How the tables turn for this group of dreamers.

A devoted trio of friends set out to follow their ambitions, but the smell of success may not be all it’s cracked up to be.

With lively direction and choreography by Dan Sullivan and witty musical direction by Jenny Tsai, Sullivan Rep continues Merrily We Roll Along live and in person at Mother Brook Arts and Community Center in Dedham, Massachusetts through Saturday, June 27.  This time jumping, theatre in the round musical runs two hours and 40 minutes including one intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Following the staggering 14 Tony award-nominations for Sondheim’s musical Company in 1970, Stephen Sondheim reunited with George Furth and Harold Prince for the 1981 musical Merrily We Roll Along. Merrily We Roll Along could very well be Company’s cousin in its similarity in tone, shared themes and its non-linear storyline.  Also, Marianne Elliot directed the Broadway musical revivals that went on to win a Tony in 2021 for Company starring Katrina Lenk and featuring Patti Lupone and in 2023 for Merrily We Roll Along starring Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe.

Both musicals also have in common a conflicted man who makes a variety of decisions which creates some complicated outcomes while his tight knit group of friends stand by to support him, especially as this man starts to lose sight of what is truly important. 

Ryan DuBray’s flashing multicolor spotlights form what seems like a disco style time traveling machine surrounding the stage and projections on the wall alternate from the progression of time to rewinding the clock throughout the musical.

DuBray’s era-inspired set along with costumer JeanMarie LaPointe work together to create distinct portraits of various eras from 1959 to 1976.  From Post World War II to the disco era to the black and white Andy Warhol era, bold and eye catching colored wardrobes include flowing silk dresses and jumpsuits, polyester leisure suits, plaids, florals, sequins and fringe to depict the hard partying “movers and shakers.”  Cast members bring assorted retro props to set up each scene.

Merrily We Roll Along focuses on Sean Donnelly as Franklin Shepard who is thriving from the success of his new musical.  He is married to Katie Clark as resentful and consummate performer Gussie, but there is a lot more to their story than meets the eye.  Clark establishes and “gussies up” this complicated character well and it is interesting to watch the unmistakable parallels between Clark’s Gussie and Donnelly’s Franklin.

As far as the trio of friends, Franklin has a complicated bond with Carly Evans as increasingly unreserved and steadfast Mary Flynn and Daniel Forest Sullivan as Franklin’s business partner Charley Kringas.  Evans, Sullivan and Donnelly all share a bond that only old friends can even as it frays at the edges.  They demonstrate some wonderful moments in the daydreaming number, Bobbie & Jackie & Jack and warm camaraderie for It’s a Hit and Old Friends. 

The musical may start out cynical and seemingly shallow, but becomes more robust as the tale unfolds.  A particular highlight is Daniel Forest Sullivan as Charley expressing wry sarcasm and mounting frustration with a tinkling piano and a wink to Fosse for the catchy and rapid fire number, Franklin Shepard, Inc.  Carly Evans as Mary offers a heartfelt rendition of Like It Was and Meghan Rose shines as down to earth and reasonable Beth from her very first scene for Not a Day Goes By.  Along with Justin Boudreau as ambitious producer Joe, the group form bright harmonies for Opening Doors.  Amanda Atkinson and Scott Berozi notably share clever comedic quips as a pair of news anchors.

Sondheim is known for his complex harmonies as well as rapid fire and thickly descriptive lyrics and this musical is no exception.  This cast dominates this challenging musical style, but some of the lyrics can get a little lost in acoustics of the venue, so try to sit as close as you can to the stage.  The venue also can get a little warm so dress accordingly. 

Merrily We Roll Along is an engaging cautionary tale that cleverly carves out fascinating patterns and parallels to focus on the pressures of fame, the fragility of friendship and the risks one takes to follow that dream.  As upbeat and funny as it is cynical, it reflects on the realities of this pivotal era and brings to light what is truly important.

Sullivan Rep continues Merrily We Roll Along live and in person at Mother Brook Arts and Community Center in Dedham, Massachusetts through Saturday, June 27.  Click here for more information and for tickets.