KU Theatre

Merrily We Roll Along

book by George Furth, lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim

Based on a 1934 play by Kaufman and Hart, Furth and Sondheim updated this theatrical morality play about the meaning of friendship by taking a look at the myth of the American Dream and the real costs of truth, honesty and friendship. Beginning in the present and moving backwards, the story follows the career of a successful movie producer from to his humble beginnings as an idealistic and youthful songwriter who, with his best friends, sets out to shake up Broadway and change the world. As the years go by, the trio each become very successful professionally, but drift apart as friends. The musical cautions us to reflect on the truth behind the cliché that history repeats itself as the characters move from affluence to destitution at various stages of their careers. Winner of the Olivier Award for Best Musical in 2001, Merrily We Roll Along features some of Sondheim’s most lyrical songs such as Not a Day Goes By, Good Thing Going, Old Friends, and Our Time.

  • Directed by John Staniunas
  • Musical Direction by Ryan McCall
  • Scenic Design by Del Unruh
  • Assistant Designer: Mark Reaney
  • Lighting Design by Dennis Christilles
  • Costume Design by Cynthia Evans

Character

Cast Member

Franklin Shepard

Andrew Shaw

Mary Flynn           Elaina Smith
Charlie Kringas

Joseph Carr

Gussie Carnegie Julia Geisler
Joe Jefferson Steve Dagrosa
Beth Spencer

Shannon Buhler

Tyler/Ensemble        

Alex Goering

Terry/Ensemble Michael Cooper

Scotty/Ensemble

Sarah Kennedy

Mrs. Spencer/Dory/
Make-up Artist/Ensemble
Margaret Hanzlick
Ru/Pianist/Ensemble

Nick Kellum

K.T./Ensemble         Sierra Franklin
Jerome/Ensemble

Ben Ashworth

Meg Kinkaid/Newswoman/Ensemble

Katie Martin

Bunker/Newsman/Minister/Ensemble

Joe Winans

Photographer/Ensemble        Gil Perez-Abraham
Mr. Spencer/Ensemble

Charlie Stock

First Girl/Ensemble Sarah Bodle
Ensemble Katie Divel

Performances

  • Friday April 20, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
  • Saturday April 21, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
  • Sunday April 22, 2:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
  • Friday April 27, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
  • Saturday April 28, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
  • Sunday April 29, 2:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre

 

Read Lawrence Journal-World's review of Merrily We Roll Along

 

Ticket Prices

  • Public: $20
  • Senior Citizens & KU Faculty/Staff: $19
  • All Students: $10

Production Photos by Luke Jordan

 

 

Scenic Design by Del Unruh

 

 


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