Skip to main content

Review: Merrily We Roll Along - Ad Astra

 

Written by Jake Goodall

Merrily We Roll Along is a Steven Sondheim classic that is currently playing on the Broadway stage in New York. This revival features a stunning 21-strong cast and full musical orchestra, so when Ad Astra decided to bring this massive production to the intimate setting of their theatre we were sceptical. However, Ad Astra proved that you don't need a massive cast or band to produce these musicals in Australia, just an extremely talented production team and cast!

Merrily We Roll Along follows the successful career of Broadway composer turned Hollywood producer Franklin Shepard backward in time. Throughout the show, during which time regresses from 1976 to 1957, we learn how Frank accomplished this - with the help of his best friends Charley (who writes the books and lyrics) and Mary (who is a writer in her own right and is always around for support and guidance). The trio of friends are inspired to become big players in American musical theatre and book writing and to “change the world” after witnessing the Russian Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, orbiting the earth on a cold October night. However, over time, Franklin learns what the cost of fame and fortune is, losing and alienating his beloved friends and family along the way and giving up his original dreams for ones with more financial and fewer emotional benefits. Those who began the journey with him do not end up at the end of it with him, and though Franklin has fame, fortune, and success, he ultimately realizes that he has left himself with nothing of any value.

The main point of difference of this production is taking a show with 21 actors and condensing it down to a mere 8. This reviewer was extremely skeptical at this as it is a very difficult task ensuring all parts are covered in a musical whilst maintaining its integrity, however, director Tim Hill showcased this with ease. At no point did the production feel lackluster or that it was missing pieces, it felt full and completed. Hill's direction was simple but extremely impressive, the blocking was natural and helped the audience understand the backward linear progression of the story. The set was simple, being able to showcase many different areas such as apartments, TV studios, and greenhouses among many others.  The use of projection helped to convey time as well as the removal of images to help showcase the time going back. 

Music Direction by Ben Murray was stunning, Sondheim is known for incredibly difficult scores with polyphonic melodies and crunchy harmonies. However, Murray whipped these vocals into shape and created something faultless. Additionally, Murray has condensed the massive band score down to 2 Keyboards and drums, that's it! It did not take anything away from the production but added a pulled back intimate vibe. Special mention to Lucas D. Lynch on Keys 2 and Peter Lavrencic on Drums carrying the musical elements of the production from start to finish.

Starring Stephen Hirst as Franklin Shepard, Natasha Veselinovic as Mary Flyn and Alex Watson as Charley Kringas, these three talented performers led the production with grace and style. Watson gave us a heartbreaking portrayal of Charley as the friendship disintegrated. Veselinovic was absolutely hilarious as Mary Flynn, providing us with a multifaceted character.  Finally, Hirst as the lead was a perfect choice, they rarely left the stage and helped the audience travel through this journey with grace and style 

Additional characters were played by Heidi Echelmaier (Beth Spencer & Others), Chris Kellett (Joe Josephson & Others), Chelsea Burton (Meg Kincaid & Others), Liam O'Byrne (Male Ensemble & Others), and Edward Hill/Milo White (Frank Jr). Each of these performers portrayed their characters impressively well and added their own flair to the production. The highlight of the production however was Jordan Twigg as Gussie Carnegie, Twigg is an incredible vocalist and was stunning as the Broadway star Gussie. Twigg has extreme talent and is sure to be a star.

Overall, Merrily We Roll Along at Ad Astra Theatre is an absolute MUST-SEE! This production defies the limits of what musicals can be and proves that you can produce massive Broadway-level shows in intimate settings!

Merrily We Roll Along runs until the 8th of June, but tickets are limited so don't miss out! BOOK HERE

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Closer // La Boite

 Written by Jake Goodall Get ready for desire, betrayal, love and sex as Closer takes the stage at Brisbane's La Boite Theatre. 24 years since its original La Boite production, Closer returns to the La Boite stage under the skillful direction of Courtney Stewart who happens to also be the theatre's Artistic Director. This production is penned to rival your morals and set your heart ablaze throughout the entire production.  The four lives of Alice, Anna, Dan and Larry intertwine over the course of four and a half years in this densely plotted look at modern love and betrayal. Dan, an obituary writer, meets Alice, a stripper, after an accident in the street. Eighteen months later, they are a couple, and Dan has written a novel inspired by Alice. While posing for his book jacket cover, Dan meets Anna, a photographer. He pursues her, but she rejects his advances despite their mutual attraction. Larry, a dermatologist, meets Dan in an internet chat room. Dan, obsessing over ...
Post a Comment
Read more

'Hedonism’s Second Album' // Left of Right

  Welcome to the recording studio for “Hedonism’s Second Album,” a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by a rock band. Produced by the independent theater company, Left of Right, this production delves into the inner workings of a fractured rock band. Hosted at the Scouts Queensland’s Wonargo Cultural Centre, an unexpected but fitting venue choice, this performance offers a unique perspective on the band’s journey. Following years of performing in pubs and as opening acts, Hedonism, the rock band, has achieved fame with the release of their debut album. However, they now encounter a hurdle in the form of their second album’s creation. Initially premiered in 2014 at The Loft as part of La Boite’s Indie Season and written by David Burton and Claire Christian, “Hedonism’s Second Album” undoubtedly reflects the zeitgeist of its era. The play does not shy away from depicting issues such as misogyny, violence, selfishness, homophobia, and casual racism. While these them...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Equus - X Collective

    Written by Gabriel Besa ‘Equus’ from The X Collective was a superb showcasing of drama and all things theatre. From the exquisitely put together lighting to the character portrayal of each of the actors, The X Collective knows how to put on a show.    ‘Equus’ is a play written by Peter Shaffer in 1973, where he was inspired after he heard a seventeen-year-old boy blind six horses in a small town in northern England. It then went on to win the Tony Award for Best Play. The play switches from past and present as it acts out previous events that lead up to Alan Strang’s current state. Through the psychiatric expertise of Martin Dysart, we see the importance each character had played against Alan Strang’s life.   The X Collective had meticulously placed this production in the Holy Trinity Hall as it provides a state of eeriness and mystery for the audience. Since the venue strays from the average theatre, portable lighting and set desi...
Post a Comment
Read more