The Tony-winning Broadway revival of “Merrily We Roll Along,” featuring Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez, is set to be professionally filmed by RadicalMedia. This production company is renowned for its work on “Hamilton” and “Come From Away.” While the filming is confirmed, the future distribution plans remain uncertain. It could be released on TV, streaming platforms, or even in theaters, similar to how “Hamilton” transitioned to Disney+ and “Come From Away” streamed on Apple TV+.
Speculation about the filming began when notices appeared along 44th Street in Manhattan, indicating that filming would occur on June 17 and 18. These notices were posted near the Hudson Theatre, where “Merrily We Roll Along” is currently playing. A production insider mentioned that the filming is primarily for posterity, a rare occurrence in Broadway productions.
The revival of “Merrily We Roll Along” has been a significant success, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe also received Tony Awards for their performances, with Groff winning Best Leading Actor in a Musical and Radcliffe taking home Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Jonathan Tunick was honored with a Tony for his orchestrations.
The revival, directed by Maria Friedman, opened on October 10, 2023, at the Hudson Theatre and will run through July 7. The production features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by George Furth. The story, based on the play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, follows the lives of three friends in the entertainment industry over three decades, told in reverse chronological order.
The cast includes Daniel Radcliffe as Charley Kringas, Jonathan Groff as Franklin Shepard, and Lindsay Mendez as Mary Flynn. They are joined by Krystal Joy Brown, Katie Rose Clarke, and Reg Rogers, among others. The production also features choreography by Tim Jackson, scenic and costume design by Soutra Gilmour, and lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker.
The original Broadway production of “Merrily We Roll Along” in 1981 was short-lived, running for only 16 performances and 44 previews. However, this revival has become one of the highest-grossing shows on Broadway. The show’s remarkable comeback story has been celebrated, transforming it from an initial flop to a highly acclaimed production.
The revival’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of Sondheim’s work. The score includes beloved songs such as “Old Friends,” “Now You Know,” “Franklin Shepard, Inc.,” “Good Thing Going,” and “Not a Day Goes By.” A revival cast recording was released on January 12.
The production team for the revival includes Sonia Friedman Productions, David Babani, Patrick Catullo, and Jeff Romley. The filming by RadicalMedia adds another layer of excitement, potentially making this revival accessible to a broader audience.
The New York Times reported that the filming is taking place this week, although no official announcement has been made regarding its release. A production spokesperson reiterated that the filming is for posterity, a rare occurrence in Broadway history.
“Merrily We Roll Along” has a storied history, with various productions over the years. The 2013 West End run was also filmed and released for on-demand streaming by Digital Theatre. However, that version is currently unavailable officially.
The revival’s journey from its Off-Broadway run at New York Theatre Workshop in 2022 to its current Broadway success has been remarkable. The production has received widespread praise and buzz, particularly for its celebrity leads.
The story of “Merrily We Roll Along” resonates with audiences, exploring themes of friendship, ambition, and the passage of time. The reverse chronological storytelling adds a unique twist, making it a compelling narrative.
The professional filming of this revival could potentially join the library of professionally filmed Stephen Sondheim musicals available for home viewing. This would be a significant addition, given the show’s critical acclaim and the star power of its cast.
As the filming progresses, fans eagerly await further announcements regarding its release. Whether it will be available on TV, streaming platforms, or in theaters, the filmed version of “Merrily We Roll Along” promises to be a significant event in the world of musical theater.
