Merrily We Roll Along
Stephen Sondheim’s *Merrily We Roll Along* returns to Signature Theatre after a 20-year absence in a production directed and choreographed by Matthew Gardiner. The musical moves backward through time, tracing three longtime friends as the idealism of youth gives way to the successes, disappointments, compromises, and cynicism of adulthood.
With music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by George Furth, the production features the songs “Our Time,” “Good Thing Going,” and “Not a Day Goes By.” The show is based on the original play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart.
When: August 25 through November 1, 2026
Venue: Signature Theatre, Arlington, Virginia
Tickets: Price not available
Run time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Creative team: Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; book by George Furth; based on the original play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart; orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick; music direction by Jon Kalbfleisch; direction and choreography by Matthew Gardiner. The musical was originally directed on Broadway by Harold Prince.
Cast: Jason Gotay as Franklin Shepard; Kerstin Anderson as Beth Spencer; Jake Loewenthal as Charley Kringas; Melanie Field as Mary Flynn; Maria Rizzo as Gussie Carnegie; Neal Gaensehals as Frank Jr.; Lindsay Nicole Chambers as Scotty and Mrs. Spencer; Ben Beckley as Terry and Mr. Spencer; Eric Easter as Ru; Jonah Ho'okano as Tyler; Stephen Russell Murray as Bunker; Beatrice Owens as Dory; James Whalen as Joe Josephson; Joel Ashur as Jerome; Sarah Anne Sillers as KT; Alondra Trinidad-Colon as Meg; Max von Kolnitz, Austin Anderson, Kimberly Camacho, and Sophia Early as swings. Henry Hampton Bedford is the Frank Jr. understudy.
Discussion Nights: Post-show discussions are scheduled for September 23 at 7:30 p.m. and October 13 at 7:30 p.m., offering an opportunity to go behind the scenes after select Tuesday and Wednesday performances.
Pride Night: September 18 at 8 p.m. This special performance includes a post-show reception for members of the LGBTQ+ community, their families, and friends.
Accessible performances: An ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for October 8 at 8 p.m. Closed captioning is available at all performances through the GalaPro app.
Masks: Masks are required at the September 15 performance at 7:30 p.m.
Effects warnings: The production uses theatrical lighting effects, herbal cigarettes, and theatrical haze.
Content warnings: The show includes adult themes, alcohol use, sexual content, and depictions of drug use.
Age recommendation: Recommended for mature teens and older. Children under 6 are not admitted at Signature Theatre.