Cast announced for Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along

Hayes Theatre Co Luckiest Productions Merrily We Roll Along - photo by Peter Brew BevanThe award-winning producer of Sweet Charity and Little Shop of Horrors, Luckiest Productions, in association with Hayes Theatre Co, has announce the brilliant cast for the Stephen Sondheim-George Furth musical Merrily We Roll Along at the Hayes Theatre Co from 16 April 2020.

A thrilling and compelling Broadway fable about friendship, compromise and the high price of success, Merrily We Roll Along is the heartbreaker of Sondheim musicals, looking at how the best of friends lose their way as they fight to win at life. It follows a trio of friends – composer Franklin Shepard, his writing partner lyricist Charley Kringas and upcoming novelist Mary Flynn.

The three are primed to change the world through words and music, however success has a way of opening doors that take them further away from what – and who – they love. Famously told in reverse, Merrily We Roll Along is an emotional detective story that investigates how grown-up sellouts are forged from wide-eyed poets.

Returning to Hayes Theatre Co in the role of Mary Flynn is Helpmann Award winner and one of Australia’s finest leading ladies Elise McCann (Matilda, Everybody Loves Lucy). The role of Charley will be played by Sydney Theatre Award winner and Hayes’ favourite Ryan Gonzalez (In the Heights, Jersey Boys). Recent WAAPA graduate Andrew Coshan (MTC’s A View from the Bridge) will perform the role of Franklin Shepard.

Georgina Hopson (Ragtime, West Side Story) will play the role of Gussie while Aaron Tsindos (Muriel’s Wedding, Shakespeare In Love) takes on the role of Joe. Recent graduate from Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Tiarne Sue Yek plays the role of Beth while Ayesha Madon (IRENE, Fangirls) will perform the roles of KT and Meg.

The multi-award-winning creative team comprises of Dean Bryant (Sweet Charity, Assassins, Little Shop of Horrors) choreographer Andrew Hallsworth (Muriel’s Wedding, Sweet Charity) and musical director Lucy Bermingham (In the Heights, Caroline, Or Change). Set Designer will be Jeremy Allen, Costume Designer is Mel Liertz, while Dave Bergman will provide the Sound Design and Trent Suidgeest is Lighting Designer.

Merrily We Roll Along brilliantly blends the excitement and energy of a backstage musical with a poignant and emotional contemporary story about the importance of staying true to one’s ideals. It’s a show that crackles with the wit, humour and intensity that embody the spirit of New York City.

With a brilliant “Broadway-style” score and that deep insight one expects from any Sondheim endeavour, Merrily We Roll Along is a spirited and moving cautionary tale for anyone who has ever pursued a dream.

Merrily We Roll Along plays at the Hayes Theatre Co. from 16 April to 23 May 2020. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit: www.hayestheatre.com.au for details.

Image: Ryan Gonzalez, Andrew Coshan and Elise McCann will star in Merrily We Roll Along – photo by Peter Brew Bevan