A speedy review of Merrily We Roll Along @ Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

Stephen Sondheim’s 1981 musical retracing the failed friendships and corporate sell-out of composer turned movie producer Franklin Shepherd isn’t one of his best-known, probably because it was a spectacular flop when it first arrived on Broadway, closing after just 16 performances. Yet the songs have lived on, especially the heartbreaking We Had a Good Thing Going and Not a Day Goes By. Now the students at the RWCMD prove what a wonderful show this is, moving effortlessly from laugh out loud comedy moments to powerful drama, packing a serious emotional punch. As the musical takes us back in time, the young cast, lead by Nicky Taliesin (Frank), Richard Russell Edwards (Frank’s old best friend and lyricist Charley) and Helena-May Harrison (the third leg of the tripod and writer turned alcoholic drama critic Mary) masterfully take the characters from their world-weariness and regrets at the beginning to their youthful enthusiasm at the end. Harrison was a particular highlight: while Mary could very easily swerve into caricature, Harrison keeps her utterly believable. Overall, I was very impressed by the standard of the production and look forward to forthcoming productions at the RWCMD.

A longer, although much more rambly review, is available here:   Xpress Culture 5/12/11 by Never A Frown