The Production That Finally Triumphed: What Took Four Decades for Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along Musical to Find Success?
As a critic, There have been enough mistakes to feel mildly chuffed when a verdict is vindicated. Back in 1981, I enthusiastically reported about Sondheim's latest theatrical creation which I attended during its New York preview run. Harshly criticized by critics and avoided by audiences, the show ended just two weeks after opening. Jump ahead to recent years, the same theatrical work ran for a year on Broadway, earned four Tony honors and received glowing reviews.
The Evolution of a Masterpiece
Although I mention "the very same musical," the statement requires qualification. Drawing from a 1930s drama by the legendary playwright duo, it still presents the same story presented backwards through time. The story investigates failing friendships revolving around a success-worshipping composer and movie producer called Franklin Shepard. Throughout the production, he reminisces across his years and recognizes how time has eroded his professional relationship with writer Charley along with their shared bond with novelist Mary.
Production Changes
After the show flopped during the early 80s, the composer and librettist made various structural changes. The production no longer opens with a student song written by Franklin but opens instead with an extravagant celebration celebrating his latest film achievement. The actor recruitment process has also evolved. The initial production's actors included inexperienced talent who initially acted mature personalities and progressed seamlessly into youth throughout the performance. Modern stagings now standardly cast experienced performers who navigate different ages with minimal adjustments.
The strength of the storytelling rests in its capacity to impact variously with each individual. Comparable to other reverse-chronology works, the performance reveals the unavoidable aspects of existence compromises, adjustments and emotional depletion.
Musical Innovation
This remarkable show features Sondheim subtly taking revenge toward his naysayers. One memorable scene where a Broadway producer admonishes the youthful main characters about the necessity to compose catchy songs in musical productions, including the famous remark: "I'll let you know once Stravinsky achieves success." The ultimate irony exists because that Sondheim's creation genuinely includes multiple cherished compositions featuring Old Friends, Good Thing Going and the title number that developed as lasting earworms with dedicated viewers.
Character Interpretation
Where one might find a legitimate complaint against Merrily, it involves the main character Franklin lacking audience connection. But, in this staging, the principal actor thoughtfully represents Franklin not as a self-obsessed antagonist but rather as a doomed idealist who navigates life always selecting the easiest option. The ensemble performers superbly represent the character's unrealized love aspirations, with the most remarkable portrayal emerges from the thespian playing Charley, who lends the character both worried apprehension and ardent conviction in art's power to improve lives.
Lasting Impact
If the musical actually accomplishes this improvement rests with spectators to subjectively judge. This particular staging offers ongoing delight and clearly demonstrates specifically what made a notorious failure become a palpable hit. The cinematic version of this acclaimed staging offers audiences the possibility to witness this remarkable transformation for themselves.
