MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Coming to Temple Theaters' Randall Theater, 3/12-22

Temple Theaters continues its 47th Season with Merrily We Roll Along, Directed by Brandon McShaffrey, with musical direction by Bryan DeSilva. Featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth, the show runs March 12-22. Based on a 1934 play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, in which a playwright sacrifices his principles for popularity, Merrily We Roll Along examines artistic integrity and ambition against the backdrop of the 60s and 70s. Staged simply in the intimate Randall Theater with two pianos, this production allows the Sondheim's moving score to take center stage.

The innovative musical follows the life of Broadway composer turned film producer Frank Shepard (Ian Parker) and his estranged best friends, Charley Kringas (Michael Kiliany) and Mary Flynn (Allison Boyle). After a particularly rough night, which includes the break-up of Frank's second marriage, the play moves backwards in time to reveal how Frank's choices pushed the three idealistic friends apart. Transitioning from 1976 to 1957, the story reflects on integrity, ambition and success in the arts, and particularly in theater.

One of Sondheim's lesser-known musicals, Merrily We Roll Along is popular with musical theater fans. Director Brandon McShaffrey states, "I think it has a strong following because it speaks to artists." He calls it "a cautionary tale about the importance of holding onto the artistic integrity we feel so strongly in the earliest part of our lives." "It makes us remember when we were optimistic and blindly driven by our art," he adds.

Temple Theaters' 2014-2015 season continue The Matchmaker, directed by Douglas C. Wager, running March 25 - April 4 and MFA PlayFest, a festival of staged reading of new plays, running April 24 - 26. With an eclectic mix of old and new, this season showcases the artistry and talent of the Department of Theater's diverse student/faculty resident ensemble. Information about the mainstage season and special events can be found at temple.edu/theater.