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Cochise College Fine Arts Department in conjunction with Off Broadway Theatre presents this year’s Summer Theatre Project — Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along.” This musical adaptation of the 1934 Kaufman and Hart play transforms the story of three remarkable talents looking back on their lost friendship.
Franklin, Mary and Charley grew up to realize their dreams, but may have paid a greater price than they originally anticipated. Frank’s heart-wrenching question, “Why?” begins the journey backwards in time, recalling triumphs and successes, failures, rivalries and even love sought after and lost.
“Merrily We Roll Along” is not one of the Sondheim’s most noted works. Next to some of his famous hits “Into the Woods,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “A Little Music,” “Company,” “Follies” — “Merrily” tends to be forgotten among many theatre lovers — even the most avid of patrons. Songs such as “Franklin Shepard, Inc.,” “Old Friends” and “Not a Day Goes By” are among the many selections attributed to the musical masterpiece.
This year’s director, Joe Morris, recently came across the story and fell in love with all its complexities.
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“The story is rich and the music is haunting,” said Morris.
Morris and musical director, Rich Stahl, are both excited to work with such a talented cast this summer. The three inseparable friends (Frank, Mary and Charley) are played by Bisbee Rep actor/patron Jeremy Heisner, OBT artistic director Chris Sancho, and newcomer singing heart-throb Gabriel Brown, respectively.
Emily Witkop plays the sassy Broadway star, Gussie Carnegie, while Ray Brown portrays the hot shot producer, Joe Josephson. Other noted performers include Christina Chang as Beth, Denise DeVinney as news reporter KT, Jordan Meacham as Frank Jr., Kylie Naughton-Richards, Christian Richards, Anthony Pendleton, Cari Chlarson, Ashley Morris, Rube Caraballo, Bill Willis, and Audree Vahn complete the ensemble.
Tickets are now on sale at Off Broadway Theatre for $15/ticket. Call the theatre at 459-4332; payment is required at the time of reservation.
Shows are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Reserve your seat now.
