Merrily We Roll Along
Role:
Franklin Shepard
Show Dates:
February 20-25, 2023
Venue:
Graham Theater
Director:
John Crawley
Choreographer:
Kathy Leiner
Rehearsal Process:
Approximately 250 hours of rehearsal over
An actor must skillfully depict a journey from a jaded, successful composer to a idealistic, youthful journy, requiring a deep emotional range and convincingly age backwards.
Challenges Overcome:
What is Merrily We Roll Along
"Merrily We Roll Along" is a captivating musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by George Furth. Based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, the musical charts the turbulent journey of its central characters through the complexities of friendship, ambition, and the high price of success. The narrative unfolds in reverse chronology, starting in the early 1980s and moving backwards in time to the 1950s, allowing the audience to see the pivotal moments that have shaped the characters’ lives and careers. This innovative storytelling technique highlights the contrast between the characters’ youthful optimism and the reality of their future selves, providing a poignant commentary on the nature of time, change, and the choices that define us. With its sophisticated score, intricate lyrics, and a compelling story of dreams, disillusionment, and the enduring power of friendship, "Merrily We Roll Along" offers a reflective look at the intricacies of artistic integrity, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness.
Who is Franklin Shepard
Franklin Shepard, the lead character in "Merrily We Roll Along," is a complex figure whose life story is told in reverse, from a successful movie producer back to his humble beginnings as a talented composer. Shepard's journey is marked by his ambitions, betrayals, and the sacrifices he makes in pursuit of fame and fortune, which ultimately take a toll on his personal relationships and artistic integrity. Starting at the pinnacle of his career, the audience witnesses the unraveling of his friendships as the impact of his choices on his family life. Franklin is a charismatic, yet flawed character, whose struggles resonate with the themes of lost innocence and the consequences of compromising one's ideals. This role requires a deep emotional range to portray the character’s transformation over the years, as well as a strong singing voice to handle Sondheim's challenging score. Playing Franklin Shepard offers an actor the unique opportunity to explore the complexities of success and the personal cost it can exact on an individual's life and relationships.
