Talented Trio Journeys Through Friendship and Time
by Molly Wells
BOONE, NC - The Appalachian Musical Theatre Club proudly presents "Merrily We Roll Along" with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by George Furth, and orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. The cast includes 18 Appalachian State students spanning across all undergraduate grade levels. The High Country debut of this production takes place in the historic Appalachian Theatre on Saturday, November 9 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for students and $19 for adults, and are available online through the theatre website at https://www.apptheatre.org/events-and-tickets/amtc-merrily-we-roll-along and in person at their King Street box office in uptown Boone, or by phone at (828) 865-3000.
"Merrily We Roll Along" is based on George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's play of the same name and follows Franklin Shepard, Broadway composer turned Hollywood producer, through his professional and personal life. The story is told in reverse chronological order from 1976 back to 1957. Over the course of the show, the audience learns how Frank accomplished such a successful career. He can credit his success to the help of his best friends, Charley and Mary, both writers who are always by his side to offer guidance and support. The trio appears to be unstoppable and inseparable, but over time Frank discovers that fame and fortune come not without a cost. He begins to alienate his beloved friends and family on his climb to the top, giving up his original dreams for new, more lucrative ones. Those who began the journey to success in the musical theatre industry with him are left behind when Frank loses sight of the important things, true friendship and connection.
Thea Dowdle, Caleb Rivera, Ethan Rapier
Director Colin Pendergrast said, "I, like many others before me, fell in love with "Merrily We Roll Along" the moment I heard the concept of a show's story being told in reverse. Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's story is far from insignificant when told chronologically, but a beautifully unique perspective is discovered when told in reverse. By flipping the timeline, Sondheim and Furth show us not only where life's journeys end up but, more poignantly, where they begin—with hope, with fire, and with friendships that seem unbreakable. It's a reminder of the dreams that ignite our younger selves and the challenges we face holding onto those dreams as time and success reshape our lives. Typically, routine exposition is treasured, mundane plot points become indispensable, and a powerful ending leaves the audience asking the same question as the characters in Frank's life: "How did you get to be here?"
The musical is being produced by the Appalachian Musical Theatre Club (AMTC), a fully student-run campus organization now in its 12th year. AMTC is focused on providing performance opportunities for Appalachian State students who are passionate about musical theatre. The club is advised by Department of Theatre and Dance faculty member Kevin S. Warner and Hayes School of Music faculty member Dr. Joby Bell.
Sophomore student cast member Max Crum states, "People should come see "Merrily We Roll Along" because a Sondheim production is always an experience like no other. I can remember every Sondheim musical I have ever seen live, and each experience has been incredibly moving. The cast and crew have done this musical immense justice. The commitment, support, and camaraderie of this group of people truly makes the experience special."
The 2023-24 Broadway revival of "Merrily We Roll Along" starring Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez was nominated for seven Tony Awards and won four, including Best Revival of a Musical.
Senior student cast member Thea Dowdle said, "Working on this show has been both incredibly challenging and rewarding for me. I am honored to be among such a talented cast and crew, all of whom share a deep love for the community that we experience in theatre. I think that the themes of "Merrily We Roll Along" are timeless and will resonate with anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of our everyday lives and relationships. This musical does a beautiful job of exploring the complexities of friendship and showing how each of our choices impacts our lives."
The cast of "Merrily We Roll Along" includes the following Appalachian students, in alphabetical order: Phoebe Atkins, Lee Bodenhamer, Lindsey Bolster, Davis Brewer, Max Crum, Thea Dowdle, Meg Scott Franklin, Aiden Gephart, Leslie Harker, Regan Hartley, Reagan Higgins, Gracie Isgrigg, Ian Kirchbaum, Ellie Kontogiorgos, Kayla Miller, Ethan Rapier, Tori Regehr, and Caleb Rivera.
Thea Dowdle and Caleb Rivera
The orchestra is led by Maddie Smith (pit director) and comprised of the following students, in alphabetical order, Cris Bryant (clarinet, bass clarinet), Conrad Clasen (drums), Kat Davis (flute and piccolo), Griffin Edwards (clarinet, flute, and alto saxophone), Caden Felts (baritone saxophone), Spencer Hicks (trumpet), Bella McMillan (tenor saxophone), Evan Moser (trumpet), Genavieve Neff (alto saxophone), Keagan O'Connell (clarinet), Will Rivers (trombone), David Rolland (trumpet), and Matt Testa (piano).
"Merrily We Roll Along" is directed by Colin Pendergrast with music direction by Hanah Wooten and Jett Hurd, with stage management by Kayleigh Laibson. Other members of the production team include, in alphabetical order, students Isabella Brumfield (props master), Hadley Brickman (lighting designer), Owen Lewis (production assistant), Amari Mealy (assistant stage manager), Emily Quesnel (costume designer), Trenton Rose (sound designer), Morgan Smith (assistant stage manager), Ben Tugwell (assistant director), and Caelen Zenes (assistant props master).
The production is licensed through special agreement with Music Theatre International, a subsidiary of Concord Theatricals.
Photos by Molly Wells
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