A star-studded revival of the musical 'Merrily We Roll Along' has achieved a remarkable feat by turning a profit, something the original production failed to do. The new production, featuring a talented cast including Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez, has recouped its $12 million capitalization as announced by the show's producers. Since its opening in October, the production has garnered rave reviews and has been a popular choice among theatergoers, expected to make a strong showing at the upcoming Tony Awards.
In stark contrast to the original Broadway production in 1981, which faced harsh criticism and closed after a mere 16 performances, the revival has been a resounding success. Directed by Maria Friedman, the show skillfully navigates its unique narrative structure while showcasing memorable musical numbers like 'Old Friends' and 'Franklin Shepard, Inc.'
'Merrily We Roll Along' is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by George Furth, based on an original play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The revival, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, David Babani, Patrick Catullo, and Jeff Romley, has broken box office records at Broadway's Hudson Theatre multiple times, grossing over $2 million in a single week at its peak.
The production, which will conclude its run on July 7 after 312 performances and 20 previews, has been a hit since its inception at the Menier Chocolate Factory in 2012, followed by a successful West End run. Subsequently, it made its way to New York Theatre Workshop in 2022 before landing on Broadway, where it has captivated audiences and critics alike.
