Merrily We Roll Along 1934 - Articles Page 3

Opened: September 29, 1934

Merrily We Roll Along - 1934 - Broadway History , Info & More

Music Box Theatre (Broadway)
239 West 45th St. New York, NY

Merrily We Roll Along isn't your typical musical. With a unique backward chronology, it tells the story of Franklin Shepard, a once-promising composer, and his two lifelong friends, lyricist Charley Kringas and writer Mary Flynn. The show starts with a jaded Franklin in 1976, surrounded by superficiality and disillusionment.



We then embark on a poignant journey backwards in time. Each scene peels back a layer, revealing a key moment in their friendship and careers. We witness their youthful idealism, their struggles and triumphs as they chase their dreams in the vibrant world of New York theater. The songs, filled with Stephen Sondheim's signature wit and emotional depth, capture the joys and heartbreaks of their journey. Merrily We Roll Along is a bittersweet exploration of friendship, ambition, and the price of success, leaving a lasting impression with its unconventional storytelling and powerful music.

Merrily We Roll Along - 1934 - Broadway Cast

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Merrily We Roll Along - 1934 - Broadway Articles Page 3

Original Stars to Appear at Cinema Arts Centre Screening of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Documentary
by BWW News Desk - Feb 15, 2017


Cinema Arts Centre will screen the new MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG documentary BEST WORST THING THAT EVER COULD HAVE HAPPENED on Tuesday, February 28 at 7:30 pm, with original 'Merrily' cast members Mana Allen and Paul Hyams set for a discussion following the film.

Andrew Samonksy, Jason Graae, Beverly Ward and More to Star in MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Concert at Rubicon
by BWW News Desk - Oct 1, 2016


The 2015-16 Janet and Mark L. Goldenson Broadway Musical Concert Series at Rubicon Theatre Company concludes with a concert presentation of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG.

Andrew Samonksy, Jason Graae, Beverly Ward and More to Star in MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Concert at Rubicon
by BWW News Desk - Sep 23, 2016


The 2015-16 Janet and Mark L. Goldenson Broadway Musical Concert Series at Rubicon Theatre Company concludes with a concert presentation of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG.

BWW Takes a Closer Look at Harry Enfield's Upcoming Project with the Young Vic, ONCE IN A LIFETIME
by Liz Cearns - Sep 22, 2016


Harry Enfield will play studio boss Herman Glogauer in Christopher Hart's adaptation of Kaufman and Hart's classic Hollywood comedy, Once in a Lifetime. Enfield is joined in the cast of Richard Jones' production by John Marquez as George and Claudie Blakley as May, with further casting still to be announced.

STAGE TUBE: Stephen Sondheim & Hal Prince Discuss the Creation of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG in Lonny Price's New Documentary
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 31, 2016


Lonny Price's 'Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened' is set to screen as part of the Special Events of the 54th New York Film Festival (September 30 - October 16).  Below, check out a clip from the documentary, in which Hal Prince and Stephen Sondheim discuss their new 'show about kids.'

HAMILTON and MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Documentaries to Premiere at 2016 NYFF
by TV News Desk - Aug 23, 2016


Special Events will feature the world premiere of Lonny Price's Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened, a nonfiction account of Stephen Sondheim and Harold Prince's 1981 musical-flop-turned-cult-favorite Merrily We Roll Along, with Price and theater luminary Sondheim in person. Thirty-five years later in the world of musicals, Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton is a Broadway sensation. Alex Horwitz's Hamilton's America goes behind the history of the Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning production, and makes its world premiere at NYFF with the director and special guests to be announced.

Kristen Stewart & Adam Driver Named Honorees for FSLC's 'An Evening with...'
by Caryn Robbins - Aug 23, 2016


The Film Society of Lincoln Center announces the Special Events section and “An Evening with…” honorees for the 54th New York Film Festival.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 11/28/15- MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 28, 2015


Today in 1981, Merrily We Roll Along closed at the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre), where it ran for 16 performances. Merrily We Roll Along is a musical with a book by George Furth and lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim. It is based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Furth and Sondheim retained the basic structure and overall theme of the play but updated it to encompass the period from 1957 to 1976. The story revolves around Franklin Shepard who, having once been a talented composer of Broadway musicals, has now abandoned his friends and his songwriting career to become a producer of Hollywood flicks. Like the play, the musical begins at the height of his Hollywood fame and moves backwards in time, showing snapshots of the most important moments in Frank's life that shaped the man that he is today.

