PAST EVENTS
"Merrily We Roll Along"
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by George Furth
October 28–29 and November 3-5, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.
October 30 and November 6, 2022 | 2:30 p.m.
Perry Theatre in the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Center for Cultural Enrichment
349 S. Gladstone Ave.
Based on George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s 1934 play of the same name,Merrily We Roll Along follows the successful career of Broadway composer turned Hollywood producer, Frank Shepard. Throughout the course of the show, during which time regresses from 1976 to 1957, we learn how Frank accomplished this — with the help of his best friends, Charley (who writes the books and lyrics) and Mary (who is a writer in her own right and is always around for support and guidance). The trio of friends are inspired to become big players in American musical theatre. After witnessing the Russian satellite, Sputnik, orbiting the earth on a cold October night, they feel destined to “change the world.” However, over time, Frank learns what the cost could be of putting fame and fortune above friendship.
This play contains adult themes and some strong language, as well as water-based atmospherics.