UA Theatre and Dance Presents ‘Merrily We Roll Along’

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.—The University of Alabama’s department of theatre and dance presents a week-long run of the musical, “Merrily We Roll Along,” in the Allen Bales Theatre beginning Nov. 10.

Based on the play by George Kaufman and Moss Hart, the musical follows the protagonist, Frank, and tells the story of his life from starving artist to well-known movie composer. The story is told in reverse, so the audience starts their journey at the end of the original play. Sondheim notes the show is about friendship, but director Matt Davis, a third year Master of Fine Arts candidate, takes it one step farther.

“By introducing the audience to Frank, who has become incredibly successful in his professional life, we are immediately forced to consider whether it is all worth it,” Davis said. “As the story unfolds—in reverse—we are witness to what Frank lets go of for fame and fortune. Friendship, family, dreams, and passions fall to the wayside, and, as we slip further back in time, we see the loss of the most important trait of all – innocence.”

Performances take place Monday, Nov. 10 through Friday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available through the department’s website at theatre.ua.edu, by phone, at 205/348-3400, or at the door.

UA’s department of theatre and dance is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships, Truman Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.