Musical Film 'Merrily We Roll Along' to Be Released on June 26, Featuring 4 Iconic Scenes and Comments from Saya Ichikawa and Shoma Kai

The musical 'Merrily We Roll Along,' with music and lyrics by the great Stephen Sondheim, depicts the turbulent 20-year relationship between a composer and his lifelong friends, a writer and a lyricist-playwright. Now, a filmed version of the stage production is set for theatrical release starting next week on Friday, June 26. This production was directed by Maria Friedman, an actor with a deep understanding of and long-standing friendship with Sondheim, having appeared in the UK revival of the show in 1992. The show was a huge box office hit on Broadway and won four Tony Awards in 2024.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Jonathan Groff (Kristoff in 'Frozen') and Daniel Radcliffe ('Harry Potter'), the story of the three friends' changing friendship, told in reverse chronological order with soaring vocals, is sure to move audiences and evoke a range of emotions from inspiration to poignancy.

Ahead of the theatrical release, four iconic musical numbers from the show are being shared. Additionally, recommendation comments have been received from model Saya Ichikawa, a huge fan of the show, and actor Shoma Kai, a major star in the musical world.

**New Comments for 'Merrily We Roll Along'**

"My favorite Sondheim work, on the big screen! The sophisticated humor, complex character portrayals, and lyrics that reveal not just emotions but what people are truly thinking, offer new discoveries every time. Among Sondheim's works, Merrily We Roll Along's reverse chronological structure makes the dream-filled friendship of youth feel poignantly and brilliantly immediate. It can be enjoyed as a coming-of-age story for adults that asks what success and friendship truly mean." - Saya Ichikawa (Model)

"What is 'success'? This work's timeline moves in reverse. I was able to feel the subtle changes in the actors' expressions and their breathing, creating an immersive experience unique to a filmed version. As the three friends' paths diverge while chasing their dreams in the real world, Sondheim's beautiful music accompanies their emotions. I think it will be an incredibly luxurious time to enjoy a Sondheim masterpiece on the big screen! Please go see it in theaters!" - Shoma Kai (Actor)

**'Merrily We Roll Along' INTRODUCTION**

'Merrily We Roll Along' is a 1981 Broadway musical based on the play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. It chronicles the turbulent 20-year relationship of popular Hollywood producer Frank, former bestselling author Mary, and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Charley, in reverse chronological order. The music was written by the musical theater titan Stephen Sondheim, who created numerous masterpieces including the lyrics for 'West Side Story' and music and lyrics for 'Sweeney Todd' and 'Into the Woods'.