MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Reviews

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 7:11pm

For everyone who prefers an actual review thread instead of having them lumped into the news and previews thread (which makes it hard to find the reviews later)...

Observer:

Review: Sondheim’s Brilliant Flop ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ Is Smartly Revived

Thanks to superlative casting (including Daniel Radcliffe) and canny direction, this elegant, emotionally searching production may be the finest 'Merrily' you’ll ever see.

https://observer.com/2022/12/review-sondheims-brilliant-flop-merrily-we-roll-along-is-smartly-revived/

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 7:13pm

Vulture:

https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/theater-review-merrily-we-roll-along-at-nytw.html

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 7:14pm

NYT Critic's Pick from Jesse Green:

Review: ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ Returns, the Way It Never Was

Maria Friedman’s rethinking of the much-loved, much-monkeyed-with 1981 Sondheim-Furth flop gets very close to coherence, and all the way to enjoyable.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/12/theater/merrily-we-roll-along-review.html

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 7:16pm

Two five-star reviews from NY Stage Review:

Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe star in Maria Friedman's sterling revival of the Sondheim-Furth musical

https://nystagereview.com/2022/12/12/merrily-we-roll-along-opening-doors-and-how/

To quote one of the songs from the much-maligned, but very beloved, musical: It’s a hit!

https://nystagereview.com/2022/12/12/merrily-we-roll-along-how-we-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-sondheim-show/

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 7:17pm

NY Post:

‘Merrily We Roll Along’ review: Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez triumph

https://nypost.com/2022/12/12/merrily-we-roll-along-review-a-lovable-and-intimate-revival/

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 7:18pm

Hollywood Reporter:

‘Merrily We Roll Along’ Theater Review: Daniel Radcliffe and Jonathan Groff Lead a Buoyant Revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Flawed Jewel

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/merrily-we-roll-along-theater-review-daniel-radcliffe-jonathan-groff-stephen-sondheim-1235280713/

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 7:19pm

Chicago Tribune:

Review: ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ is Sondheim’s musical anew at New York Theatre Workshop

https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/broadway/ct-ent-broadway-merrily-we-roll-along-daniel-radcliffe-stephen-sondheim-20221213-gme3d2stofghhgpsed6rcsuili-story.html

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 7:20pm

The Wrap: ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ Off Broadway Review: Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe Try to Resuscitate a Sondheim Flop

Director Sonia Friedman brings an actorly touch to Stephen Sondheim’s problematic 1981 musical, to mostly good effect

https://www.thewrap.com/merrily-we-roll-along-off-broadway-review-daniel-radcliffe-jonathan-groff/

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 7:21pm

4 stars from the Telegraph:

Daniel Radcliffe works musical magic in this inspired rescue of Sondheim’s infamous flop

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/merrily-roll-along-new-york-theatre-workshop-review-daniel-radcliffe/

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 7:22pm

Rave from Washington Post:

With Radcliffe, Groff and Mendez, Sondheim’s ‘Merrily’ finds greatness

The off-Broadway production, directed by Maria Friedman, makes a smashing case for a Broadway transfer

https://www.washingtonpost.com/theater-dance/2022/12/12/merrily-radcliffe-sondheim-groff-friedman/

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 7:28pm

Theaterly is fairly negative:

https://www.theatrely.com/post/merrily-we-roll-along-sondheims-sisyphus-review

"Friedman’s is likely the closest the material will come to a cohesive, coherent whole but, though I thoroughly enjoyed its Boston iteration, where Eden Espinosa shined as Mary, something got lost on the way down the coast."

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 7:49pm

Daily Beast is positive:

‘Merrily We Roll Along’: a Slice of Stunning Sondheim, Starring Daniel Radcliffe

In a gorgeous production of “Merrily We Roll Along,” Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and the excellent Lindsay Mendez star as the trio of friends charting their lives in reverse.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/merrily-we-roll-along-a-slice-of-stunning-sondheim-starring-daniel-radcliffe

[joevitus]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 8:11pm

Anyone know whether the Hollywood party number is "Rich and Happy" or "That Frank!" or whether "The Blob" is in this production or not?

Edit: Ah, the Times answered the first question. Bit of a shame. I think "Rich and Happy" is the better number, though that's such a damn tricky song spot.

Updated On: 12/12/22 at 08:11 PM

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 8:25pm

joevitus said: "Anyone know whether the Hollywood party number is "Rich and Happy" or "That Frank!" or whether "The Blob" is in this production or not?"

"That Frank" and yes.

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 10:20pm

4 stars from TimeOut

"The challenges of Merrily are built into its core in a way that no production can fully overcome. But director Maria Friedman’s revival at New York Theatre Workshop does a superb job—the best I’ve ever seen—of overlooking them, the way one might forgive the foibles of an old friend."

https://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/merrily-we-roll-along-revival-review-jonathan-groff-daniel-radcliffe

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 10:49pm

Where does it transfer? Are the Sweeney producers getting nervous?

[Jesse St. James]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 11:02pm

PipingHotPiccolo said: "Where does it transfer? Are the Sweeney producers getting nervous?"

I saw someone say next fall at the Hudson

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 11:07pm

Definitely on my list if/when this transfers!!

[JBroadway]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 11:44pm

PipingHotPiccolo said: "Are the Sweeney producers getting nervous?"

 

I doubt it. Their shared target audience (Sondheim fans) probably won't mind seeing both shows, while the Groban fans and the Potter fans probably don't have a ton of overlap anyway.

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 12/12/22 at 11:50pm

JBroadway said: "PipingHotPiccolo said: "Are the Sweeney producers getting nervous?"



I doubt it. Their shared target audience (Sondheim fans) probably won't mind seeing both shows, while the Groban fans and the Potter fans probably don't have a ton of overlap anyway."

Sorry I wasn't clear-- I meant re awards season. Is there another revival that would be a contender?

[inception]

Posted: 12/13/22 at 3:15am

PipingHotPiccolo said: 
Sorry I wasn't clear-- I meant re awards season. Is there another revival that would be a contender?"

This season Camelot.

 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/13/22 at 11:37am

AMNY:

Review | ‘Merrily’ shines in new Off-Broadway revival

https://www.amny.com/entertainment/theater/review-merrily-shines-in-new-off-broadway-revival/

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/13/22 at 11:38am

The Guardian:

Merrily We Roll Along review – Sondheim flop finds new lease of life

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/dec/12/merrily-we-roll-along-review-daniel-radcliffe-jonathan-groff

[Jarethan]

Posted: 12/13/22 at 11:40am

inception said: "PipingHotPiccolo said:
Sorry I wasn't clear-- I meant re awards season. Is there another revival that would be a contender?"

This season Camelot.

"Also ITW

 

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 12/13/22 at 11:44am

Everyone keeps saying the show has glaring issues but this production overcomes them… but what are the issues? Saw  the Encores production and wasn’t my favorite show. Don’t really feel compelled to see this one.