of love for now and I’ll see you soon!”
Director Georgie Rankcom (Anyone Can Whistle) said: “Our approach to this wonderful show is to trust the brilliant original and let the satire shine. To find the best possible company to tell this story, we expanded our ideas of who can play and embody these roles. When you’re looking for someone with the charisma and power to be the high powered boss with a flare for the occasional musical number, Tracie Bennett quickly becomes the top choice. I’m honoured and excited to be working with her on bringing this new version of ‘How to Succeed’ to the stage.”
The full creative team consists of Director Georgie Rankcom (they/them), Choreographer Alexzandra Sarmiento (she/her), Musical Director Natalie Pound (she/her), Set and Costume Designer Sophia Pardon (she/her) Lighting Designer Lucía Sánchez Roldán (she/her), Sound Designer Joshua Robins (he/him), Orchestrator Stuart Morley (he/him), Stage Manager Waverley Moran (she/they), Production Manager Misha Mah (they/them), Casting Director Peter Noden (he/him), Producer / General Manager Jodee Conrad (she/her).
Book tickets for How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Southwark Playhouse Borough
Southwark Playhouse Borough, London
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