Merrily We Roll Along at the Hayes in 2020

Postponed until 2021

Luckiest Productions, in association with Hayes Theatre Co, is will present the Stephen Sondheim-George Furth musical Merrily We Roll Along. A Broadway fable about friendship, compromise and the high price of success, Merrily We Roll Along will run from 16 April 2020 at the Hayes Theatre Co.

Merrily We Roll Along is the heartbreaker of Sondheim musicals, looking at how the best of friends lose their way as they fight to win at life. It follows a trio of friends - composer Franklin Shepard, his writing partner lyricist Charley Kringas and upcoming novelist Mary Flynn. The three are primed to change the world through words and music, however success has a way of opening doors that take them further away from what - and who - they love. Famously told in reverse, Merrily We Roll Alongis an emotional detective story that investigates how grown-up sellouts are forged from wide-eyed poets.

Despite flopping on Broadway in 1981, Merrily We Roll Along is frequently revived, and has gained a popularity well beyond the disappointment of its original outing among musical theatre fans.

Returning to Hayes Theatre Co in the role of Mary Flynn is Helpmann Award winner Elise McCann (Matilda, Everybody Loves Lucy). The role of Charley will be played by Sydney Theatre Award winner Ryan Gonzalez (In the Heights, Jersey Boys). The role of Franklin Shepard and other cast members will be announced at a later date.

Director Dean Bryant said, “Merrily feels deeply personal in exploring how friendship survives chasing success and making art. It's raw and will only be more intense under the microscope that is the Hayes. Making my fourth show here with Lisa Campbell and Andrew Hallsworth, two of my closest friends in the world, promises to be a special experience as we bring to life Sondheim's heartbreaker of a musical.”

Joining Dean Bryant (Sweet Charity, Assassins, Little Shop of Horrors) to form this multi-award-winning creative team are choreographer Andrew Hallsworth (Muriel’s Wedding, Sweet Charity) and musical director Lucy Bermingham (In the Heights, Caroline, Or Change).

Merrily We Roll Along blends 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. It’s a show that crackles with the wit, humour and intensity that embody the spirit of New York City. With a “Broadway-style” score and that deep insight one expects from any Sondheim endeavour, Merrily We Roll Along is a spirited and moving cautionary tale for anyone who has ever pursued a dream.

Bookings can be made at www.hayestheatre.com.au or by calling the Hayes Theatre Co box office during business hours on (02) 8065 7337.