Into Sondheim was established in 1991 to perform the work of Stephen Sondheim.  As a company it aims to bring together the worlds of amateur and professional talent, daring to produce and promote the work of Stephen Sondheim to as wide an audience as possible. 

Previous productions have included, 'Sunday in the Park with George', 'Into the Woods', 'Assassins', and 'Victoria's Scrapbook' (an original musical written by two of the group's founder members). 

Merrily we roll along

In September 2007 (26 - 29) Into Sondheim performed Merrily We Roll Along by Stephen Sondheim at Stantonbury Campus Theatre. 

This was the first time Into Sondheim has performed at Stantonbury Campus Theatre and to be able to use this venue they had applied for and been awarded a sizeable grant from MK Community Foundation towards the production.  MK Arts also awarded a grant towards the show.

Directing Merrily We Roll Along was Dianna Moylan who has many years of experience directing and teaching in Milton Keynes, including the development of musical and acting skills in local schools.  Dianna has been a part of the shaping of local theatre and was one of the founder members of Into Sondheim. 

Paul Moylan was the Musical Director.  He supplied the live band for the show and conducted during performances.  Paul is a professional musician and composer, playing the piano and the double bass.  He knows Stephen Sondheim personally and has worked with him closely on Sondheim shows in the West End. Paul believes the only difference between professional and amateur singers is discipline in delivery.

Merrily We Roll Along tells the story of the rise of Franklin Shepard, now a rich, famous and influential song-writer and film producer and the jealousies and rivalries that broke down his friendships along the way. Moving back in time from 1976 to 1957 we find out how Frank became the man he is today and how his two life long friendships are damaged during the journey as both Mary, an author, and Charlie, his lyricist and Pulitzer Prize-winner, pay the price of his rise to success and we watch as their youthful idealism becomes jaded. The show spans two decades, including 60s and 70s America and recalls the rivalries, jealousies, triumphs, failures and loves, both unrequited and reciprocal, between these three friends and those they meet along the way.  Merrily We Roll Along takes us to its conclusion with an emotional, enlightening - and sometimes very funny - journey of discovery.

You can read a review of Merrily We roll along on the Features page(in the review section).

Contact Into Sondheim here.

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