Merrily We Roll Along – Broadway Cast Earnings and Salary

Merrily We Roll Along, a beloved Broadway play, has recently made a triumphant comeback with its first-ever revival. This musical production has captivated audiences with its enchanting music, talented cast, and impressive earnings. Today, we will delve into the details of the cast’s earnings and salaries, shedding light on the rewards that come with their exceptional performances.

Key Takeaways:

Merrily We Roll Along is a Broadway play that has experienced a successful revival
The cast consists of talented actors, including Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe
Base weekly salaries for the cast range from $2,439 to $4,000 per week
During opening week, the show grossed over $1.7 million
The original production faced challenges but has left a lasting legacy

The Broadway Cast of Merrily We Roll Along

The Broadway cast of Merrily We Roll Along features a talented ensemble of actors who have captivated audiences with their exceptional performances. Each member of the cast brings their unique talent and dedication to their respective roles, contributing to the overall success of the show.

Here are the notable actors who portray the main characters in Merrily We Roll Along:

Actor
Character

Jonathan Groff
Franklin Shepard

Daniel Radcliffe
Charley Kringas

Lindsay Mendez
Mary Flynn

Katie Rose Clarke
Beth

Krystal Joy Brown
Gussie Carnegie

Reg Rogers
Joe Josephson

These actors have received praise from critics and audiences alike for their remarkable performances, breathing life into the complex characters of Merrily We Roll Along. Their chemistry and portrayal of the characters’ emotions and journeys on stage have contributed to the show’s success and resonance with the audience.

Broadway Cast Earnings and Salary

The earnings and salaries of the Broadway cast of Merrily We Roll Along are based on a collective bargaining agreement between The Broadway League and Actors’ Equity Association. The cast members are compensated for their talent and dedication to the production.

Under this agreement, the base weekly salary for each role in Merrily We Roll Along ranges between a minimum of $2,439.0 per week and a maximum of $4,000 per week. This translates to an annualized base salary of $126,828 to $208,000.

Role
Minimum Weekly Salary
Maximum Weekly Salary
Annualized Base Salary

Franklin Shepard
$2,439.0
$4,000
$126,828 – $208,000

Charley Kringas
$2,439.0
$4,000
$126,828 – $208,000

Mary Flynn
$2,439.0
$4,000
$126,828 – $208,000

Beth
$2,439.0
$4,000
$126,828 – $208,000

Gussie Carnegie
$2,439.0
$4,000
$126,828 – $208,000

Joe Josephson
$2,439.0
$4,000
$126,828 – $208,000

These figures represent the base salary and does not include any additional compensation such as bonuses, profit-sharing, or royalties that the cast members may receive.

Opening Week Success

During its opening week, Merrily We Roll Along experienced remarkable success at the box office. The Broadway play, with its captivating storyline and talented cast, proved to be a crowd-puller and a top earner. Let’s delve into the details of its opening week’s earnings and ticket prices that contributed to its phenomenal success.

Box Office Triumph

Merrily We Roll Along took Broadway by storm during its opening week, grossing an impressive $1,706,962 in ticket sales. The show played to packed houses at the renowned Hudson Theatre, leaving no seat unfilled. This phenomenal turnout clearly indicates the public’s overwhelming enthusiasm for the production.

High Ticket Prices

One factor that played a significant role in the play’s success was its premium ticket prices. Merrily We Roll Along achieved the distinction of having the highest average ticket price among all Broadway shows during that week, which stood at an impressive $220.88. This clearly demonstrates the demand and willingness of theatergoers to invest in experiencing this extraordinary musical.

Top Earner

Merrily We Roll Along’s outstanding opening week earnings cemented its position among Broadway’s top earners during that period. It garnered substantial revenue, placing it in the upper echelons alongside renowned shows like Hamilton, Wicked, Sweeney Todd, and The Lion King. This achievement proves the play’s undeniable popularity and the impact it made upon its debut.

Production
Gross Earnings

Merrily We Roll Along
$1,706,962

Hamilton
$2,875,709

Wicked
$2,021,244

Sweeney Todd
$1,828,787

The Lion King
$1,767,426

Original Production and Criticism

The original production of Merrily We Roll Along, which premiered on Broadway in 1981, faced a number of challenges and received mixed reviews from critics. The show’s unconventional concept of telling the story in reverse order and casting younger actors in their 20s was met with some confusion and skepticism among audiences.

The storyline of Merrily We Roll Along moves backward in time, starting with the disillusionment of the main characters as successful adults and tracing their journey back to their idealistic youth. This non-linear narrative structure was a departure from traditional musicals and required audiences to follow the story in reverse.

The casting of young actors added an additional layer of complexity to the production. While it aimed to bring authenticity to the portrayal of youthful ambition and idealism, some critics questioned the believability of younger actors playing older, more mature characters.

Despite the show’s impressive creative team, which included Stephen Sondheim as the composer and George Furth as the book writer, Merrily We Roll Along faced significant changes during its pre-Broadway run. The original production faced script revisions, reworking of the musical numbers, and alterations in design, causing uncertainty during the development process.

Upon its Broadway debut at the Alvin Theatre (now known as the Neil Simon Theatre), the original production of Merrily We Roll Along received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the show’s music and ambitious storytelling, others found fault with the complex narrative structure and the execution of the reverse timeline.

Ultimately, the original production of Merrily We Roll Along had a short Broadway run, closing after just 16 performances. The critical reception and the challenges associated with the show’s unconventional format contributed to its limited success at the time.

Impact on Cast and Directors

The original cast of Merrily We Roll Along, including actors such as Lonny Price, experienced the disappointment of the show’s failure. Lonny Price, who played Charley Kringas, recalls the emotional impact of director Hal Prince expressing his regret for not delivering a hit to the cast. The failure of the show marked a significant moment in the collaboration between Stephen Sondheim and Hal Prince, and subsequent projects together did not reach the same level of success.

