Merrily We Roll Along

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“The musicals that leave us kind of staggering on our feet are the ones that really reach for a lot” (Lin-Manuel Miranda). This quote, made by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda, is impeccably true, especially in the case of one particular show. Merrily We Roll Along is an immeasurably underrated play that truly inspires an audience to reflect further on life than ever before. In order to start this essay on a positive note, here are some things that I truly enjoyed about the show. Allow me to first begin by mentioning the music. The majority of the songs in this production are extremely upbeat (songs that I, myself, prefer to think of as “danceable”). With catchy tunes that leave the audience bopping in their seats (or is that just me?), this particular soundtrack is most unforgettable. And yet, not all of the songs are necessarily upbeat. While it is typically true that shows run the risk of becoming too dark and depressing when throwing in the more reserved (and, at times, vaguely upsetting) musical numbers, Merrily We Roll Along prides itself in the fact that, regardless of the more solemn tunes at times, it does not allow the show to fall into an irreversible depressive state. In my opinion, this is because of …show more content…

However, the second act was completely enjoyable for me, mainly because it seemed like I was watching a completely different show. Act two of this production was full of marvelous choreography that I had been greatly yearning for throughout the entirety of the first act. One particular example of this comes to mind: In act two, Gussie has her second solo number -- though she is on stage with a couple of ensemble males. During which, she jumps up and is held up in a very impressive lift, with the help of her male companions. It was something I truly had been waiting and longing for from the entire first half of the

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