Michael Arden Will Next Take on Stephen Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG in Los Angeles
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles unveiled its 2016-17 season today, included in which is a production of the legendary composer's musical MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, to be helmed by Tony nominee Michael Arden.
The production will run November 22 - December 18, 2016 at The Wallis. MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG travels backwards in time to navigate the bumpy history between three friends-Franklin, Charlie and Mary-who begin their careers in show business together. The powerful and moving story, based on the Kaufman and Hart play, features some of Sondheim's most beautiful songs including 'Good Thing Going,' 'Old Friends,' 'Our Time' and 'Not a Day Goes By.'
"The Wallis is quickly becoming a vibrant cultural hub and resource, providing eclectic arts programming and a broad range of education programs to our community," said Managing Director Rachel Fine in a statement today. "We are extremely grateful to our loyal Board of Directors, who under David Bohnett's visionary leadership, provide an invaluable service to our institution, and to the City of Beverly Hills, whose unwavering support has been instrumental to the growth of The Wallis."
Arden, who also received a Drama Desk nomination and just won the New York Outer Critics Circle Award (to be presented on May 26) for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for Deaf West Theatre's SPRING AWAKENING - the breakout hit co-produced by The Wallis - will also be the institution's first ever Artist-in-Residence. He will develop new work, conduct a Master Class and direct two new productions: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG and Alexi Kaye Campbell's THE PRIDE.
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