Story perspectives

Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along: A Stunning Revival

11/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The revival of Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, directed by Maria Friedman, has earned acclaim after its 1981 Broadway flop.
The production ran for a year on Broadway and won four Tony Awards.
The musical follows Franklin Shepard's life in reverse chronological order, with depth from mature casting.
Critics say the structure allows reinterpretation of songs.
Some interpretations suggest a homoerotic subtext in the friendship between Franklin and Charley.

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Story summary

The revival of Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, directed by Maria Friedman, has earned acclaim after its 1981 Broadway flop.
The production ran for a year on Broadway and won four Tony Awards.
The musical follows Franklin Shepard's life in reverse chronological order, with depth from mature casting.
Critics say the structure allows reinterpretation of songs.
Some interpretations suggest a homoerotic subtext in the friendship between Franklin and Charley.