Merrily We Roll Along
Not being particularly familiar with Merrily We Roll Along, other than knowing that in 1981 it closed on Broadway after sixteen performances, I attended with open mind and faith in the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of SA.
Matt Smith has assembled a talented cast to handle the tongue-twisting musical challenge that comes with a Sondheim show. It is well directed with plenty of fast scene changes and movement to hold the audience’s attention for the 2 hours 45 minutes.
The musical is a clever premise in running backwards in time, but it is quite jigsaw-like. We meet the protagonists when they are all not very likeable and have to piece together, why. It is not until the final scene we discover the origins and catalyst to the story. Whilst theatrically this is a brave choice, it is a metaphor of life; often it is not until the end do we see ‘the big picture’, how we got to where we are. During life we ‘merrily roll along’ making choices and decisions, unaware of how these will ultimately affect the outcome.
Merrily We Roll Along begins at a brash Hollywood party, celebrating the successful launch of the first film by Franklin Shepard (Nicholas Munday). Fawning ‘friends’ mingle, celebrating at his expense, singing “He has taste, he has talent .. Is he the best? Plus a fine head for business .. The man is blessed.”
We also meet Frank’s “deepest, closest, best friend in all the world”, Mary Flynn (Serena Cann) who becomes drunk and puts on quite a display of out-of-control frustration and anger. At this point we really don’t understand why she is so resentful of him, nor do we know why his other ‘friend’ Charley Kringas (Deon Martino- Williams) is absent from the celebration. He is spoken of quite negatively by all. We also meet Frank’s wife Gussie Carnegie (Bec Pynor), a loathsome self- absorbed character who seemingly seduced Frank away from his first wife and son, and his friends.
As we travel back in time from 1978 to 1957, we discover a trio of loving friends- Frank, Mary and Charley, who started out so hopeful, driven by possibility- the universe at their feet. This is beautifully paralleled by them observing the first sputnik on a rooftop- the beginning of an adventure. We slowly understand the unravelling of the friendship as Frank seeks fame at the expense of not only his family and friends, but his own musical abilities which he weakly puts aside to produce lesser work to gain money.
This production of Merrily We Roll Along is buoyed brilliantly throughout by its orchestra. It is conducted expertly by Matthew Rumley and is tight and a joy to experience. Likewise, every song is beautifully delivered by the cast, eking out every nuance and note.
Nicholas Munday, as Frank, has a beautiful voice and delivers all of his songs with passion. His interaction with his fellow protagonists is solid, although I would have liked to have seen more of a change in his character from older Frank to the young optimist. A little more light and shade was needed. Still, a sterling effort with a challenging role.
Deano Martino-Williams is an experienced performer and we immediately love his character. He is a very talented man who understands character delivery. His song “Franklin Shepard” was a standout lesson in musical theatre performance. A joy to watch.
Serena Cann, for this reviewer, was the highlight. She shows outstanding character arc- development and her voice is exceptional. From the crazed drunk to the innocent girl in 1957 she brings nuance and clarity to her role. Her rendition of “Not a day goes by”, juxtaposes her pain in unrequited love against the joy of Franks first wedding beautifully.
Three other cast members really hold their own, given the show is mainly focused on the ‘old friends’ trio. Danielle Greaves as Beth, Frank’s first wife, delivers a poignant, beautiful performance and her voice is crystalline. Bec Pynor is suitably villainous as Gussie, the woman who seduces Frank away from his wife- a lovely voice and masterful performance. Ryan Ricci is strong as Jo Josephson, Broadway producer and ex-husband of Gussie.
The ensemble is vibrant and well directed and the dance numbers, choreographed by Lucy Newman were fun and used the stage very well. Among the ensemble there were some standout moments as multiple smaller roles are played. Mr and Mrs Spencer (Catherine Breugelmans and Jason Clark) were, for example an absolute delight.
Costuming by John Mc Tier was very effective and use of black and white versus colour, clever. The set by Matt Smith and Matthew Rumley was very simple and reminiscent of the Broadway show, using effective specific pieces of furniture and roll- in flats.
Lighting (by Jamie Rayner) on opening night was a little hit and miss. Colour choices and backlighting were great, but there were a few dark spots on stage and slow follow-spot cues. This will be sorted, I am certain as the show ‘rolls along’ (pardon the pun).
Merrily We Roll Along was a brave choice by the Gilbert and Sullivan Society and their gamble has paid off as they bring this lesser known, but musically beautiful, show to Adelaide. Matt Smith is the be congratulated for his directorial choices.
An enjoyable night of theatre.
Shelley Hampton
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