Stephen Sondheim’s Musical “Merrily We Roll Along” is a Hit at Signature Theatre
Merrily We Roll Along
Signature Theatre
September 6, 2026
Jason Gotay (Franklin Shepard), Melanie Field (Mary Flynn), and Jake Loewenthal (Charley Kringas) in Merrily We Roll Along at Signature Theatre (Photo/Christopher Mueller).
Deliciously witty, snarky and cleverly tuneful, Sondheim’s musical lures us into a world of backstage and backstabbing – where composers, lyricists, producers, actors and their pals play a glamorous, throat-cutting game of oneupmanship fueled by booze and the sweet smell of success. Who’s in and who’s out? Who to adore and who to ignore? In the world of show biz, the “movers and shapers” crave fame and fortune or, at the very least, to share in the celebrity’s spotlight.
In Merrily We Roll Along the plot toggles between 1959 to 1973 – and not in chronological order. For instance, it’s not until the second act that we learn how Mary, Franklin and Charley began their friendship one starry night on a shared rooftop in New York City searching the sky for the Russian satellite Sputnik.
To set the stage, Franklin Shepard is a matinee-idol-handsome, young Broadway composer. His sidekick Charley writes the lyrics and magazine writer slash theatre critic and neighbor Mary, is their BFF. Mary is madly in love with Frank, yet keeps it on the QT, because Frank is soon to be married to and divorced from sweet, adorable Beth and hard-on-the-bottle Mary is not in his league as a love interest. However, Mary is the glue that keeps everything and everyone merrily rolling along.
James Whalen (Joe Josephson), Kerstin Anderson (Beth Spencer), Jason Gotay (Franklin Shepard), Melanie Field (Mary Flynn), and Jake Loewenthal (Charley Kringas) (Photo/Daniel Rader).
Despite the vagaries of a friendship regularly sealed by pinky promises, Frank, Charley and Mary continue to navigate their fights and betrayals. Frank becomes a wildly successful film producer with a wealth of glamorous friends Charley raises a family, while Mary’s desire to remain in Frank’s orbit keeps his fawning fans in check – including Gussie, his seductive leading lady.
Co-written by composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with book by George Furth, Merrily We Roll Along is based on a 1934 play by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. Directed in 1981 by Hal Prince, it had a very short run but a relevant theme about the perils and pitfalls of success. Recently revived on Broadway to huge acclaim, it garnered a stack of Tony Awards. I say this to let you know that this is not a national touring company. It is directed and choreographed by Signature Theatre’s Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner whose work I greatly admire. I’m only to see him named in press releases as ‘Director’ that I will be first in line to see whatever he has put his hand to.
From page to stage this production is dripping with glitz and glam featuring a shiny, tight cast who fling the show into star-studded orbit with a wealth of brilliant production creatives who nail every opportunity to elevate the visuals, the choreography and the music. And speaking of the music, it is rich and layered, funny and passionate, tender and torpid. Twenty-six glorious numbers backed by award-winning conductor Jon Kalbfleisch’s terrific 12-piece orchestra.
Maria Rizzo (Gussie Carnegie) and the cast of Merrily We Roll Along (Photo/Christopher Mueller),
Did I love this? Hell, yes! Consider buying two tickets per person – one for a later date. Because, as soon as you see it, you’ll want to see it again.
Starring Jason Gotay as Franklin; Jake Loewenthal as Charley; Melanie Field as Mary Flynn; Maria Rizzo as Gussie Carnegie; James Whelan as Joe Josephson and Kerstin Anderson as Beth Shepard. With Neal Gaensehals as Frank Jr., Joel Ashur as Jerome; Ben Beckley as Terry/Mr. Spencer; Lindsay Nicole Chambers as Scotty/Mrs. Spencer; Alonda Trinidad-Colon as Meg Kincaid/Make-up Artist; Eric Easter as Ru/Minister; Jonah Ho’okano as Tyler; Stephen Russell Murray as Bunker/Newscaster/Photographer; and Sarah Anne Sillers as KT.
Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick; Scenic Design Wilson Chen; Costume Design Ivania Stack; Lighting Design by Cory Pattak; Sound Design by Eric Norris; Hair & Wig Design by Anne Nesmith; Fight Choreography by Casey Kaleba.
Jason Gotay (Franklin Shepard) and the cast of Merrily We Roll Along (Photo/Christopher Mueller).
Through November 1st at Signature Theatre in Shirlington Village, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA. For tickets and information call the box office at 703.820.9771 or visit www.SigTheatre.org.