Writing professionally, There have been numerous misjudgments to feel mildly chuffed when an opinion stands the test of time. Back in 1981, I wrote excitedly about a new Stephen Sondheim musical that I experienced during early showings in NYC. Panned by professional reviewers and rejected by theatergoers, the production shut down shortly after its premiere. In the 2023-24 season, the very same musical completed a twelve-month Broadway run, received four Tony recognitions and received glowing reviews.
Transforming a Classic
Despite referring to "this being the identical show, this isn't entirely true. Drawing from a 1930s drama by the legendary playwright duo, it still presents the identical narrative told in reverse chronological order. The story investigates failing friendships revolving around an ambitious musician and Hollywood producer known as Franklin Shepard. Throughout the production, he reminisces across his years and recognizes the slow dissolution of his professional relationship with playwright Charley along with their shared bond with author Mary.
Structural Transformations
In the wake of the musical's poor reception four decades ago, the composer and librettist made various structural changes. The show doesn't start with a youthful melody created by the main character but instead begins with a lavish gathering celebrating his latest movie success. The selection of performers underwent transformation. The original 1981 cast featured youthful actors who initially acted middle age characters and progressed seamlessly into younger characterizations as the evening progressed. Current productions typically feature mature actors who straddle the years through slight modifications.
The strength of the storytelling exists in its potential to resonate differently for each viewer. As demonstrated in other reverse-chronology works, the performance reveals the unavoidable aspects of existence negotiations, adaptations and emotional depletion.
Sondheim's Creative Genius
This exceptional production showcases the composer subtly taking revenge against his detractors. There's a delightful moment where a Broadway producer admonishes the youthful Franklin and Charley regarding the requirement to provide hummable melodies in stage shows, featuring the notable statement: "I'll let you know when Stravinsky has a hit." The supreme paradox manifests through that Sondheim's creation itself contains numerous treasurable tunes featuring Old Friends, Good Thing Going and the title number that developed as lasting earworms among loyal fans.
Character Interpretation
Where one might find a legitimate complaint about the production, it concerns the main character Franklin failing to engage emotionally. However, in this version, the principal actor thoughtfully represents the character not as a narcissistic villain but rather as a fated naif who travels life's path repeatedly picking the simplest solution. The supporting cast superbly represent the character's unrealized love aspirations, with the most remarkable portrayal emerges from the thespian embodying Charley, who lends the character both nervous tension and passionate belief in artistic endeavor's capacity to enhance existence.
Continuing Influence
Whether Merrily itself accomplishes this improvement remains for audiences to subjectively judge. This particular staging remains a constant joy and effectively shows exactly why a celebrated disaster has transformed into an undeniable success. The recorded production of this celebrated adaptation provides viewers the possibility to enjoy this remarkable transformation firsthand.