Sharon Playhouse's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, Starring Jason Tam & More, Begins Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jul 15, 2015


Sharon Playhouse, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Simpkins and Managing Director Justin Ball, presents a rare staging of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Merrily We Roll Along from tonight, July 15, through July 19.

Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at Jason Tam, Lauren Marcus, A.J. Shively and More in MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
by Christina Mancuso - Jul 15, 2015


Sharon Playhouse, under the leadership of Artistic DirectorJohn Simpkins and Managing Director Justin Ball, presents a rare staging of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Merrily We Roll Along from July 15 through 19.   Check out a sneak peek below!

Sharon Playhouse's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, Starring Jason Tam & More, Begins Next Month
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 23, 2015


Sharon Playhouse, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Simpkins and Managing Director Justin Ball, presents a rare staging of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Merrily We Roll Along from July 15 through 19. 

Jason Tam, Ed Dixon, Lee Harrington & More Set for Sharon Playhouse's 2015 Season
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 13, 2015


Sharon Playhouse, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Simpkins and Managing Director Justin Ball, has announced initial casting and creative teams for its 2015 Season with the musicals My Fair Lady, Merrily We Roll Along, and Little Shop of Horrors on the Mainstage; Ed Dixon's new play Georgie: The Life and Death of George Rose and True Love on Stage 2 in the Bok Gallery. The Youth Theatre will present the Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher.

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Coming to Temple Theaters' Randall Theater, Now thru 3/22
by BWW News Desk - Mar 12, 2015


Temple Theaters continues its 47th Season with Merrily We Roll Along, Directed by Brandon McShaffrey, with musical direction by Bryan DeSilva. Featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth, the show runs tonight, March 12-22.

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Coming to Temple Theaters' Randall Theater, 3/12-22
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 20, 2015


Temple Theaters continues its 47th Season with Merrily We Roll Along, Directed by Brandon McShaffrey, with musical direction by Bryan DeSilva. Featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth, the show runs March 12-22. Based on a 1934 play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, in which a playwright sacrifices his principles for popularity, Merrily We Roll Along examines artistic integrity and ambition against the backdrop of the 60s and 70s. Staged simply in the intimate Randall Theater with two pianos, this production allows the Sondheim's moving score to take center stage.

Sharon Playhouse's 2015 Season to Include MY FAIR LADY, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS & More
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 5, 2015


Sharon Playhouse, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Simpkins and Managing Director Justin Ball, announces the 2015 summer season of musicals and plays My Fair Lady, Merrily We Roll Along, Little Shop of Horrors, Georgie: The Life and Death of George Rose, Peter and the Starcatcher, and the new musical, True Love.

BWW Feature: Sondheim's Most Hummable Songs
by Matt Tamanini - Jan 25, 2015


After seeing the new INTO THE WOODS movie twice over the holidays, I posted on Twitter about how two of the songs had stuck with me. After a tweet conversation, my BWW colleague Jeff Walker and I decided to put our heads together to try and come up with a list of Sondheim's most hummable tunes. Despite not discussing it beforehand, Jeff ended up picking songs from the 1960s and 70s, and I filled in the gaps with numbers from the 80s and 90s.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day 11/28- MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 28, 2014


Today in 1981, Merrily We Roll Along closed at the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre), where it ran for 16 performances. Merrily We Roll Along is a musical with a book by George Furth and lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim. It is based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Furth and Sondheim retained the basic structure and overall theme of the play but updated it to encompass the period from 1957 to 1976. The story revolves around Franklin Shepard who, having once been a talented composer of Broadway musicals, has now abandoned his friends and his songwriting career to become a producer of Hollywood flicks. Like the play, the musical begins at the height of his Hollywood fame and moves backwards in time, showing snapshots of the most important moments in Frank's life that shaped the man that he is today.

