Full disclosure, I love musicals so given the opportunity to review this live performance of Merrily We Roll Along, I was excited. Filming a live performance of the musical, the story is dynamic with talented performances by Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez. The music shines in this revival of the original musical from 1981.

Merrily We Roll Along is a filmed musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and this is the 2023 Broadway production filmed live. The musical tells the story of how three friends’ lives and friendship devolve over twenty years. Performed in reverse chronological order, it focuses on Franklin Shepard (Jonathan Groff) in 1977 as he has realized financial success but traded all of it in exchange for his friends. Even his remaining friend, Mary (Lindsay Mendez) is disgusted by his shallowness and that he no longer creates music. His current wife Gussie (Krystal Joy Brown) is tired of his cheating and he no longer talks with his former musical partner Charley (Daniel Radcliffe). The film moves backward to show the various changes in the friendship until finally reaching the friends, Franklin, Charley and Mary’s initial bright beginning. 

The musical portions of the story are intriguing as Stephen Sondheim wrote the music to repeat and have different inflections depending on what time period it is performed in. ‘Not a Day Goes By’ in particular is haunting when we first hear from a bitter Beth, Franklin’s first wife, during their divorce with a more hopeful version sung by Franklin when they get married. The music is catchy and the themes tie into the idea of art and friendship, how friends grow apart over time. 

The story dives into the difficulties of fame and how it changes people, especially over time. The narrative makes the audience consider the price of fame and how difficult it is to be a creator. It also shows how difficult it is to break into one’s chosen art, to make money at what you love and how often one must compromise in order to be successful. It demonstrates how close we can be when we’re young but also how much friendships change over time. I love how the dynamics of the friendship between Franklin and Charley are explored but also Mary’s long repressed feelings for Franklin and how those bitter emotions change her over time.

It is in the talented performances that this musical shines. Jonathan Groff as Franklin is brilliant, both musically and in his dramatic performance, his ability to emote guilt but also pain, warmth and charisma. His expressiveness and charm makes the character likeable even when he’s turned away from his friends. Lindsay Mendez has a beautiful dynamic, her love for Franklin easily expressed and her ability to demonstrate that pain is part of what makes her perfect in the part of Mary. Lindsay Mendez perfectly complements Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe. Daniel Radcliffe’s acting is emotional, especially in his portrayal of Charley’s hurt over Franklin not making time for their friendship and partnership. The dynamic between all three is riveting. Charley and Franklin also remind me of other Broadway musical partnerships such as Rodgers and Hammerstein. 

The story is completed in reverse chronological order so as it is filmed the performers give the viewers cues to when the story is taking place. This is a big benefit to being able to follow the story. The film is not perfect, there are parts of the story that are slower and you do have to really like musicals. But if you do, this is fun, riveting and has talented performances. 

If you like musicals, I would highly recommend watching this performance of the Broadway cast, filmed live. Merrily We Roll Along is a brilliant story, especially the reverse order which forces the viewer to consider what happens to relationships over time. The music is catchy and reflects profound thoughts on art and the price of success. The cast, Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez and Daniel Radcliffe are brilliant. Even the secondary cast, Krystal Joy Brown, Katie Rose Clark and Reg Rogers are excellent. I loved the story and music, the songs will stick with you love after you watch this musical. 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 music notes. 

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