In 1981, Stephen Sondheim's musical Merrily We Roll Along opened on Broadway to scathing reviews and closed after just two weeks. Forty years later, the same show – with significant revisions – became a Tony-winning sensation, running for a year and earning four awards.
Based on a 1934 play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, the musical tells its story in reverse chronological order, following composer and film producer Franklin Shepard as he looks back on the erosion of his creative partnership and friendships. Despite its initial failure, Sondheim and book writer George Furth made structural changes, including moving a student song to later in the show and adjusting the tone.
The production that finally succeeded was directed by Maria Friedman and starred Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez. Unlike the original, which used very young actors to age backwards, this version employed mature performers who conveyed the characters' journeys with minimal physical changes.
A filmed version of this acclaimed production is set for cinema release next month. Critics have praised Radcliffe's performance as particularly eye-catching.
Sondheim's use of reverse chronology means that reprises often precede their original songs, adding emotional depth. For example, the song 'Not a Day Goes By' appears first as a bitter lament, then later as a celebration, with the same lyrics gaining new meaning.
The show's belated success also vindicated its composer, who subtly critiqued critics within the score. Despite past accusations that Sondheim lacked melodic gift, Merrily We Roll Along is packed with memorable tunes like 'Old Friends' and 'Good Thing Going'.
