Arundel Players launch into Merrily We Roll Along

Merrily We Roll Along gets 2016 underway for the Arundel Players, with Kate Bennett directing the Sondheim musical (January 25-30).
Merrily We Roll Along landscape photo by Rosey PurchaseMerrily We Roll Along landscape photo by Rosey Purchase
Merrily We Roll Along landscape photo by Rosey Purchase

Based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S Kaufman and Moss Hart, it turns back the clock on friendship and the high price of success, as Kate explains.

“I think it is regarded by a lot of Sondheim fans as… I hesitate to say his best… but it is certainly a cult show for people that love Sondheim. Anybody that likes Sondheim would want to see it. I think it is quite unusual, but you would say that about a lot of Sondheim – though this one tells the story backwards. It’s about three friends who are going to set the world on fire. There is nothing they can’t do. But the story starts at the end where you know they are not going to do it. It starts when it has all gone horribly wrong and they are not friends any more… and it goes back to end with their optimism which is the start of their story.

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“I have known the show a long time. It has always been on a long short list of shows that I wanted to do one day, but it has never been the right time seemingly. And then the slot came up at Arundel. They said they had an opening in Arundel for January 2016, and I thought the timing was right and I had the right people around me to do it.”

Kate is clear: you definitely need the right people: “Sondheim is not an easy sing. It’s very complex musically and lyrically. He seems to need to cram a lot of words into a song. His words are very character-driven and story-telling. It is not just ‘Let’s pause here for a nice song!’

“I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to direct this musical as I have a passion, as do most musical performers, for Sondheim. It has a brilliant Broadway-style score and is a spirited and moving cautionary tale for anyone who has ever pursued a dream.”

The story revolves around Franklin Shepard, played by Wezley Sebastian, who, having once been a talented composer of Broadway musicals, has abandoned his friends and his song-writing career to become a Hollywood movie producer. Like the play, the musical begins at the height of Shepard’s fame in 1976 when he was a rich, famous and influential songwriter and film producer.

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As the years roll backwards to 1957, they trace the life of wealthy, jaded composer Franklin and his two estranged friends, Charley Kringas (Tony Bright) and Mary Flynn (Caroline Bennett). Along the way, the audience sees snapshots of the most important milestones of their personal and professional lives – good and bad.

“We have been rehearsing during a very busy time when people have huge family commitments, but I have been lucky to find a very talented cast of 13, which for Arundel Players is a larger cast than usual. But it’s always a joy to direct at the Priory Playhouse Theatre and the cast enjoy working there too.

“I think this will be a great kick start to Arundel Players 2016 productions; Merrily We Roll Along is a poignant, emotional and compelling story about the importance of staying true to one’s ideals.”

Other members of the cast include Julie Waite, Betty Jones, Miles Eden, Tracy Clayton, Abi Vinter, Matt Bonner, Bob Woodman, Caroline Field, Charlie Holden and Bruce Stewart. Merrily We Roll Along runs at the Priory Playhouse Theatre, London Road, Arundel, 7.30pm. Tickets on 07523 417926.

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