'Merrily We Roll Along' examines relationships, opens tonight

"Merrily We Roll Along," Stephen Sondheim's musical directed and performed entirely by students, brings song, dance and contemplation to 185 Nassau Street this weekend. Based on the 1934 Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman's play by the same name, "Merrily We Roll Along" was nominated for a Tony award in the category of "Best Score" during its brief tenure on Broadway.

The musical portrays the life story of a now-successful producer and songwriter Franklin Shepard from his present pedestal of fame back through time until his youthful, then-idealistic college years. Franklin's current life, marked by financial success, a drunken old friend, a wife he is tired of and a new young mistress causes him to look back at the various stages of his climb to the top.

In particular, "Merrily We Roll Along" examines Franklin's relationship to his close friend and business partner, Charley Kringas; we see from end to beginning how their illusions and dreams evolved into tensions, different career decisions, and divergent standards for their art.

These two men began as college friends dreaming of changing the world with their ideas and work. We then witness numerous clashes over their motives for writing when Charley wants to remain loyal to the partners' own ideas while Frank is increasingly tempted by money, fame and the ladder to popular success. "Merrily We Roll Along" also portrays Frank's backwards-unraveling love affairs. A man easily tempted by the promise of success and ascent, Frank leaves his wife and marries a young Broadway starlet, Gussie. We see Frank look back at the pain of divorce, the loss of custody of his child and finally – on his wedding day, when no one had suspected all that was to come in future years.

This musical calls into question the reasons for which art is created — Charley and Frank's opposing viewpoints bring to light a frequent sentiment — the desire for fame above individuality and pursuit of original, personally meaningful work. "Merrily We Roll Along" questions the audience — must we really give up our dreams and adjust, settle, conform in order to be successful?

The flashback nature of the musical causes the audience to psychologically search for the causes and origins out of which Frank's successful yet disillusioned present was born. Seeing his life step-by-step, but backwards, emphasizes each stage of his personal and professional life more effectively.

The seriousness of the plot is offset by lively music, songs and dance numbers. No matter what happens, the characters "merrily . . . roll along" in life, striving for the best and taking what is given. The plot "rolls back" all the way to Franklin's college years, the illusions of which starkly contrast Frank's middle-aged present reality.

This musical causes the audience — comprised largely of Princeton students — to think of the future and to evaluate our goals, as well as attempt to understand how far we would be willing to deviate from them.

"This has been my favorite show for years and it has been great to realize it with such a talented group of people. The cast and crew have been a total blessing," director of the musical, Greg Taubman '06 said.

"It's such a wonderful group, probably one of the most friendly, enthusiastic casts I've ever had the pleasure of working with. The show really needs a good ensemble of people and we're so lucky to have such terrific people," Danielle Ivory '05, the show's choreographer and a member of the cast, added.

"Merrily We Roll Along," opens this Thursday and runs through Tuesday, November 25. Performances will be held at 185 Nassau at 8 p.m. each night with an additional 2 p.m. matinee performance this Saturday.