The Flop That Finally Flew: Why Did It Take 40 Years for Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along Musical to Succeed?
As a critic, I have committed numerous misjudgments to feel mildly chuffed when a verdict is vindicated. During 1981, My writing brimmed with excitement about a new Stephen Sondheim musical that I had seen during previews in New York. Harshly criticized by critics and rejected by theatergoers, the production shut down mere weeks after its debut. In the 2023-24 season, this identical production enjoyed a year-long Broadway engagement, won four Tony awards and received glowing reviews.
Transforming a Classic
While I say "the production being unchanged, the statement requires qualification. Adapted from a Depression-era work by the celebrated theatrical partnership, it continues to be the same story told in reverse chronological order. The story investigates failing friendships revolving around an ambitious musician and Hollywood producer called Franklin Shepard. As the show progresses, he reflects over his life and recognizes the slow dissolution of his professional relationship with writer Charley along with their shared bond with author Mary.
Artistic Revisions
In the wake of the musical's poor reception during the early 80s, Sondheim and writer George Furth made various structural changes. It doesn't begin with a youthful melody composed by the protagonist but opens instead with an extravagant celebration honoring his most recent movie success. The actor recruitment process has also evolved. The original 1981 cast featured youthful actors who initially acted mature personalities and eased naturally into youth throughout the performance. Modern stagings typically feature experienced performers who portray various life stages using subtle changes.
The virtue of the narrative rests in its capacity to resonate differently for every audience member. Similar to other reverse-chronology works, the production shows how life inevitably involves concessions, modifications and a sense of loss.
Compositional Breakthrough
This remarkable show features Sondheim discreetly settling scores with his critics. There's a delightful moment when a theater impresario lectures the young main characters about the necessity to create memorable tunes in stage shows, adding the memorable line: "I'll let you know once Stravinsky achieves success." The supreme paradox lies in the fact that this particular musical genuinely includes multiple cherished compositions including Old Friends, Good Thing Going and the signature song that developed as lasting earworms with dedicated viewers.
Actor Portrayals
Should there be a reasonable objection about the production, it relates to its protagonist Franklin lacking audience connection. Yet, in this production, the principal actor skillfully depicts Franklin not as a narcissistic villain but rather as a doomed idealist who travels life's path repeatedly picking the easiest option. The supporting cast superbly represent the character's unrealized love aspirations, with the most remarkable portrayal originates from the performer portraying Charley, who gives the part both anxious neurosis and ardent conviction in creative expression's ability to enhance existence.
Enduring Legacy
Should the production achieves this transformation rests with spectators to subjectively judge. The featured version remains a constant joy and clearly demonstrates exactly why a celebrated disaster has transformed into a palpable hit. The cinematic version of this celebrated adaptation provides viewers the chance to enjoy this remarkable transformation firsthand.