Broadway at the Cabaret - Top 5 Cabaret Picks for November 3-9 Featuring Patti LuPone, T. Oliver Reid, and More!
by Louisa Brady - Nov 2, 2014


Broadway's 40 theatres aren't the only places to catch performances from your favorite stars! Well after Broadway orchestra's begin their overtures, ensemble members take their dance breaks, and performers belt out their eleven- o'clock numbers, the party continues at various cabaret venues throughout New York City. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you some cabaret highlights for this week as picked by our theatre editors, including: Patti LuPone: Far Away Places Part Two, If It Only Even Runs A Minute: 13th Edition, Vanishing Point, Assassins in the Park with George, and T. Oliver Reid.

Kaufman and Hart - The Works of Broadway's Legendary Duo
by BWW Special Coverage - Sep 28, 2014


This season's revival of George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's Pulitzer Prize-winning play YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU opens on Broadway tonight, and in honor of the playwriting pair's long list of contributions to the theatre, we've rounded up some of their most notable works. Scroll down to learn more about the duo's canon!

Tickets Go On Sale Tomorrow for Broadway's YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU, Starring James Earl Jones
by BWW News Desk - Jun 10, 2014


Producers of the upcoming Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman's Pulitzer Prize winning play You Can't Take It With You announce that tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, and will be available by calling (212) 239-6200 or by visiting Telecharge.com.

James Earl Jones to Star in Scott Ellis-Helmed YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU on Broadway; Opens 9/28
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 24, 2014


According to the New York Times, James Earl Jones will return to Broadway later this year- this time in the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy You Can't Take It With You. The play will open at a Shubert theatre on September 28, 2014, with previews beginning in August. Scott Ellis is set to direct the revival.

Tickets to LCT's Annual Benefit Honoring Moss Hart, Featuring Kelli O'Hara & Stephen Colbert, Now On Sale
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 27, 2014


Performance-only tickets are now on sale to the general public for ACT TWO: A SWELL PARTY WITH MOSS HART AND FRIENDS, An Evening of Songs Sketches, Scenes and More Celebrating the Genius of Moss Hart, Monday April 21 at 8pm at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65 Street). Performers scheduled to appear in the entertainment, which will serve as the centerpiece of Lincoln Center Theater's Annual Benefit and which will be directed by Bartlett Sher, are Victoria Clark, Stephen Colbert, David Garrison, Malcolm Gets, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Byron Jennings, Kelli O'Hara, Steven Pasquale, and Lewis J. Stadlen.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day 11/28- MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
by - Nov 28, 2013


Today in 1981, Merrily We Roll Along closed at the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre), where it ran for 16 performances. Merrily We Roll Along is a musical with a book by George Furth and lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim. It is based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Furth and Sondheim retained the basic structure and overall theme of the play but updated it to encompass the period from 1957 to 1976. The story revolves around Franklin Shepard who, having once been a talented composer of Broadway musicals, has now abandoned his friends and his songwriting career to become a producer of Hollywood flicks. Like the play, the musical begins at the height of his Hollywood fame and moves backwards in time, showing snapshots of the most important moments in Frank's life that shaped the man that he is today.

Judy Blazer and More Set for LEND ME A TENOR, Kicking Off Bay Street Theatre's 2013 Season, Today
by BWW News Desk - May 28, 2013


Bay Street Theatre begins the 2013 Mainstage Season with Lend Me a Tenor (May 28 - June 23). This hilarious Ken Ludwig comedy, under the direction of Don Stephenson, includes Judy Blazer, Scott Cote, Betsy DiLellio, Donna English, Nancy Johnston, Noah Plomgren, Steve Rosen and Roland Rusinek as its hilarious cast.

Judy Blazer and More Set for LEND ME A TENOR, Kicking Off Bay Street Theatre's 2013 Season, 5/28
by BWW News Desk - May 21, 2013


Bay Street Theatre begins the 2013 Mainstage Season with Lend Me a Tenor (May 28 - June 23). This hilarious Ken Ludwig comedy, under the direction of Don Stephenson, includes Judy Blazer, Scott Cote, Betsy DiLellio, Donna English, Nancy Johnston, Noah Plomgren, Steve Rosen and Roland Rusinek as its hilarious cast.

Merrily We Roll Along FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Merrily We Roll Along have there been?
Merrily We Roll Along has had 1 productions including Broadway which opened in 1934.

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