Second Generation Theatre (2nd Gen) is bringing Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed musical Merrily We Roll Along to Shea’s Smith Theatre for its regional premiere, April 26 – May 12, 2024. This unique production tells a story of friendship in reverse, featuring Sondheim’s beloved songs like “Not A Day Goes By” and “Good Thing Going.”
When the musical premiered on Broadway in 1981, audiences were unprepared for the inventive storytelling device of the plot moving backwards (Merrily’s… plot begins in 1976, and the subsequent scene is set in 1973, etc). Director Michael Gilbert-Wachowiak knows audiences in 2024 will love the piece, and said, “We’re now used to plenty of television shows that tell us the story in a non-linear order, and we get new and exciting things out of that, so I think it’s just an exciting way to challenge audiences and show them this beautiful piece that doesn’t get done very often at all. And so I commend 2nd Gen for tackling Sondheim for the third time.”
Josh Wilde as Frank (Top), Alexandria Watts as Mary, and Jordan Levin as Charley
As the company celebrates its 10th anniversary season, Merrily We Roll Along holds special significance. It follows the footsteps of Into the Woods, the Sondheim musical that launched 2nd Gen a decade ago. “Merrily… is the perfect end to our tenth anniversary season for many reasons, ” said Kelly Copps, Artistic Director.
Second Generation’s first show was a Sondheim show, and the success of that show really convinced us to keep going and build the company. Merrily… continually asks “how did you get to be here?” and we get to look back on 2nd Gen’s growth with this piece. It’s also about the lives and dreams of three friends, which is exactly how 2nd Gen started.
“I was lucky enough to actually be in the audience on opening night Into the Woods ten years ago,” shared Gilbert-Wachowiak. “I don’t know what I did…They were sold out, but I snuck my way in, so I got to experience that magic happen in real time, and what has occurred over the next 10 years. So, I’m so honored to be a part of this.”
The production stars Josh Wilde as Frank, navigating his journey to success alongside his longtime friends Mary (Alexandria Watts) and Charley (Jordan Levin). While both Wilde and Levin are new to 2nd Gen, they are seasoned figures in Buffalo theater. The cast also features a blend of familiar faces from the company’s beginnings and exciting new talent. “We surround ourselves with talented individuals to bring stories to life,” said Copps, reflecting on the company’s formula for success. “Interestingly, the show explores how the main character’s path diverges when he prioritizes the wrong influences.”
While Merrily We Roll Along does not shy away from the difficulties of growing older, and the shifting nature of relationships, it is still a musical comedy. “It’s just full of these jokes and references that I think audiences will love. You just hear these words and you’ll just laugh…So, whether the cast is singing a comedic song, or a serious song, audiences are going to be pleased in every way,” said Gilbert-Wachowiak, adding,
If audience members are looking to experience the best of musical theater, then they should come see Merrily We Roll Along. They’ll hear incredible voices, witness powerful storytelling, and laugh out loud. They might even – hopefully – cry a few times. By the end, they’ll leave having experienced a beautiful, underappreciated gem of the musical theater canon. Maybe not likely to be produced in town again for a while after this.”
Merrily We Roll Along, produced by 2nd Gen Theatre, runs April 26 – May 12, 2024, at Shea’s Smith Theater. Tickets are available here.
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