🔗 Share this article

Writing professionally, I've made enough mistakes to enjoy a sense of validation when an opinion stands the test of time. Back in 1981, I wrote excitedly about a new Stephen Sondheim musical that I had seen during previews in New York. Harshly criticized by critics and shunned by the public, the production shut down shortly after its premiere. Jump ahead to recent years, the same theatrical work ran for a year on Broadway, received four Tony recognitions and was hailed by critics.

The Evolution of a Masterpiece

While I say "the production being unchanged, that is not strictly accurate. Adapted from a Depression-era work by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, it still presents the consistent plot told in reverse chronological order. The story investigates dissolving relationships revolving around an ambitious musician and Hollywood producer called Franklin Shepard. During the performance, he looks back on his lifetime and recognizes how time has eroded his professional relationship with dramatist Charley and their collective camaraderie with author Mary.

Structural Transformations

Following the production's failure four decades ago, the creative team implemented significant revisions. It doesn't begin with an academic composition written by Franklin but opens instead with a lavish gathering honoring his most recent cinematic triumph. The actor recruitment process underwent transformation. The premiere performance's ensemble featured youthful actors who initially acted mature personalities and transitioned smoothly into youth during the show's duration. Contemporary versions typically feature experienced performers who portray various life stages through slight modifications.

The power of the plot exists in its potential to resonate differently for each viewer. Similar to regressive narrative structures, the performance reveals how life inevitably involves concessions, modifications and emotional depletion.

Sondheim's Creative Genius

This exceptional production highlights the artist subtly taking revenge toward his naysayers. An amusing instance where a Broadway producer lectures the young Franklin and Charley regarding the requirement to provide hummable melodies in stage shows, featuring the notable statement: "I'll let you know once Stravinsky achieves success." The greatest contradiction lies in the fact that Sondheim's creation genuinely includes numerous treasurable tunes featuring Old Friends, Good Thing Going plus the main theme that developed as persistent musical memories for devoted audiences.

Character Interpretation

If there exists a legitimate complaint about the production, it concerns its protagonist Franklin being somewhat unsympathetic. But, in this staging, the starring thespian skillfully depicts the character not as a narcissistic villain but more as a fated naif who moves through existence repeatedly picking the easiest option. The ensemble performers excellently embody the protagonist's unsatisfied emotional desires, with the most remarkable portrayal emerges from the thespian embodying Charley, who lends the character both anxious neurosis and ardent conviction in art's power to improve lives.

Lasting Impact

Should the production achieves this transformation stays with viewers to individually decide. The featured version offers ongoing delight and powerfully illustrates specifically what made a famous flop has transformed into a clear triumph. The recorded production of this acclaimed staging gives theater lovers the opportunity to experience this remarkable transformation firsthand.