From the creator of Company and Into the Woods comes this thrilling and compelling Broadway musical about friendship, compromise and the high price of success, JYMT present Merrily We Roll Along at the Phoenix Theatre until 5 September 2015.
With a book by George Furth and lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim, Merrily We Roll Along is a 1981 musical based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart.
Merrily We Roll Along begins in the present and moves backwards, tracing the lives of wealthy, jaded composer Franklin Shepard and his two estranged friends through each milestone of their personal and professional lives (good and bad). The show ends with a touch of rueful irony, as the three best friends at the start of their careers face a bright future: young, talented and enthusiastic about the worlds waiting to be conquered.
Furth and Sondheim blend 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. Like Company, Merrily We Roll Along 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.
Stephen Sondheim is an award-winning American composer and lyricist known for more than a half-century of contributions to musical theatre. His best-known works as composer and lyricist include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods, and wrote the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy.
Director: Pip Mushin Musical Director: Phil Setton Production Designer: Valentina Serebrennikova Choreographer: Brendy Ford Stage Manager: Amy Sampson Producer: Shari Cohen
Merrily We Roll Along
Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glen Huntly Road, Elwood
Season continues to 5 September 2015
Information and Bookings: www.jymtheatre.com
Image: Patrick Hill, Stephanie John and Jonathan Goldberg in JYMT’s production of Merrily We Roll Along – photo by Gary Cohen