Power, sex, ambition, and greed…it’s just another day at the office in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Middle Kingdom Creatives (MKC) is a community theater group led by Laurel Burns, and they are presenting a unique spin on the hit musical at JinShang Garden Theatre over the next four weekends.
Image by Yinmai O’Connor/That’s
Known for their Drunk Shakespeare shows, MKC have honed their theater skills over the last few years and stepped up their game for their third musical production – it’s their biggest show yet.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was originally a satirical book by Shepherd Mead published in 1952, which later inspired a successful 1961 Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical and a 1967 film adaptation.
Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway. Image via Broadway Shows
More recently, Daniel Radcliffe starred in a Broadway revival of the musical to sold-out crowds in 2011.
The book is a humorous guide to corporate ladder-climbing, satirizing office life in the mid-20th century, in which the protagonist, J. Pierrepont Finch, follows ethically questionable advice to rise from a window washer to a high-powered executive at the fictional Worldwide Wicket Company.
Image by Yinmai O’Connor/That’s
The musical cleverly adapts the tale, which deals with topics that are still incredibly relevant today, such as nepotism, sexism, and inappropriate office conduct.
Songs such as “A Secretary is Not a Toy” and “Brotherhood of Man” comically address serious issues without leaving a bitter taste in your mouth.
Image by Yinmai O’Connor/That’s
MKC have added their own special Chinese touch to the script, with Meituan deliverymen making an appearance and references to the CCTV Headquarters.
We got to attend one of the dress rehearsals earlier this week, and we thoroughly enjoyed the show’s fast pace, wonderful costumes, and just the right amount of camp.
The energetic cast comes from all over the world, yet they form a unified ensemble that has worked tirelessly for months to bring the musical to life.
In addition, it’s for charity! There will be a raffle at each show, with all proceeds going to support Beijing Huiling, which helps people with intellectual disabilities find their own kind of success.
Don’t miss this witty, high-energy musical satire full of ambition, charm, and corporate chaos!
Tickets available for purchase at https://yoopay.cn/event/87917718. You’ll receive a wristband upon check-in for seating in your ticketed area (it’s first-come, first-served within each section).
Go early, grab a drink, and enjoy the show!
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Nov 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, Dec 5 & 6, 7.30pm
RMB150/200/250
JinShang Garden Theatre, B1 No.20 Xinyuanli Xilu, Chaoyang
[Cover image is by Yinmai O’Connor/That’s]
