Merrily We Roll Along Proshot: Sonia Friedman Shares New Details

The film, directed by Sonia’s sister, Maria Friedman, features the original Broadway cast, including Tony Award winners Daniel Radcliffe and Jonathan Groff, along with Tony nominee Lindsay Mendez, Krystal Joy Brown, Katie Rose Clarke, and Reg Rogers. Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for a global release, this proshot has already generated significant buzz for its innovative approach and top-tier talent.

A New Kind of Proshot: More Than Just a Recording

Speaking on a recent episode of the WhatsOnStage podcast, Sonia Friedman emphasized that this project is unlike any other proshot currently available. "It’s not a capture, I’ll tell you that much," she explained. "Maria has created something that feels like a film in its own right — a new genre altogether." Sonia revealed that Maria and her team dedicated six months of intensive editing to bring out a fresh perspective on the beloved musical, transforming it into an entirely unique viewing experience.

This meticulous editing process allowed the creative team to explore the production with a new lens, revealing layers of emotion and storytelling that may not be as evident in a live theater setting. Sonia shared her admiration for the finished product, expressing how she now sees Merrily We Roll Along in a way she never had before.

Honoring Stephen Sondheim’s Legacy

While the excitement around the proshot is palpable, Sonia also reflected on the bittersweet fact that Stephen Sondheim, the legendary composer and lyricist behind Merrily We Roll Along, was not able to witness this innovative film. "Stephen was so proud of what Maria was doing," Sonia noted, expressing the deep respect and love the creative team holds for Sondheim’s groundbreaking work.

About the Production Team and Creative Roots

The proshot is produced by a powerhouse team including Sonia Friedman, David Babani, Patrick Catullo, F. Richard Pappas, Jon Kamen and Dave Sirulnick from RadicalMedia. Executive producers Meredith Bennett, No Guarantees Productions, Scott Abrams, Jonathan Corr, Mary Maggio, Jeff Romley, Tony Yurgaitis, Andrew Cohen, Amanda Lipitz, and Henry Tisch also contribute, alongside co-executive producer Stephanie P. McClelland and supervising producers Karla Zambrano and Alec Sash.

A Story Spanning Three Decades

Merrily We Roll Along is a deeply personal and emotionally rich musical by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth, tracing the complex, evolving relationships between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends, writer Mary and lyricist/playwright Charley. First premiering on Broadway in 1981, the show has since gained cult status for its innovative narrative structure and timeless score.

The 2023-2024 revival, skillfully directed by Maria Friedman, brought fresh vitality and contemporary relevance to the musical’s intricate storytelling. With a cast delivering performances hailed as career-best, including Radcliffe, Groff, and Mendez, the production captivated audiences and critics alike with its emotional honesty, humor, and depth.

Award-Winning Revival and Record-Breaking Success

The revival’s acclaim was solidified at the 2024 Tony Awards, where it won Best Revival of a Musical. It also took home honors for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, and Best Orchestrations. The production broke box office records at the Hudson Theatre during previews and earned the highest number of five-star reviews in West-End history — a testament to its cultural impact and enduring popularity.