How to succeed in color theory.

My recent trip to Broadway started with a performance of How to Succeed in Business Without Really  Trying starring the perfectly charming Daniel Radcliffe. I was worried that this show would feel a little outdated.  And sure, the 1950s sentimentally has a certain quaintness, but it offered a surprisingly contemporary sensibility.

Take A Secretary Is Not a Toy.  I know a lot of businessmen today who would benefit from some of the advice offered in this song.  Sure, we don't have many secretaries around these days, but the ways men treat women in the workplace doesn't seem to have changed that much.  And Coffee Break reminded me of traveling with several of my co-workers.  Things can get ugly fast when driven business people don't get their caffeine. Whenever I'm on the road with her, my friend Sara makes sure I have a Diet Pepsi in the morning so I don't get those caffeine jitters.

Daniel Radcliffe is more than adequate as J. Pierrepont Finch.  You could fall in love with a guy like that.  But there was something lacking.  I'm not sure if it was the role or if it was Daniel Radcliffe.  Although, I only know one other person who looks so adorable in a bow time.

The stars of this show may be the ingenious set, the stunning lighting, and the desirable costumes (most of which I'd wear, particularly those for the men). This was a study in brilliant color theory.  The set is a mid-century architectural dream with a giant dose of LED lighting featuring color so brilliant every designer I know should run to see it.  I can't express how much I loved the bright pinks and oranges and magentas that instantly softened to dusty hues of the same colors.  Or those bright-eyed blues and greens that wrapped the theater in lushness.  So here's a big "thank you" to Derek McLane (Scenic Design), Catherine Zuber (Costume Design), and the mind-blowing work of Howell Binkley (Lighting Design). You guys made color magical.