The actress will be returning to the London scene through this new production of the American classic – playing at the Southwark Playhouse for a limited run. Directed by Georgie Ranckom, the show is a satire of big business and its idolization, featuring music and lyrics by legendary composer Frank Loesser, whose credits also include other hits such as Guys & Dolls.
She’s back, fellas! And so is one of the greatest classics of American musical theatre – with a bit of a British touch this time, though. Ahead of its premiere next May, producers of the new montage of How To Succeed In Business have announced today that acclaimed actress Tracie Bennet will be joining the cast in the role J.B. Biggley – an affair worthy of a celebration, for which she has recorded a special video available below!
With an extensive background in musical theatre, Bennett has been nominated on four occasions for the Olivier Awards, winning twice as Best Supporting Role in a Musical for her work in She Loves Me and Hairspray. Last seen in London as Carlotta in the National Theatre production of Follies, Tracie Bennett recently played Alice in ‘Hangmen’ on Broadway and starred as Mame in Mame at Hope Mill Theatre. She is also well known for playing the role of Sharon Gaskell in Coronation Street from 1982 to 1984, returning to that part in 1999 and again in 2021.
First performed on Broadway in 1961 (receiving both the Tony Award and Pulitzer Price), the musical is a parody of big business and all it holds sacred, following the struggle of J. Pierrepont to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive. “Our approach to this wonderful show is to trust the brilliant original and let the satire shine”, says director Georgie Rankcom. “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.”
How To Suceed In Business Without Really Trying will play at London’s Southwark Playhouse from 12 May to Saturday 17 June. Tickets are available on the following link.