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Songs from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

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This article is about the 2012 EP by Nick Jonas. For the 2011 cast album with Daniel Radcliffe, see How to Succeed...
Songs from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Cover art for the EP depicting Nick Jonas in a gray suit with a sea-green bow tie. The background features a green scale wallpaper with an hexagonal pattern.
EP by
Nick Jonas
ReleasedMay 8, 2012 (2012-05-08)
RecordedFebruary 19, 2012 (2012-02-19)
VenueAl Hirschfeld Theatre, Manhattan Center, New York City, New York
Genre
Length20:16
LabelBroadway
Producer
Nick Jonas chronology
Nicholas Jonas
(2005) 		Songs from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
(2012) 		Nick Jonas
(2014)

Songs from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is the first extended play (EP) by American singer-songwriter Nick Jonas, released on May 8, 2012, through Broadway Records. It was produced by Robert Sher and features guest appearance by Rob Bartlett, Rose Hemingway and Ellen Harvey. All tracks featured on the record were written by American songwriter Frank Loesser, who wrote several Broadway musicals.

The EP was recorded on February 19, 2012, and consists of five songs that Jonas performs on stage, as the protagonist J. Pierrepont Finch, on the Broadway musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Upon release, the record peaked at number three on the US Cast Albums chart on Billboard, where it charted for two weeks.

Critically, the record was complimented for its production, Jonas' vocal performance and the physical release package. To promote the EP, as well as the musical itself, Jonas appeared on some talk shows and public events, giving interviews and performing songs featured on the musical.

Background and development

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"The pressure comes in knowing how big a role this is, how big an opportunity this is, knowing that it's the kind of role that you need to take ownership of and really command [...] That's where the pressure comes from, I'd say, not so much from previous Finches or productions or anything like that. It's the kind of pressure that pushes you to be better, which I think is always the good kind of pressure."

– Nick Jonas, on taking the role of J. Pierrepont Finch.[1]

On September 7, 2011, Nick Jonas was announced to be replacing Daniel Radcliffe[2] as the main protagonist, J. Pierrepont Finch, on the Broadway musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.[3][4] The singer was set to star in the production starting January 24 until July 1, 2012,[5][6] right after Darren Criss' three-week debut as the character.[7][8] The musical was performed at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, in New York City,[9] with a total runtime of two hours and forty minutes, including one intermission.[10] The show ran from March 27, 2011, to May 20, 2012, for a total of 30 previews[11] and 473 regular performances.[12][13]

Before he took the role, Jonas and Radcliffe met and discussed the character, with Jonas going backstage to congratulate Radcliffe after his final performance. Radcliffe returned the favor by attending one of Jonas’ first performances in the musical.[14]

On February 19, 2012, Jonas recorded five songs featured on the musical for a cast soundtrack.[15][16] The EP was produced by six-time Grammy nominee Robert Sher, who also produced the revival's cast album, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying: Soundtrack from the Musical Comedy (2011), with Radcliffe as the lead vocalist.[17] Executive production on the record was handled by Van Dean, Kenny Howard, and Ken Mahoney.[18][19]

On April 17, 2012, the 5-song track list was announced, along with the EP's release date, set for May 8, 2012, through Broadway Records.[20] It was also revealed that Rose Hemingway, Rob Bartlett and Ellen Harvey, who also starred alongside Jonas on the musical, would be featured in some of the tracks.[21] Prior to the EP's release, the song "I Believe in You" was released online, on April 30, 2012.[22]

Promotion

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Jonas performing as J. Pierrepont Finch for the Broadway production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in 2012.

On January 26, 2012, Jonas appeared on the morning talk show Live! with Kelly to talk about his role as J. Pierrepont Finch in the revival of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.[23] There he performed the song "I Believe In You".[24] On February 14, the singer performed the song again for the Soundcheck live chat show.[25][26]

Jonas performed on the first night of the annual Broadway Week on the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, on February 20, 2012.[27] He closed the show by singing a jazz rendition of “I Believe in You,” a signature song from the classic Frank Loesser musical.[28] On March 31, 2012, the singer performed songs from the musical alongside cast members during The Inner Circles Talent Show.[29][30] The performance was part of a charity gala promoted by the then-Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg.[31][32]

