Reasons to see 'Merrily We Roll Along' on Broadway
Back on Broadway for the first time since its brief 1981 premiere, Stephen Sondheim's musical now stars Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez.
The latest revival of Merrily We Roll Along has received rave reviews both on Broadway and off. Director Maria Friedman — with the help of a star-studded cast including Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez — transformed Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's infamous 1981 flop into a critical and commercial hit.
The show follows a trio of friends over the course of 20 years as greed, resentment, and selfishness slowly eat away at their bond. The narrative structure — reverse chronological order, beginning at the end — has been debated and revised for years, but this production proves it contains many riches, and Friedman and her cast have found them. Here are a few reasons to head to the Hudson Theatre to see Merrily We Roll Along.
Lindsay Mendez steals the show.
Glee star Jonathan Groff and Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe may be bigger household names, but Mendez refuses to be outshone. Her approach to struggling alcoholic writer Mary Flynn is bold and brassy, making the character a prime window for the audience into the ride of Franklin Shepard’s life.
Mendez is known for her big vocals, which carry the scene in Act 1’s “That Frank” and then break your heart in Act 2’s “Not a Day Goes By (Reprise).” Merrily has a tight ensemble, and Mendez is both a team player and a standout. She already has one Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Carousel — perhaps another is in her future.
Merrily We Roll Along tells a story of resilience.
When Merrily We Roll Along opened on Broadway in 1981, it closed almost immediately, surviving only 16 post-opening performances across less than two weeks. Nevertheless, Stephen Sondheim was nominated for two 1982 Drama Desk Awards and a Tony Award for the show, and he and librettist George Furth amended the material over the years, often with the involvement of the show's various directors. Through all that, the show stood the test of time to finally make it back to Broadway.
Merrily itself is a story of resilience, following Franklin, Charley, and Mary as they navigate careers in the arts and their equally tumultuous personal lives. The fact that the show’s journey is as resilient as its characters is both inspirational and unique in an industry in which so many shows come and go only once.
The overture immediately captivates.
As more pop musicals and genre-bending fare take the stage, I find myself missing a classic Broadway overture. Sitting in my seat at the Hudson as the lights dimmed, I was eager to soak in the music and settle in for the story as the different motifs bounced around.
Even if you usually prefer to jump right into the action, take the time to appreciate this overture: Sondheim’s one for Merrily eases you in slowly, letting you renew your appreciation for his music before you have to keep track of the nonlinear story. Plus, in the current revival, the orchestra pit is in a nontraditional spot (above the stage), making the music float down like the Fates themselves are telling you the story of Franklin, Charley, and Mary.
Get tickets to Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway.
Merrily We Roll Along may be a splurge, but the storied musical is worth the price of admission. Plus, it's been 40 years since the last Broadway revival — who knows when it will roll along again?
Photo credit: Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez in Merrily We Roll Along. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
Frequently asked questions
What is Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway about?
Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez star in the first Broadway revival of this Sondheim musical. The story of of three artists whose friendship falls apart starts at the end and ends at the beginning. Knowing their future, can something in the past change their fate? Relive your teenage years at Merrily We Roll Along and learn more about tickets today.
Where is Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway playing?
Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway is playing at Hudson Theatre. The theatre is located at 141 West 44th Street, New York, 10036.
How long is Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway?
The running time of Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway is 2hr 30min. Incl. 15min intermission.
What's the age requirement for Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway?
The recommended age for Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway is Ages 10+. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theater..
How do you book tickets for Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway?
Book tickets for Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote Merrily We Roll Along?
The script for Merrily We Roll Along is by George Furth, adapted from George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's 1934 play of the same name. The music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim, who previously collaborated with Furth on Company.
Which songs are in Merrily We Roll Along?
Merrily We Roll Along's score includes the famous Sondheim songs "Good Thing Going," "Not a Day Goes By," "Like It Was," and "Merrily We Roll Along." There are 26 musical numbers in the show.
Is Merrily We Roll Along appropriate for kids?
Merrily We Roll Along is recommended for children 10 and older due to some strong language and references to alcoholism and adultery. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
When has Daniel Radcliffe been on Broadway?
Daniel Radcliffe has been on Broadway multiple times before in shows like How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in 2011. Learn more about all of Daniel Radcliffe's Broadway and international stage credits.
How long is Merrily We Roll Along playing on Broadway?
Merrily We Roll Along is on Broadway through March 24, 2024 only at the Hudson Theatre.
Who is in the cast of Merrily We Roll Along?
Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway stars Daniel Radcliffe as Charley Kringas, Jonathan Groff as Frank Shepard, and Lindsay Mendez as Mary Flynn. Learn more about Merrily We Roll Along and its cast.
Who directed Merrily We Roll Along?
Maria Friedman directs Merrily We Roll Along. Her production, which she first staged in London in 2012 before bringing it on and off Broadway in 2023, received critical acclaim in both the U.K. and U.S.
Is Merrily We Roll Along good?
Merrily We Roll Along is among the best-reviewed shows on New York Theatre Guide. Our four-star review of the Off-Broadway production praises Groff, Radcliffe, and Mendez's performances and reads, "The story’s consideration of the fragility of friendships stands out."
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