Editor's Blog: Merrily We Roll Along comes to a cinema near you

Last night (21st October) the Cineworld Haymarket played host to the London premiere screening of Maria Friedman's terrific production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Merrily We Roll Along. 

The production initially opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory in November 2012 where it became the hottest ticket in town before transferring to the West End's Harold Pinter Theatre in May 2013.

After its press night the production celebrated receiving more five star reviews than any other West End production... ever. During the run at the Harold Pinter Digital Theatre teamed up with CinemaLive, Chocolate Factory Productions, Neal Street Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions and the Society of London Theatre to film the show so that it could be screened in cinemas across the UK, America and all over the world.

This was my second time seeing theatre in the cinema, I recently attended the premiere screening of Beautiful Thing. Seeing a musical was a completely different experience, with the audience applauding after each musical number. At first the theatrical atmosphere felt strange inside a cinema, but I soon became used to the idea.

One would think that something might be lost from stage to screen. But surprisingly Merrily We Roll Along translates well on screen, it's very intimate. Despite never reviewing Merrily personally (you can read West End Frame's review here), I did manage to see the production once during its run at the Harold Pinter. Of course you don't get the buzz of seeing the performers in front of your eyes, hearing the orchestra live and the atmosphere isn't the same, but the production has been filmed superbly and the show hasn't lost any of its charm. This is due to Maria Friedman's extraordinary direction. The only issue at times was the sound which seemed rather than quiet throughout. 

When watching Merrily on screen I actually picked up slight details and gestures that I didn't notice when seeing it on stage. The production is very detailed and you only had to be looking at another part of the stage to miss something. For those who don't know, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's musical follows three friends. The show begins in 1980 when they are older and their friendship has fallen to pieces, and then goes back in time ending when they are young, free and innocent. Of course the three don't have a clue what is ahead, leaving the audience with the upper hand. On screen you will notice small mannerisms and character traits which you may have completely missed when seeing it on stage.

Merrily We Roll Along is a perfect piece of theatre. And I don't think I can say that about any other show. I simply cannot fault either the piece or this production. Merrily is hardcore theatre at its very best. When the show begins there is a lot to take in but when I realised the screening was concluding I simply didn't want it to end. Sondheim's score is just a dream. I don't actually know it particularly well yet I regularly seem to find the musical numbers stuck in my head. 'Not a Day Goes By' is one of the most heartbreaking songs while 'Old Friends' will always bring a smile to anybody's face. Of course it is the complexity of Sondheim's writing which takes Merrily We Roll Along to a whole new level.

Before the screening commenced, Maria Friedman made a heartfelt speech during which she mentioned the hardworking, hugely talented cast. I cannot describe just how perfect the chemistry between Mark Umbers, Jenna Russell and Damian Humbley is. It's as if they have been friends for years and years. Jenna Russell gives quite a performance. As a comedic actress she is hysterical, while always bringing heart and sincerity to every scene. Jenna always has a twinkle in her eye and gives a very special performance.

The entire company are out of this world. Merrily is a fantastic ensemble piece, and each cast member has an important part to play. It is incredible that people all over the world will have the opportunity to see this world-class production. I hope this is the start of a new West End tradition.

Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

andrew@westendframe.com

Merrily We Roll Along will be shown in cinemas across America for one night only on Wednesday 23rd October. Tickets for UK and European cinemas are on sale now with the production coming to cinemas for one night only from Thursday 24th October 2013.

Click here to find your screening date and nearest cinema

Photo Credit: Tristram Kenton

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