For his performance as the protagonist of the musical, J. Pierrepont Finch, Jonas was honored during the 2012 Broadway Beacon Awards, which was held by Inside Broadway on June 4, 2012.[33][34]

Commercial performance and reception

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How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying debuted at number three on the Billboard US Cast Albums chart.[35] On its second week, the EP dropped to number nine, before departing the chart.[36]

The EP received positive reviews from critics. Andy Propst of Theater Mania was impressed by Jonas voice on the recording, writing that the singer was able to bring elements to the character that perfectly complemented the song's production as well as the guest vocalists, the narrator—Anderson Cooper, and Rob Bartlett. Propst also positively noted that the EP physical release comes with a "first-class package with a full color booklet, chock-full of photographs that’s worthy of a full-length cast recording".[37]

Writing for Review Graveyard, Ian Gude gave the EP a 10 grade, stating that he enjoyed the listening experience of the record, which made him want to hear more from Jonas. He complimented the production and vocal performances, and felt that it "would be great to hear [Nick Jonas] do a Broadway album, or songs from the Great American Songbook", as the singer "has the voice, and the intelligence, to give them the treatments they deserve". On the EP's design and package production, the critic was very pleased and stated that it was "top notch", comparing it to a quality level that even full recordings sometimes lack.[38]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Frank Loesser and produced by Robert Sher.

Songs from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying track listing
No.TitleLength
1."How to Succeed"3:13
2."Company Way" (featuring Rob Bartlett)2:55
3."Rosemary" (featuring Rose Hemingway)4:08
4."I Believe in You"4:54
5."Brotherhood of Man" (featuring Rob Bartlett and Ellen Harvey)5:06
Total length:20:16

Personnel

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Credits are adapted from the EP's liner notes.[39]

Musicians

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  • Nick Jonas – lead vocals
  • Rob Bartlett – guest vocals
  • Rose Hemingway – guest vocals
  • Ellen Harvey – guest vocals
  • Anderson Cooper – narrator

Production

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  • Robert Sher – producer, mixer
  • Ken Mahoney – executive producer
  • Adam Long – chief recording engineer, mixer
  • Kevin Reeves – mastering
  • Matt Barnaba – assistant
  • Ben Cook – assistant
  • Ginno Murphy – assistant
  • Joseph Weiss – coordinator
  • David Chase – supervising producer
  • Doug Besterman – supervising producer, orchestrator
  • Jon Weston – supervising producer
  • Van Dean – design, executive producer
  • Ari Mintz – photography
  • Chris Callis – photography
  • Kenny Howard – executive producer
  • Johnny Lindamood – assistant recording Engineer
  • Darren Moore – assistant recording Engineer
  • Halsey Quemere – assistant Recording engineer
  • Sheldon Yellowhair – assistant recording engineer
  • Joel Scheuneman – chief technical advisor
  • OBie O'Brien – audio director, video producer
  • David Chase – arrangements, conductor, music director
  • Matt Perri – associate conductor
  • Howard Joines – music coordinator
  • Frank Loesser – songwriter

Charts

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Weekly chart performance for Songs from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Chart (2012) Peak
position
US Cast Album[40] 3

Release history

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Songs from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying release history
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
United States May 8, 2012 CD Broadway Records [41]
Canada
Various
[42]

