A musical gem that shouldn't be missed

Stephen Sondheim musicals often reveal their textual and emotional depth in intimate spaces and productions. Now Sharon Playhouse Artistic Director John Simpkins has chosen and directed “Merrily We Roll Along,” one of Sondheim’s least produced works but one beloved by Sondheim cultists, in Sharon’s modest theater with an in-your-face immediacy that often takes your breath away.

“Merrily” is a difficult show for many audiences. The play, which flopped on Broadway in 1981 after only 14 performances, flows backward in time — from 1976 to 1957. Adapted by George Furth from a play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, the story centers on three friends who have each achieved success yet drifted apart as a result. Franklin, a composer, sacrificed his youthful illusions, talent and integrity for success in Hollywood. His former writing partner in New York, Charley, stayed in the city and finally wrote a hit play. Mary, a writer and the third friend, wrote a bestselling book.

The play follows Franklin and his friends backward through compromises, marriages, betrayals, lies and loss toward a finale — and this is what makes the backward momentum moving — filled with youthful optimism as the three friends gather on a city rooftop to watch Sputnik pass over, signaling the dawn of a new age. It is the saddest song in the show.

The glory, even miracle, of “Merrily” is Sondheim’s music and lyrics. “Merrily We Roll Along,” the song that opens the show, is a bitter reminder that life continues no matter what bad choices we make, or how oblivious we are of the damage we do to others. “Old Friends” is rueful from Mary, bursting with charm and promise from Franklin. “Not a Day Goes By,” a lament from Beth, who is divorcing Franklin, changes to a woman’s elegy for unrequited love when sung by Mary. “Franklin Shepard Inc.,” the amazing number in which Charley publicly dissolves his partnership with Franklin, is simply the finest song Sondheim ever composed for a man.

Simpkins is always good in his casting judgments. Here he has chosen three Equity actors who deliver star turns. Jason Tam (Franklin) is full of energy and mendacious charisma. His “Old Friends,” backed by propulsive choreography from Jennifer Werner, would be a success on any Broadway stage. A. J. Shively (Charley) is tall and lean, full of honesty and optimism and gentleness until he finally accepts Franklin’s betrayal. His “Franklin Shepard Inc.” is a tour de force. Lauren Marcus gives Mary poignance and sadness and an alcoholic candor.

Sarah Cline plays Gussie — the much-married redhead who has clawed her way to Broadway stardom and marriage with Franklin — with intelligence and sexiness. Her “Growing Up” is seduction in song. Emma Davis is feet-on-the-ground practical as Franklin’s first wife, Beth. And David Fanning gives a big performance as Joe, Gussie’s husband, who produces Franklin and Charley’s first Broadway success. 

Supporting the actors is an onstage band of 10 marvelous players, sensitively directed by Eric Kang. (The orchestrations are by Sharon’s own Jonathan Tunick, who made them for the original 1981 production.)

Sadly, “Merrily” only runs through Sunday, July 19. My advice? Get a ticket. You may never have an opportunity to enjoy this musical gem again. Call the box office at 860-364-7469 or go to www.sharonplayhouse.org.