Quote of the Day: Friendship is like a garden. You have to water it and tend it. And care about it. And you know what? I miss it…and I want it back. Charley in Merrily We Roll Along, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by George Furth, Based on the original play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. On stage now at Lyric Arts in Anoka, MN through Oct. 4, 2026.

Noah Hynick as Charley, Brendan Veerman as Frank, and Maureen O’Malley as Mary in Merrily We Roll Along at Lyric Arts in Anoka, thru 10/6/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Merrily We Roll Along is a bittersweet story about three friends, their hopes and dreams, and the choices they make in life. It’s told in reverse chronological order. The opening scene is a party for Frank in 1976. They’re all celebrating another one of his successful shows in his beautiful home, surrounded by admirers, and some who aren’t admirers, and minus an important friend. Brendan Veerman plays Frank in a way that evokes sympathy, but also moments of head shaking as you see him make his choices throughout his life that give him success, but also drive away the people who are most important in his life.

Maureen O’Malley plays a very charming Mary. Her dream was to become a published author. And while she did experience some success, she didn’t necessarily find happiness. The third member of their friendship trio is Charley, played brilliantly by Twin Cities Theater Bloggers’ favorite Noah Hynick. He is deeply wounded by the breaking of his friendship with Frank, and as you watch the play reveal how we got here, you see how his heart was broken.

Cast of Merrily We Roll Along at Lyric Arts in Anoka, thru 10/6/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Each scene reveals a pivotal point in Frank’s life, where he could have made different choices. We see his friends show up for him, and as we go back in time, how they were there for each other, but somehow lost their way. It makes you think: What is the real price of success? Do you have to step on other people’s toes, or leave them in the dust, to attain your goals? The lovely ensemble fills in other characters in their lives. They are all incredibly talented and add so much color and depth to this show. Emily Grodzik is a standout as Gussie, who creates both inspiration and success for Frank, but also contributes to his downfall.

Emily Grodzik as Gussie in Merrily We Roll Along at Lyric Arts in Anoka, thru 10/6/26. Photo: Dan Norman

I love the final scene of this musical. We’re back in 1957, that moment when Frank, Charley, and Mary meet on the rooftop. They are young and fresh out of college. They look at the stars and share their hopes and dreams. They sing about those aspirations with such hope in “Our Time.” It’s such a sweet song, touching on emotions, giving us a glimpse of that moment when anything seems possible.

Faith Winship Smith as Beth, Noah Hynick as Charley, Brendan Veerman as Frank, and Maureen O’Malley as Mary in Merrily We Roll Along at Lyric Arts in Anoka, thru 10/6/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Scott Ford directs this show, bringing out the emotions and connections between characters and the choices they make. Music direction by Ben Larson. Choreography and intimacy direction by James Grace. Costumer Eleanor Schanilec did an amazing job, outfitting all the actors in costumes that depicted each stage and timeline of this show. Movable scenic design by Greg Vanselow with projections by Brady Whitcomb that puts us in both location and time period. Sound design by Paul Estby. Overall, this is a lovely, poignant production that makes you reflect on your own life and the crossroads and choices you make along the way.

You can see Merrily We Roll Along at Lyric Arts in Anoka, MN through Oct. 4, 2026.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Write about a crossroads moment in your life and how it impacted you and the people in your life.