References

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  1. ^ "Nick Jonas knows 'How to Succeed'". The Blade. February 29, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  2. ^ Kennedy, Mark (September 7, 2011). "Nick Jonas Replacing Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway". Billboard. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  3. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (September 7, 2011). "Nick Jonas Replacing Daniel Radcliffe In 'How To Succeed In Business'". Deadline. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  4. ^ Raftery, Brian (January 20, 2012). "Undercover Brother". New York. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  5. ^ Perpetua, Matthew (September 8, 2011). "Nick Jonas to Replace Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  6. ^ Geier, Thom (September 7, 2011). "Nick Jonas to star in 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  7. ^ Ng, David (May 9, 2012). "'How to Succeed,' starring Nick Jonas, to close on Broadway". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  8. ^ Schillaci, Sophie (August 1, 2011). "'Glee's' Darren Criss to Replace Daniel Radcliffe On Broadway". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  9. ^ "Nick Jonas Begins Run as J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". Broadway.com. January 24, 2012. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  10. ^ "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". Theater Mania. April 17, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  11. ^ Lipton, Brian Scott (May 8, 2012). "Broadway's How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying to Close on May 20". Theater Mania. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  12. ^ Ng, David (May 9, 2012). "'How to Succeed,' starring Nick Jonas, to close on Broadway". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  13. ^ "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Starring Nick Jonas, to End Broadway Run". Broadway.com. May 8, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  14. ^ Kennedy, Mark (February 28, 2012). "Singer Nick Jonas learns to succeed in Broadway 'Business'". Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  15. ^ "Nick Jonas Records 'How to Succeed' Cast Album". Backstage. November 5, 2019. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  16. ^ "Nick Jonas Records How to Succeed Album Aimed for Spring Release". Broadway.com. February 21, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  17. ^ Hetrick, Adam (May 31, 2011). "How to Succeed in Business... Cast Album, With Daniel Radcliffe, Released Digitally May 31". Playbill. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  18. ^ Propst, Andy (February 21, 2012). "Nick Jonas to Be Featured on How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Cast Album EP". Theater Mania. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  19. ^ Hetrick, Adam (February 21, 2012). "How to Succeed... Cast Album EP With Nick Jonas Due This Spring". Playbill. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  20. ^ Propst, Andy (April 17, 2012). "Nick Jonas' How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying EP Set for May 8 Release". Theater Mania. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  21. ^ "Release Date Set for Nick Jonas' How to Succeed EP Recording". Broadway.com. April 17, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  22. ^ "Hear Nick Jonas Sing 'I Believe in You' From New How to Succeed EP". Broadway.com. April 30, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  23. ^ Gioia, Michael (January 26, 2012). "The Screening Room: How to Succeed's Nick Jonas Visits "Live! With Kelly" (Video)". Playbill. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  24. ^ Broadway.com Staff (January 26, 2012). "Watch 'Delicious Smelling' How to Succeed Star Nick Jonas Croon on Live! With Kelly". Broadway.com. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  25. ^ Harding, James T. (February 14, 2012). "Stage Tube: Nick Jonas Sings 'I Believe In You' Live on Soundcheck Talk Show". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  26. ^ "Watch How to Succeed Star Nick Jonas Sing 'I Believe in You' on Soundcheck". Broadway.com. February 14, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  27. ^ "Nick Jonas to kick off Broadway Week on 'Jimmy Fallon'". Los Angeles Times. February 17, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  28. ^ Broadway.com Staff (February 21, 2012). "How to Succeed Star Nick Jonas Kicks Off Broadway Week on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon". Broadway.com. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  29. ^ Madden, Jennifer (April 11, 2012). "How to Succeed: Inner Circle's Media Stars Poke Fun at Newsmakers for Charity". Woman Around Town. Retrieved April 11, 2012.
  30. ^ ""Preoccupied" and Mayor Mike Star in Inner Circle Spectacular". Inner Circle Show. April 1, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  31. ^ Chung, Jen (April 1, 2012). "Photos, Video: Mayor Bloomberg Sings With Nick Jonas, Beau Bridges At Inner Circle Show". Gothamist. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  32. ^ Broadway.com Staff (March 31, 2012). "NYC Mayor Bloomberg Gives Nick Jonas a Lesson in How to Succeed at Inner Circle Talent Show". Broadway.com. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  33. ^ Gioia, Michael (June 4, 2012). "Nick Jonas and Christie Brinkley Honored at Inside Broadway's 2012 Broadway Beacon Awards June 4". Playbill. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  34. ^ Denette, Kelsey (April 25, 2012). "Nick Jonas, Christie Brinkley and More to Be Honored at 2012 Broadway Beacon Awards". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  35. ^ "Billboard Cast Albums: May 26, 2012". Billboard. May 26, 2012. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  36. ^ "Billboard Cast Albums: June 2, 2012". Billboard. June 2, 2012. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  37. ^ Propst, Andy (May 8, 2012). "Nick Jonas' How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying EP". Theater Mania. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  38. ^ Gude, Ian (May 8, 2012). "Music Review - Songs from How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (EP)". Review Graveyard. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  39. ^ Songs from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Booklet). United States: Broadway Records. 2012. BR-CD00212E.
  40. ^ "Billboard Chart History: Nick Jonas". Billboard. May 26, 2012. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  41. ^ Songs from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying physical release formats:
  42. ^ Songs from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying digital release formats:
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