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Sondheim masterpiece 'Merrily' now on Netflix

Stephen Sondheim's classic 'Merrily We Roll Along' is now on Netflix. The musical about three music industry friends shows raw truth behind clever irony.

RainbowNews Editorial17 April 20263 min read
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Stephen Sondheim's classic musical 'Merrily We Roll Along' is now available on Netflix. The piece is considered one of the most important works of the American theatre composer. The production shows the raw truth behind clever, ironic texts.

The musical follows the story of three friends in the music industry. Their friendship is tested by ambition, success, and personal choices. The piece takes place in reverse order. This way, viewers see how friends slowly lose each other. Sondheim used this format to reveal deeper truth.

The Netflix version contains many actors from the original 2023 Broadway cast. The recording preserves the energy of live theatre. At the same time, the cinematic approach makes the story accessible to a wider audience. The musical addresses same-sex relationships and identity. Sondheim wrote the piece in 1981, but it still feels current.

For musical theatre lovers, this is a must-watch. But also those unfamiliar with the genre can enjoy it. It's mainly about friendship, ambitions, and the price of success. The music and lyrics are brilliant. This is why Sondheim is among the greatest theatre composers.

RE

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