Merrily We Roll Along
Stephen Sondheim’s *Merrily We Roll Along* returns to Signature Theatre for the first time in twenty years, directed and choreographed by Matthew Gardiner. The musical, with a book by George Furth based on the original play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, tells its story in reverse chronological order: it begins with three old friends in the disillusioned present and travels backward to the bright-eyed, idealistic young artists they once were. Over two decades, the show explores how ambition, loyalty, and compromise shape a life, and how the choices we make can erode even the closest friendships. The score features Sondheim classics including “Our Time,” “Good Thing Going,” and “Not a Day Goes By,” orchestrated by Jonathan Tunick. This production is sponsored by The Drutz Family Fund for Musical Theater, Dana A. Hearn & Kevin J. McCloskey, and the orchestra is sponsored by David Briggs.
When: August 25, 2026 through November 1, 2026.
Showtimes: Specialty performances include Discussion Nights on September 23 at 7:30 PM and October 13 at 7:30 PM, and Pride Night on September 18 at 8 PM. General performance times vary; please check the venue’s calendar.
Tickets: Pricing has not yet been announced.
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Age Recommendation: Appropriate for mature teens and up. Children under 6 are not admitted.
Content Warnings: This show contains adult themes including alcohol usage and sex. Effects include theatrical lighting effects, herbal cigarettes, and theatrical haze.
Accessibility: All performances offer closed captions via the GalaPro app. An ASL-interpreted performance takes place on October 8 at 8 PM. A masks-required performance is scheduled for September 15 at 7:30 PM. Signature Theatre provides additional accessibility options; contact the venue for details.
Specialty Performances: Discussion Nights (post-show conversation) on September 23 and October 13 at 7:30 PM. Pride Night (with a post-show reception) on September 18 at 8 PM.
Creative Team: Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; Book by George Furth; Based on the Original Play by George S. Kaufman & Moss Hart; Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick; Music Direction by Jon Kalbfleisch; Direction & Choreography by Matthew Gardiner. Originally directed on Broadway by Harold Prince. Cast not yet announced.
Venue: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, Virginia. Parking, bar (Ali’s Bar), and getting‑here information available on the venue’s website.