Set at the World Wide Wicket Company in New York City, the story begins as ambitious newcomer J. Pierrepont Finch arrives with a pocket-sized guidebook and a determination to rise to the top. In the opening number, “How to Succeed, ” performed with the Executive ensemble, he follows the book’s advice and talks his way into a job in the mailroom. After an awkward run-in with company president J.B. Biggley, Finch meets Rosemary Pilkington, a hopeful and kind-hearted secretary at the company, who immediately takes an interest in him and helps him navigate the Personnel Department and getting his foot in the door.
As Finch settles into oNice life, The Secretaries experience a workplace crisis when the coNee runs out in the break room, launching them into the caNeine deprived number “CoAee Break,” which hilariously captures the daily rhythms and dependencies of the oNice. Finch, meanwhile, studies the culture of The Executives, who proudly explain their cautious philosophy in “The Company Way,” revealing how they stay secure by avoiding risks and blending in and never rocking the boat. Finch, however, has other plans. With carefully timed humility and strategic charm, he declines a promotion in the mailroom only to earn an even better opportunity as a junior executive.
Excited about Finch’s advancement and an invitation to the company reception, Rosemary dreams of impressing him in “Paris Original,” proudly revealing her glamorous new dress/accessory, only to discover that several other Secretaries have purchased the exact same one. At the reception, Finch’s charm and carefully crafted image continue to propel him forward, and he soon rises to vice president. Encouraged to present a bold advertising campaign, he launches an ambitious treasure hunt for company stock, which creates confusion and nearly derails his progress, causing frustration among both The Executives and The Secretaries. Facing disappointment and the possibility of failure, Finch must think quickly to save both his reputation and his future at the company.
In the end, Finch shifts from clever maneuvering to genuine connection, rallying everyone together in the spirited anthem “Brotherhood of Man.” The song unites The Executives and The Secretaries in a celebration of teamwork, loyalty, and shared success. By the final moments, Finch’s journey proves that while ambition may open doors, collaboration, integrity, and heart are what truly lead to the top.
Cast Size
Camp Broadway MyWay recommends a minimum of 14 and a maximum of 50 in the ensemble. Ensemble is divided into 2 groups.
J. Pierrepont Finch
An irrepressible, charming but not altogether trustworthy protagonist. He is a window washer who applies for a job at the World Wide Wicket Company and attempts to climb the ‘ladder of success’ by following the shortcuts in a “How to Succeed” handbook.
Gender: male
Rosemary Pilkington
A resourceful and determined secretary at the company who applies her own clever tactics to find a husband. She becomes Finch’s love interest.
Gender: female
Gigi Amsterdam
One of the narrators of the Prologue and Epilogue, which open and close the show. An older sibling to George, Gigi is spirited and imaginative, with a keen ability to focus and a clear eye for detail. An expert in stagecraft.
Gender: female
George Amsterdam
One of the narrators of the Prologue and Epilogue, which open and close the show. Gigi’s younger sibling, George, has a natural gift for storytelling and is unafraid to try anything. George and Gigi are time travelers who hold the key to Broadway’s past, present, and future.
Gender: male
Executives
The Executives comprise the group of those who have “made it. ” Clad in tailored suits that exude power and confidence, each executive carries an air of importance, however unearned.
Note: Some ensemble members represent other named characters in the show. For instance, Executive 3 delivers lines as boss, J.B. Biggley, and Executive 10 delivers lines as the head of the mailroom, Twimble. All lines outside of the main characters are shared by the ensemble to tell the story and give everyone a moment to shine.
Secretaries
A dynamic group of young professionals, each embodying the spirited energy and ambition of the 1960s corporate culture. They are dressed in stylish, tailored outfits that reflect the fashion of the era. They conform to the sensibility of the time but do not lack the desire to stand out authentically.
Note: Some ensemble members represent other named characters in the show. For instance, Executive 3 delivers lines as boss, J.B. Biggley, and Executive 10 delivers lines as the head of the mailroom, Twimble. All lines outside of the main characters are shared by the ensemble to tell the story and give everyone a moment to shine.
Billing
Requirements
Production of
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Book by
ABE BURROWS,
JACK WEINSTOCK and WILLIE GILBERT
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Music and Lyrics by
FRANK LOESSER
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in Association with FRANK PRODUCTIONS.
The following credits are required on the title page of all programs for the Play:
Video Warning
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibitedIncluded Materials
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