The original production of Merrily We Roll Along faced challenges and received mixed reviews. However, it holds a powerful place in the hearts of those involved. Lonny Price, in particular, continues to reflect on the experience and the profound impact it had on his career. He later directed and produced a documentary titled Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened, which delves into the original production of Merrily We Roll Along.

The failure of Merrily We Roll Along had a lasting effect on the cast and creative team. It marked a turning point in the collaboration between Lonny Price, Hal Prince, and Stephen Sondheim. While subsequent projects did not achieve the same level of success, the legacy of the show and its impact on the Broadway community cannot be overlooked.

Revival and Success

Despite its initial failure, Merrily We Roll Along has experienced a remarkable revival on Broadway. The current production, directed by Maria Friedman, has been met with overwhelming success, captivating audiences and critics alike. This revival has allowed the show’s cast and creative team to fully showcase the brilliance of Merrily We Roll Along and revive its legacy.

The revival of Merrily We Roll Along has garnered significant praise for its exceptional cast. Starring Daniel Radcliffe as Franklin Shepard, Jonathan Groff as Charley Kringas, and Lindsay Mendez as Mary Flynn, this ensemble delivers truly outstanding performances that breathe new life into the characters and story. Their dedication and talent have undoubtedly contributed to the show’s success.

One of the key factors behind the revival’s triumph is the timeless brilliance of Stephen Sondheim’s score. The music and lyrics of Merrily We Roll Along have enthralled audiences for decades, and this revival has reaffirmed their enduring appeal. Sondheim’s genius shines through each note, drawing audiences into the emotional journey of the characters.

This revival of Merrily We Roll Along has also benefited from a renewed appreciation for the show’s unique concept. The story, told in reverse chronological order, adds an intriguing layer of complexity and depth to the narrative. Audiences have embraced this innovative storytelling approach, further contributing to the show’s success.

Critical Acclaim

The revival of Merrily We Roll Along has received glowing reviews from critics, who laud its exceptional performances, engaging storytelling, and powerful music. The production has been praised for its impeccable staging, expertly capturing the essence and spirit of the original while infusing it with fresh energy.

The critical acclaim and audience reception of the revival have catapulted Merrily We Roll Along back into the spotlight as a must-see Broadway show. Its success serves as a testament to the enduring power and timeless appeal of this beloved musical.

Box Office Performance

At the box office, Merrily We Roll Along has been a resounding success. The show has consistently sold out performances, with eager theatergoers eagerly flocking to witness this remarkable revival. The high demand for tickets and positive word-of-mouth have contributed to a steady stream of sold-out shows.

For a comprehensive overview of the show’s box office performance and ticket sales, refer to the table below:

Year
Total Gross
Average Weekly Gross
Percent of Capacity
Average Ticket Price

2021
$X.XX
$X,XXX,XXX
XX%
$XX.XX

2020
$X.XX
$X,XXX,XXX
XX%
$XX.XX

2019
$X.XX
$X,XXX,XXX
XX%
$XX.XX

Table: Merrily We Roll Along Box Office Performance

The impressive box office performance of Merrily We Roll Along cements its status as a commercial success, attracting audiences from near and far who appreciate the outstanding talent and timeless appeal of the show.

Legacy and Reflections

Merrily We Roll Along holds a special place in the hearts of those involved in its original production. The show’s legacy extends beyond its initial run, leaving a lasting impact on the Broadway community. In particular, Lonny Price, who played a pivotal role in the original cast, continues to reflect on his experience and the profound effect it had on his career.

Lonny Price, an accomplished actor and director, has since transitioned into directing and producing various productions. One notable project he worked on is the documentary Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened, which explores the making of Merrily We Roll Along and unravels the behind-the-scenes journey of the original production.

Through interviews and archival footage, Lonny Price delves into the challenges, triumphs, and personal reflections of the cast and crew. The documentary serves as a tribute to the legacy of Merrily We Roll Along, capturing the passion and dedication of those involved in the show’s creation.

The impact of Merrily We Roll Along and its legacy goes beyond Lonny Price’s personal journey. The show serves as a reminder of the highs and lows of Broadway theater, celebrating the dedication, creativity, and resilience of the artists who bring stories to life on the stage.

Broadway’s Success and Future

Merrily We Roll Along’s remarkable success serves as a testament to the thriving Broadway industry. In recent years, Broadway productions have witnessed consistent growth in both earnings and attendance, captivating audiences with their exceptional performances and captivating storytelling. This season alone, Broadway has accumulated an impressive $597 million in box office revenue, drawing in more than 4.9 million enthusiastic theatergoers.

The theater industry is continuously evolving, embracing new technologies and pushing boundaries to deliver unforgettable experiences. Productions like Merrily We Roll Along exemplify this progressive mindset, paving the way for innovative storytelling. The incredible talent showcased on Broadway stages ensures that audiences will continue to be spellbound by mesmerizing performances, combining music, acting, and stagecraft to create magical moments.

As Broadway looks to the future, there is great potential for further success. With the unwavering support of devoted theater enthusiasts and the advent of digital platforms, the reach of Broadway productions can extend beyond the confines of traditional theater spaces. This accessibility allows more people to experience the magic of live performances and contributes to the growth of Broadway’s global fan base.

With its rich history and dedication to artistic excellence, Broadway remains an unrivaled hub of creativity and talent. The success of Merrily We Roll Along exemplifies the triumphs that can be achieved when visionary artists collaborate, capturing the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. As Broadway continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly enchant and inspire generations to come.

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