- The Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of “Merrily We Roll Along,” starring Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez, is being released in cinemas as a feature film.
- Director Maria Friedman chose to focus on intimate close-ups to capture the actors’ powerful emotional performances, which might be missed from a distance in a theater.
- The filmed version gives audiences a front-row seat to key moments, including Jonathan Groff’s reactions during Daniel Radcliffe’s show-stopping number, “Franklin Shepard, Inc.”
- The pro-shot arrives in theaters nationwide on December 4, fulfilling composer Stephen Sondheim’s wish for his work to reach a global audience.
Theater fans, get ready. The Broadway sensation that captured hearts and awards is making its way to the big screen. The recent hit revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s “Merrily We Roll Along,” starring Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez, has been professionally filmed and is heading to movie theaters on December 4.
An Intimate Cinematic Experience
Director Maria Friedman, who also helmed the stage production, has translated the show into a unique cinematic event. Friedman explained that rather than focusing on wide shots of the stage, she prioritized emotional and narrative clarity. The goal was to bring the audience closer to the actors than ever before.
The film was shot over three days at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre, using multiple cameras to capture every nuanced expression. “It’s the thing that you can get on film that you can’t get in a theatre: close-ups,” Friedman noted, emphasizing her desire for viewers to appreciate the depth of the performances.
Capturing Tony-Winning Moments
One of the most anticipated moments is Daniel Radcliffe’s Tony-winning performance of the notoriously fast-paced patter song, “Franklin Shepard, Inc.” While stage audiences were captivated by Radcliffe’s delivery, Friedman used the film to create a fuller picture.
On screen, the camera cuts between Radcliffe’s tour-de-force singing and Jonathan Groff’s silent reactions of shock, betrayal, and anger. Friedman describes the scene not as a solo but as “a duet. It’s a love song of yearning, hope, longing for his great friend.” This approach promises a new layer of emotional depth for viewers.
From Broadway Flop to Modern Classic
“Merrily We Roll Along” tells the story of three friends over 20 years, but in reverse chronological order. The musical was famously a flop when it first premiered in 1981, closing after just 16 performances. However, Friedman’s revival redeemed the show, becoming a critical and commercial success that recouped its $12 million investment.
Friedman’s vision for the show even earned the ultimate praise from its creator. After seeing her 2013 London production, the late Stephen Sondheim called it “the best I’ve seen.”
Honoring a Legend’s Legacy
For Friedman, bringing “Merrily” to cinemas is about more than just preserving a great show; it’s about honoring Sondheim’s legacy. “Steve [Sondheim] wanted all of his work to be seen all over the world,” she said. “People who don’t get to go to Broadway are going to get to see this show, and I’m so happy for him.”
The filmed version of “Merrily We Roll Along” will be screened via Fathom Entertainment from December 4-18. While details about a potential streaming release are still under wraps, the theatrical run offers a chance to experience the magic of Broadway with the intimacy of film.
Image Referance: https://playbill.com/article/maria-friedman-merrily-we-roll-along