Our Joy was Real

Life is a ceaselessly flowing river. As we admire the scenery, we, too, become part of the view. The course of a river is shaped by every twist and turn. Similarly, each choice we made—big or small—often moulds our futures without us realising it. What if the river could flow backwards, retracing its bends and twists to its origin? Would you still recognise yourself?

Composed and written by the musical legend Stephen Sondheim, Merrily We Roll Along debuted in 1981. Over the years, the musical has been reinterpreted in various theatres, earning accolades, including the Olivier Awards and Tony Awards. Timeless classics like Not a Day Goes By and Old Friends have become enduring anthems of musical theatre.

The story begins at a celebration party. Franklin Shepard, Mary Flynn, and Charley Kringas, once inseparable friends, now find themselves in vastly different circumstances. Pursuing fame and fortune consumes one, one drinks away their sorrows, and one is conspicuously absent. The story takes us back 20 years, revealing them as passionate, struggling artists eager to make their mark on the musical theatre world. Over time, life leads them astray—once a talented musician, Franklin abandons his gifts and friendships in pursuit of societal validation. Through the backward unravelling of success and disillusionment, the story pieces together fragments of passion and idealism, slowly rediscovering the spark of their early dreams.