The authors of the landmark Company reunite to turn the traditional showbiz musical on its head in this thrilling and compelling Broadway fable about friendship, compromise and the high price of success. Stephen Sondheim and George Furth expertly blend the excitement and energy of a backstage musical with a poignant and emotional contemporary story about the importance of staying true to one's ideals.
Merrily We Roll Along begins in the present and moves backwards, tracing the lives of wealthy, jaded composer, Franklin Shepard, and his two estranged friends through each milestone of their personal and professional lives (good and bad). The show ends with a touch of rueful irony, as the three best friends at the start of their careers face a bright future: young, talented and enthusiastic about the worlds waiting to be conquered.
Merrily We Roll Along is a show that crackles with the wit, humor and intensity that embody the spirit of New York City. With a brilliant "Broadway-style" score and that deep insight one expects from any Sondheim endeavor, Merrily We Roll Along is a spirited and moving cautionary tale for anyone who has ever pursued a dream.
Cast:
*Matthew Humason as Franklin Shepard
^Sam Vinitsky as Charley Kringas
^Maddie Ripperger as Mary Flynn
*Tim Gravely as Joe Josephson / Terry (U/S Franklin Shepard)
*Angela Walberg as Gussie Carnegie
^Maria Gisselquist as Beth Shepard
Lyla Blythe as Meg Kincaid / Evelyn / Makeup Artist
James Vair as Tyler / Judge
Ron Connelly as Scotty / Minister
Mary Loewen as Dory / TV Newswoman / Mrs. Spencer
Will McIntyre as Ru / Photographer
^Sam Sides as Jerome (U/S Charley Kringas)
Janine Provencher as K.T. / 1st Girl
Joe Allen as Bunker / Stage Manager
*Todd O'Dowd as TV Newsman / Mr. Spencer (U/S Joe Josephson / Terry)
Cyrus Degneau as Frank Jr.
*Peter Elbridge as Ensemble (U/S TV Newsman / Mr. Spencer)
*Maddie Dinndorf as Ensemble (U/S Gussie Carnegie)
^Louie Siegel as Ensemble (U/S Jerome)
^Vera Shipley as Ensemble (U/S Mary Flynn)
^Alanna Humason as Ensemble (U/S Beth Shepard)
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*Friday December 12 is Understudy Night #1:
Tim Gravely as Franklin Shepard
Maddie Dinndorf as Gussie Carnegie
Todd O'Dowd as Joe Josephson/Terry
Peter Elbridge as TV Newsman/Mr. Spencer
NOT performing: Matthew Humason, Angela Walberg
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^Friday December 19th is Understudy Night #2:
Sam Sides as Charley Kringas
Vera Shipley as Mary Flynn
Alanna Humason as Beth Shepard
Louie Segal as Jerome
NOT performing: Sam Vinitsky, Maddie Ripperger, Maria Gisselquist
Crew:
Matthew Kraft, Director
Emily D.H. Olson, Music Director and Conductor
Chris Adam, Choreographer
Abbey Dibble, Production Manager
Andrew Turbiville, Stage Manager
Morgan Tillmann, Assistant Stage Manager
Zeke Harvey-Carlson, Scenic, Technical and Prop Designer
Bronson Talcott, Costume Designer
Connor Berkompas, Lighting Designer
Bryn Tanner, Producer
Robynn Jensen, Producer
Also check out other Arts events in St Paul, Performances in St Paul.
