Merrily We Roll Along

Sondheim's semi-autobiographical musical turns back the clock on friendship and the high price of success.

The authors of the landmark Company reunite to turn the traditional showbiz musical on its head in this thrilling and compelling Broadway fable about friendship, compromise and the high price of success. Stephen Sondheim and George Furth expertly blend the excitement and energy of a backstage musical with a poignant and emotional contemporary story about the importance of staying true to one's ideals.

Merrily We Roll Along begins in the present and moves backwards, tracing the lives of wealthy, jaded composer, Franklin Shepard, and his two estranged friends through each milestone of their personal and professional lives (good and bad). The show ends with a touch of rueful irony, as the three best friends at the start of their careers face a bright future: young, talented and enthusiastic about the worlds waiting to be conquered.

Merrily We Roll Along is a modest-sized show that crackles with the wit, humor and intensity that embody the spirit of New York City. With a brilliant "Broadway-style" score and that deep insight one expects from any Sondheim endeavor, Merrily We Roll Along is a spirited and moving cautionary tale for anyone who has ever pursued a dream.

A triumphant, Tony-winning return to Broadway!

Full Synopsis Materials and Orchestration

Concert Selections for Merrily We Roll Along

MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.

FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC

From
Merrily We Roll Along

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

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Arrangement Details
Song Type: Show Extraction
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.

Arranged for
1 MALE VOICE

Starting Key
E

Estimated duration
5 min 00 sec
Instrumentation

1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone, 5 Bass, 3 Drum(percussion), 1 Synthesizer, 1 Piano, 2 Piano Conductor
NOT A DAY GOES BY

From
Merrily We Roll Along

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

show more...show less...
Arrangement Details
Song Type: Show Extraction
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE

Starting Key
F

Estimated duration
2 min 40 sec
Instrumentation
(1x) Full Score; (2x) Piano/Conductor Score; (2x) Reed 1: Flute, Clarinet; (1x) Reed 2: Clarinet; (2x) Reed 3: Oboe, Tenor Saxophone; (2x) Reed 4: Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone; (1x) Trumpet 1; (1x) Trumpet 2; (1x) Trumpet 3; (1x) Trombone; (1x) Piano; (1x) Synthesizer; (2x) Drums/Percussion: Very Small Triangle, Drum Set; (5x) Bass
NOT A DAY GOES BY (SYMPHONIC SONDHEIM)

From
Merrily We Roll Along

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Arranged by
SEBESKY, DON

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Arrangement Details
Song Type: Concert/Symphonic Arrangement (Instrumental)
A Concert/Symphonic Arrangement has been specifically written for use in a concert setting. Generally this means it features a larger, typical symphonic orchestration than what you may find in the show. It is meant to be performed without singers.

Arranged for
INSTRUMENTAL

Starting Key
A♭
Estimated duration
1 min 45 sec
Instrumentation

1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2, 1 Oboe, 1 English horn, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bassoon 1, 1 Bassoon 2, 1 Horn 1, 1 Horn 2, 1 Horn 3, 1 Horn 4, 1 opt.Horn 5, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 2 Percussion, 1 Harp, 1 Celete(Piano), 1 Conductor score
OLD FRIENDS

From
Merrily We Roll Along

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

show more...show less...
Arrangement Details
Song Type: Show Extraction
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE, 2 MALE VOICES

Starting Key
G

Estimated duration
6 min 25 sec
Instrumentation

(1x) Full Score; (4x) Piano/Vocal Score; (2x) Reed 1: Clarinet, Alto Saxophone (one note only); (2x) Reed 2: Clarinet, Alto Saxophone (one note only); (4x) Reed 3: English Horn, Oboe, Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone (one note only); (3x) Reed 4: Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone (one note only); (1x) Trumpet 1; (1x) Trumpet 2; (1x) Trumpet 3; (1x) Trombone; (1x) Piano; (1x) Synthesizer; (2x) Drums/Percussion: Bells, Drum Set; (1x) Bass
OLD FRIENDS / LIKE IT WAS

