Darren Criss Leaves ‘How to Succeed’ $4 Million Richer

David Rogers How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying January 24, 2012
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Despite having some large shoes to fill when he replaced former “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe as J. Pierrepont Finch three weeks ago in the revival of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Glee” star Darren Criss proved he is capable of being a strong Broadway draw.

During his limited run on the show, the musical had its most lucrative three-week run since the revival began in March of last year. Over the time Criss was featured, the show took in over $1.3 million a week, totaling just over $4 million for the period. Entertainment Weekly reports the $1.3 million mark to be around the production’s maximum potential gross.

The only week more successful was the show’s final week with Radcliffe, which featured nine shows and grossed $1.9 million. Radcliffe’s co-star John Larroquette also left the production just after the beginning of the year, after winning the Tony award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical. He was replaced by Beau Bridges in the role of J.B. Biggley.

Both Radcliffe and Larroquette had been with the production since it began previews in late February 2011. The play also stars Christopher Hanke, and Anderson Cooper recorded his voice for the Voice of the Book. In addition to the Tony award won by Larroquette, the revival was nominated for seven other Tonys.

Joe Jonas will replace Criss beginning today, and is contracted to play the role through July 1. It has been speculated that, because of the success of the initial performances, Criss may be asked back for the role at that time, as it would correspond with a break in filming for “Glee.” No official word on the future of the role of Finch has been released, however.