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Darren Criss to replace Daniel Radcliffe in ‘How to Succeed’

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Darren Criss, who plays the character Blaine Anderson on Fox’s ‘Glee,’ will make his Broadway debut in January after Daniel Radcliffe leaves the Broadway revival of ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.’

Organizers confirmed Monday the rumors that Criss will take the lead role of J. Pierrepont Finch in the musical, playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Radcliffe is scheduled to leave the show Jan. 1, and Criss will step in for three weeks from Jan. 3 to 22. It’s unclear if the musical will continue beyond that date, though at least one report indicates that the producers want it to.

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‘How to Succeed,’ with a score by Frank Loesser, opened on Broadway in March to mixed reviews but strong box office thanks to the casting of Radcliffe in the lead role. Los Angeles Times theater critic Charles McNulty wrote in his review: ‘Nothing ages faster than comedy, and the show’s episodic structure now seems as belabored as a sitcom plucked from a rusty time capsule.’

The ensemble also includes Tony winner John Laroquette as the corporate overlord J.B. Biggley and Tammy Blanchard as Hedy La Rue. The production is directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford.

This won’t be the first time that Criss will be playing a role formerly inhabited by Radcliffe. Criss gained fame for co-writing and appearing in the musical parodies ‘A Very Potter Musical’ and ‘A Very Potter Sequel,’ which became hits on YouTube. The actor played the role of Harry Potter in the shows, spoofing Radcliffe’s portrayal of the boy wizard.

RELATED:

Daniel Radcliffe takes break from Broadway to promote ‘Harry Potter’ movie

Theater review: ‘How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying’ on Broadway

Daniel Radcliffe in Broadway’s ‘How to Succeed in Business’: What did the critics think?

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-- David Ng

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