Merrily We Roll Along

Merrily We Roll Along
Sondheim's semi-autobiographical musical turns back the clock on friendship and the high price of success.

The authors of the landmark Company reunite to turn the traditional showbiz musical on its head in this thrilling and compelling Broadway fable about friendship, compromise and the high price of success. Stephen Sondheim and George Furth expertly blend the excitement and energy of a backstage musical with a poignant and emotional contemporary story about the importance of staying true to one's ideals.

Merrily We Roll Along begins in the present and moves backwards, tracing the lives of wealthy, jaded composer, Franklin Shepard, and his two estranged friends through each milestone of their personal and professional lives (good and bad). The show ends with a touch of rueful irony, as the three best friends at the start of their careers face a bright future: young, talented and enthusiastic about the worlds waiting to be conquered.

Merrily We Roll Along is a modest-sized show that crackles with the wit, humor and intensity that embody the spirit of New York City. With a brilliant "Broadway-style" score and that deep insight one expects from any Sondheim endeavor, Merrily We Roll Along is a spirited and moving cautionary tale for anyone who has ever pursued a dream.

Full SynopsisMaterials and Orchestration

Concert Selections for Merrily We Roll Along

MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.

refine
  • FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC
    From
    MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Type
    SHOW EXTRACTION
    Arranged for
    1 MALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    E
    Estimated duration
    8 min 20 sec
    Music by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Lyrics by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Orchestrated by
    TUNICK, JONATHAN
    Instrumentation
    1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone, 5 Bass, 3 Drum(percussion), 1 Synthesizerm 1 Piano, 2 Piano Conductor
  • NOT A DAY GOES BY
    From
    MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Type
    SHOW EXTRACTION
    Arranged for
    1 FEMALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    F
    Estimated duration
    4 min
    Music by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Lyrics by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Orchestrated by
    TUNICK, JONATHAN
    Instrumentation
    1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Bass Clarinet, 1 Reed 5, 1 Horn , 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Guitar, 1 Keyboard 1, 1 Keyboard 2, 2 Piano/Conductor
  • NOT A DAY GOES BY (SYMPHONIC SONDHEIM)
    From
    MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Type
    CONCERT/SYMPHONIC ARRANGEMENT (INSTRUMENTAL)
    Arranged for
    INSTRUMENTAL
    Starting Key
    Ab
    Estimated duration
    2 min 25 sec
    Music by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Arranged by
    SEBESKY, DON
    Instrumentation
    1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2, 1 Oboe, 1 English horn, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bassoon 1, 1 Bassoon 2, 1 Horn 1, 1 Horn 2, 1 Horn 3, 1 Horn 4, 1 opt.Horn 5, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 2 Percussion, 1 Harp, 1 Celete(Piano), 1 Conductor score
  • OLD FRIENDS
    From
    MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Type
    SHOW EXTRACTION
    Arranged for
    1 FEMALE VOICE, 2 MALE VOICES
    Starting Key
    G
    Estimated duration
    10 min 25 sec
    Music by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Lyrics by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Orchestrated by
    TUNICK, JONATHAN
    Instrumentation
    1 Reed 1(Clarinet), 2 Reed 2(Oboe), 1 Reed 3(Clarinet), 1 Reed 4(Bass Clarinet), 2 Reed 5(Bassoon), 1 Horn, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 2 Percussion, 1 Guitar, 1 Keyboard 1(Piano), 1 Keyboard 2, 2 Piano Conductor, 3 Chorus books
  • OLD FRIENDS / LIKE IT WAS
    From
    MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Type
    SHOW EXTRACTION
    Arranged for
    1 FEMALE VOICE, 1 MALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    D
    Estimated duration
    5 min 25 sec
    Music by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Lyrics by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Orchestrated by
    TUNICK, JONATHAN
    Instrumentation
    1 Reed 1(flute), 1 Reed 2(english horn), 1 Reed 3(Clarinet), 1 Reed 4(bass clarinet), 1 Reed 5(clarinet), 1 Horn, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, Percussion, 1 Guitar, 1 Keyboard 1(piano), 2 Piano Conductor, 2 Chorus books
  • OPENING DOORS
    From
    MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Type
    SHOW EXTRACTION
    Arranged for
    1 FEMALE VOICE, 2 MALE VOICES, CHORUS
    Starting Key
    G
    Estimated duration
    10 min 52 sec
    Music by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Lyrics by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Orchestrated by
    TUNICK, JONATHAN
    Instrumentation
    1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Trombone, 5 Bass, 3 Drum(percussion), 1 Synthesizer, 25 Chorus books, 1 Full Score
  • OUR TIME
    From
    MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Type
    SHOW EXTRACTION
    Arranged for
    1 FEMALE VOICE, 2 MALE VOICES, CHORUS
    Starting Key
    Db
    Estimated duration
    9 min 15 sec
    Music by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Lyrics by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Orchestrated by
    TUNICK, JONATHAN
    Instrumentation
    1 Reed 1(Flute), 1 Reed 2(Oboe), 1 Reed 3(Clarinet 1), 1 Reed 4(Clarinet 2), 1 Reed 5(Bassoon), 1 Horn, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 2 Percussion 1&2, 1 Guitar, 1 Keyboard 1, 1 Keyboard 2, 2 Piano Conductor, 25 Chorus books
  • OVERTURE ("MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG")
    From
    MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Type
    SHOW EXTRACTION
    Estimated duration
    8 min 42 sec
    Music by
    STEPHEN SONDHEIM
    Orchestrated by
    JONATHAN TUNICK
  • RICH AND HAPPY
    From
    MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Type
    SHOW EXTRACTION
    Arranged for
    CHORUS (Featured Solos)
    Starting Key
    C
    Estimated duration
    13 min 40 sec
    Music by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Lyrics by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Orchestrated by
    TUNICK, JONATHAN
    Instrumentation
    1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Reed 5, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Horn, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Guitar, 3 Percussion 1&2, 2 Piano Conductor, 1 Piano, 1 Keyboard 1, 1 Keyboard 2, 25 Chorus books

