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
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