Act II Players, Mandarin’s Community Theatre, is proud to present the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. 

This production is presented through special arrangements with Musical Theatre International (MTI) for licensing and production rights. With a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert, and music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, this beloved musical will be directed by Ava and Juliet Fixel, with choreography by Juliet Fixel.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a sharp and witty satire that tells the story of the triumph of the common man amid the buffoonery of big business.

The musical follows J. Pierrepont Finch, an ambitious window washer who stumbles upon a self-help book titled How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Armed with its advice and his own clever charm, Finch begins his meteoric rise up the corporate ladder at the World Wide Wicket Company—starting in the mailroom and quickly advancing.

Along the way, he outmaneuvers his conniving rival Frump (who just happens to be the boss’s nephew), while earning the admiration and support of Rosemary, a devoted secretary who recognizes his potential. But as Finch’s ambition grows, he risks overlooking what truly matters. When his guidebook fails him at a crucial moment, Finch must rely on his own instincts—and his heart—to succeed.

The show features an unforgettable score by Frank Loesser, including standout numbers such as the hilarious “Coffee Break,” the energetic “Brotherhood of Man,” and the charming “I Believe in You.” The show’s clever book earned the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, solidifying its place as a classic of American musical theatre.

Act II Players is Mandarin's Community Theatre! Our mission is to entertain, educate, and engage an audience by providing top quality entertainment through an immersive experience while collaborating with actors, directors, and other theatre lovers from the surrounding community.