Merrily We Roll Along
Opened Nov 16, 1981 · Closed Nov 28, 1981 · Ran for less than a month
This is a synopsis of the current, revised version of the show since the 1994 York Theatre production, not the original one performed on Broadway in 1981. The plot revolves around Frank Shepard, a famous songwriter and eventual film producer ("Overture/Merrily We Roll Along"). Moving backwards across 20 years, the show details Frank's rise from a penniless dreamy-eyed composer to a wealthy film-producing sell-out, and what he lost to get there.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Historical Production
Broadway Scorecard's critic review coverage begins in 2005. Cast, creative team, and production details are available for this historical production.
Critic Scorecard
Archived critic reviews for this production are being collected and will appear here as they're processed.
Audience Grade
This show predates most audience rating platforms. Critic reviews only.
Awards Scorecard
1981-82 seasonBox Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicFrequently Asked Questions
Is Merrily We Roll Along still running on Broadway?
No, Merrily We Roll Along has closed. It played at Neil Simon Theatre and closed on November 28, 1981.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueThe Neil Simon Theatre offers good sightlines with minimal obstructions, although comfort is compromised by tight legroom and narrow seats. The ambiance is appealing with its classic architectural charm, and facilities are average, with typical restroom and concession offerings.
Original Broadway Cast
- Ann MorrisonMary FlynnBroadway debut
- Lonny PriceCharley Kringas
- Jim WaltonFranklin ShepardReplaced James Weissenbach in previews
- Jason AlexanderJoeBroadway debut
- Terry FinnGussieBroadway debut
- Sally KleinBethBroadway debut
- Marianna AllenGirl AuditioningBroadway debut
- James BonkovskyGeorgeBroadway debut, The Headwaiter
Notable Replacements
- James WeissenbachFranklin ShepardWas replaced in previews
Creative Team
- George S. Kaufman and Moss HartPlaywright
- Harold PrinceDirector
- George FurthBook
- Paul GemignaniMusic Direction
- Stephen SondheimLyrics
- Stephen SondheimMusic
Quick Facts
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Nov 16, 1981
- Closed
- Nov 28, 1981
- Run Length
- less than a month
- Theater
- Neil Simon Theatre
- Synopsis
- This is a synopsis of the current, revised version of the show since the 1994 York Theatre production, not the original one performed on Broadway in 1981. The plot revolves around Frank Shepard, a famous songwriter and eventual film producer ("Overture/Merrily We Roll Along"). Moving backwards across 20 years, the show details Frank's rise from a penniless dreamy-eyed composer to a wealthy film-producing sell-out, and what he lost to get there.
- Data Last Updated
- October 7, 2026