From
Merrily We Roll Along

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

show more...show less...
Arrangement Details
Song Type: Show Extraction
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE, 1 MALE VOICE

Starting Key
D

Estimated duration
3 min 25 sec
Instrumentation

(1x) Full Score; (3x) Piano/Conductor Score; (1x) Reed 1: Flute; (1x) Reed 2: Clarinet; (1x) Reed 3: Clarinet; (1x) Reed 4: Bass Clarinet; (1x) Trumpet 1; (1x) Trumpet 2; (1x) Trumpet 3; (1x) Trombone; (1x) Piano; (1x) Synthesizer; (2x) Drums/Percussion: Bells, Drum Set; (1x) Bass
OPENING DOORS

From
Merrily We Roll Along

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

show more...show less...
Arrangement Details
Song Type: Show Extraction
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE, 2 MALE VOICES, CHORUS

Starting Key
G

Estimated duration
6 min 52 sec
Instrumentation

1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Trombone, 5 Bass, 3 Drum(percussion), 1 Synthesizer, 25 Chorus books, 1 Full Score
OUR TIME

From
Merrily We Roll Along

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

show more...show less...
Arrangement Details
Song Type: Show Extraction
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE, 2 MALE VOICES, CHORUS

Starting Key
D♭
Estimated duration
5 min 55 sec
Instrumentation

1 Reed 1(Flute), 1 Reed 2(Oboe), 1 Reed 3(Clarinet 1), 1 Reed 4(Clarinet 2), 1 Reed 5(Bassoon), 1 Horn, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 2 Percussion 1&2, 1 Guitar, 1 Keyboard 1, 1 Keyboard 2, 2 Piano Conductor, 25 Chorus books
OVERTURE ("MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG")

From
Merrily We Roll Along

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Music by
Stephen Sondheim

Orchestrated by
Jonathan Tunick

show more...show less...
Arrangement Details
Song Type: Show Extraction
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.

Estimated duration
5 min 22 sec
OVERTURE (FROM "MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG")

From
Merrily We Roll Along

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Music by
Stephen Sondheim

Orchestrated by
Jonathan Tunick

show more...show less...
Arrangement Details
Song Type: Show Extraction
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.

Arranged for
Instrumental

Starting Key
E♭
Estimated duration
3 min 22 sec
Instrumentation

(1x) FULL SCORE; (3x) REED 1: Piccolo, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet; (1x) REED 2: Oboe; (3x) REED 3: Piccolo, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet; (2x) REED 4: Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet; (2x) REED 5: Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet; (1x) HORN; (1x) TRUMPET 1; (1x) TRUMPET 2; (1x) TRUMPET 3; (1x) TROMBONE; (1x) TUBA; (1x) TIMPANI; (3x) PERCUSSION: Xylophone, Tambourine, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, "Latin Stuff"; (1x) DRUM SET; (1x) GUITAR; (1x) PIANO; (6x) CELLO; (1x) BASS: Electric

Show Essentials

Book by

George Furth

Music and Lyrics by

Stephen Sondheim

Full Billing

Songs

Merrily We Roll Along

That Frank

Franklin Shepard, Inc.

Old Friends

Growing Up

Not A Day Goes By

Now You Know

Act Two Opening

It's A Hit!

The Blob

Good Thing Going

Not A Day Goes By - Act 2

Opening Doors

Our Time

Full Song List

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Questions & Answers

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By ConnorG

January 17, 2025

Are there performance tracks available for Merrily We Roll Along?

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By hannahgeorgia4

April 27, 2024

Restrictive rights?

Hi! I am looking into getting rights for a college production in Boston. Would this be impacted by any kind of blanket restriction because of the current Broadway revival?

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By conor686

April 04, 2023

Revival - restricted rights?

Will rights be restricted with the upcoming revival, or is this show available for licensing to university MT programs in the 2023-24 school year? (My school is in Indiana)

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By XXXX157890

December 22, 2019