Show Essentials

Book by
George FurthGeorge Furth
Music and Lyrics by
Stephen SondheimStephen Sondheim
Full Billing

Songs

Merrily We Roll Along

That Frank

Franklin Shepard, Inc.

Old Friends

Growing Up

Not A Day Goes By

Now You Know

Act Two Opening

It's A Hit!

The Blob

Good Thing Going

Not A Day Goes By - Act 2

Opening Doors

Our Time

Full Song List

Cost Estimator

Estimate the approximate cost of your licensing fees by providing a few details about your production.

Estimate Your Cost

Similar Shows

A Little Night Music
Company
Follies

Tags

Classic Broadway
Comedy
Drama
Book Musical
Contemporary
NYC
Minimal Design
Female Star Vehicle
Male Star Vehicle

Community Marketplace

Faux Curtain Drops

Explore

Show History
Critical Reaction
Awards
Connect
Follow 

Resources

No matter where you are on your theatrical journey, our innovative production resources will enhance your show experience!
Digital Scripts & Scores – Powered by ProductionPro

Give Your Cast and Crew the Tools for a Successful Rehearsal Process

Pre Performance
Details
Full Reference Score

See the entire orchestration on one page.

Performance
Details
How Does the Show Go On
How Does The Show Go On?

The ultimate book for theater lovers of all ages.

Details
Reference Recording

Listen to a cast or demo recording before licensing your next musical.

Pre Performance
Details
Showtix4u
ShowTix4U

Manage ticket sales online and maximize your box office. 

Performance
Details
Stage Write: Staging Assistant

Enable your creative team to easily track the moving pieces of your production.

Pre Performance
Details
Transpositions On Demand
Transpositions-On-Demand

Change the key of any song and optimize your performer’s vocal range.

Pre Performance
Details
Virtual Stage Management

Manage rehearsal schedules and changes by sending instant updates to your cast and crew.

Pre Performance
Details

Questions & Answers

Ask a QuestionSee All Questions
By XXXX157890
December 22, 2019
Login to flag as inappropriate
Related shows or resources: Merrily We Roll Along
Is there any small orchestration avaliable?
Answer this Question
See 1 answer
By Uncle Brad
September 16, 2016
Login to flag as inappropriate
Related shows or resources: Merrily We Roll Along
Is it the revival version of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG that you offer?
Answer this Question
See 1 answer