Merrily We Roll Along at Nazareth Arts Center-Callahan Theater

Nazareth’s Theatre and Dance department presents Merrily We Roll Along at the Arts Center’s Callahan Theater, Nov. 13-15, at 7:30 p.m., with one matinee on Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. Directed by Nazareth’s new chair of the Theatre and Dance department Jason James Panzino,  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. Music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim, with the book by George Furth. Merrily We Roll Along is based on the play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Tickets are $15 ($13 for seniors). Purchase online or contact the Nazareth Arts Center Box Office at boxoffice@naz.edu or 585-389-2170.

Panzino brings a wealth of experience as an actor, director, producer, and educator. He has served as the director of musical theatre and theatre at Anderson University, artistic director and founder of The Actor’s Establishment in Los Angeles, and producing artistic director at The Sturges Center for Fine Arts. His career spans theatre, television, and live entertainment, with award-winning productions and a passion for advancing theatre education. 

The student cast is led by Jaiden Leo Riley as Frank, Allie Seebode as Mary, and  Hayden Singer as Charley. Maysun Cronk plays Gussie, Jenn Mason as Beth, and Kevin Torello as Joe. The ensemble cast includes understudies: Mark Leavitt (Frank), Geneva Pace (Mary), Levi Kaplan (Charley), Carly Stevens (Gussie), Dakota Moreno (Beth), and Kevin Grumbley (Joe). Other ensemble members include:  Sam McCarty as Tyler, Gaby Arroyo as Meg, and Grace Plassmeyer as KT, along with Averie Newton, Max Bass, Shane Gillis, Avery McKelvey, and Isabel Segal. Universal ensemble/offstage swings are Alyssa Rodriguez and Mary Fortner. 

The creative team includes Julie Covach as music director, Vince Salpietro as scenic designer, Laura Vitale as costume designer, Emily Stork as lighting designer, Bob Puff as sound designer, and Lindsay Baker as intimacy choreographer.

The student creative team includes Alyssa Rodriguez (assistant director), Ally Lilah Wolfe (choreographer), Pascale Tsering as stage manager, Sawyer Shonts (ASM), and Carissa Williams (ASM/Young Artist Supervisor). The student Production team includes Natalie Koenig (co-props coordinator) and Jordan Goodman (co-props coordinator), along with student production assistants, run crew, and Production shop workers. 

Authors

• George Furth
• George S. Kaufman
• Moss Hart
• Stephen Sondheim