I am nowhere near NYC, but for the first time in my life, I got a plane ticket and a show ticket to go see Merrily because it is one of my favorite shows. I really wanted to see this cast since the reviews were so good. I would say it is not really a "makes you cry" kind of show. Rather, it makes you ache and makes you reflect on what really matters in life. The ending is bittersweet because it can fill you with nostalgia for your days of youthful dreaming even while you know that such dreams don't always come true. At the same time, the book and lyrics are so complex and full of substance (as they are in all Sondheim shows), constantly prompting the viewer to ask questions about how a person can lose sight of what they truly want in life without even realizing it. It is incredibly profound, and as I listen to the recording and reflect on the performance I saw, more and more of the lyrics stand out to me and ring so true or give me something to reflect upon. Groff, Mendez, and Radcliffe absolutely brought realism, poignancy, and dynamism to their roles and to the relationship between Franklin, Charlie, and Mary. Groff made me much more sympathetic to a character whom I previously did not like at all. And you definitely missed out on Lindsay. Her performance is actually what stood out to me MOST about the show. She gave so much pathos to the role that I just can't stop thinking about the tragic element of Mary's story. It is the kind of show that I think you have to see multiple times to explore all its fascinating little corners. But it may not suit everyone's tastes.
That's incredible you were able to take a trip to see Merrily! That makes sense how it is more of a reflective piece than a makes you cry show. I think I would have liked it more if I had listened to the score ahead of time.
BTTF: The first thing I'll say is that the show was mainly designed for fans of the franchise so anyone who hasn't seen the trilogy might enjoy the musical less. Closing the first act with Something About That Boy felt right to me. It is such an action packed scene with so many different things to look at. I know a lot of people have been a bit meh on the new songs, but it always baffles me when people don't think that Gotta Start Somewhere is a total BOP. I left the theatre humming that one. One final thing - Roger Bart is GOATed.
@@broadwaybestfriend I can appreciate US audiences wanting a Broadway cast album, but the UK album does have two of the Broadway actors on it so it's worth at least one play through. 😎
I am nowhere near NYC, but for the first time in my life, I got a plane ticket and a show ticket to go see Merrily because it is one of my favorite shows. I really wanted to see this cast since the reviews were so good.
I would say it is not really a "makes you cry" kind of show. Rather, it makes you ache and makes you reflect on what really matters in life. The ending is bittersweet because it can fill you with nostalgia for your days of youthful dreaming even while you know that such dreams don't always come true. At the same time, the book and lyrics are so complex and full of substance (as they are in all Sondheim shows), constantly prompting the viewer to ask questions about how a person can lose sight of what they truly want in life without even realizing it. It is incredibly profound, and as I listen to the recording and reflect on the performance I saw, more and more of the lyrics stand out to me and ring so true or give me something to reflect upon.
Groff, Mendez, and Radcliffe absolutely brought realism, poignancy, and dynamism to their roles and to the relationship between Franklin, Charlie, and Mary. Groff made me much more sympathetic to a character whom I previously did not like at all. And you definitely missed out on Lindsay. Her performance is actually what stood out to me MOST about the show. She gave so much pathos to the role that I just can't stop thinking about the tragic element of Mary's story.
It is the kind of show that I think you have to see multiple times to explore all its fascinating little corners. But it may not suit everyone's tastes.
That's incredible you were able to take a trip to see Merrily! That makes sense how it is more of a reflective piece than a makes you cry show. I think I would have liked it more if I had listened to the score ahead of time.
BTTF: The first thing I'll say is that the show was mainly designed for fans of the franchise so anyone who hasn't seen the trilogy might enjoy the musical less. Closing the first act with Something About That Boy felt right to me. It is such an action packed scene with so many different things to look at. I know a lot of people have been a bit meh on the new songs, but it always baffles me when people don't think that Gotta Start Somewhere is a total BOP. I left the theatre humming that one. One final thing - Roger Bart is GOATed.
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I am hoping they record a Broadway cast recording so I can revisit these songs - I haven't listened to the London recording
@@broadwaybestfriend I can appreciate US audiences wanting a Broadway cast album, but the UK album does have two of the Broadway actors on it so it's worth at least one play through. 😎