1990 Arena Stage Production
David Garrison, Victor Garber, and Becky Ann Baker
Ever wanted a production of Merrily that's, aggressively, mean spirited? Well I got a girl for you- wait, wrong show.
The 1990 production of Merrily stars Victor Garber. I could make a joke about Assassins, but I think that would kill the mood.
The production is similar to the 1985 production, with some big modifications to lyrics, and an overall more aggressive tone. Oh, and the 1968/Old Friends scene Isn't awful. Joys!
There is something a little crazy though! It opens with about half the scene on the roof (1957) this part is repeated with the whole scene at the end.
- 1976/9/80 (I'm not sure which year this version uses)
They tried to be a little bit more circular with it. I don't really think the framing works, the 1957 scene has no real driving question in it, and I thank God that it wasn't something kept in later revisions.
Earlier versions of this production had the graduation framing, but it was cut.
- Charley and Mary binge drinking TOGETHER in the polo lounge scene (A Mexican? Restaurant in this version, I think)
- Charley talking about his experience with film studios in the restaurant. Make the boy a dog, Charley.
- Generally the restaurant scene is weird.
- Terry is there and she's mentioned as being named Terry Diamond again. God I love Terry Diamond! Terrible name though 👍
- Charley and Frank getting into a heated argument in the interview scene (similar in the 1985 scene, this one is just a lot spikier.)
- Charley generally just swears a lot more in this production, calm down man
It's overall a production of Merrily We Roll Along, no more no less. God bless it !
