-------- *...this professional production on the campus of Lakeland Community College [...] has enough strong and juicy elements to give this oft-ignored gem a gleaming local showcase.* *-Christine Howey, Cleveland Scene* *Lakeland Civic Theatre presents* *Merrily We Roll Along* Music and Lyrics by *Stephen Sondheim* Book by *George Furth* *“Over the decades, director Martin Friedman has proven himself both as a scholar and a sensitive interpreter of Stephen Sondheim's musicals. . . . He excavates the pain, nostalgia, and regrets of middle age and the friends you gain and lose along the way...He has an ideal cast in his trio of leads. . . In Friedman's rendering there are no heroes or villains, just the inexorable march toward the consequences of one's choices.... ending with hopeful youngsters imagining their creative lives to come? And musical director Jordan Cooper assembles a kickass 12-piece orchestra with a brassy sound you can't even hear on Broadway these days.”* -Linda Eisenstein, Cool Cleveland Directed by *Martin Friedman* Musical Direction by *Jordan Cooper* Setting Designed by *Austin Kilpatrick* Costumes Designed by *Kelsey Tomlinson* Lighting Designed by* Adam Ditzel* Sound Designed by *Eric Simna* Choreography by *Jennifer Justice* Production Stage Manager * Elizabeth Cammett* *This production manages to circumvent what many have long believed to be so problematic about this musical and put on stage what Friedman and other true Sondheimaphiles have recognized and admired since 1981. This “Merrily” most certainly rolls along.* *-Bob Abelman, Cleveland Jewish News* *The Play:* *Merrily We Roll Along, *written in 1981, is based on a 1934 play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The musical (with a book by George Furth) was first produced in November of 1981, where it ran for 16 performances. Not very successful eh? It tells of the disintegration of the friendship of successful songwriter Franklin Shepard, his lyricist and best friend Charlie Kringas, and novelist Mary Flynn as they set out to shake up Broadway and 'change the world.' As the years go by, they each become successful professionally but drift apart as friends. This is one of Stephen Sondheim’s most accessible and difficult scores. It is most certainly about friendship and its importance in the lives of three people. This is one great play. *It may have been a flop on Broadway, but "Merrily We Roll Along" is a hit at Lakeland Civic Theatre. It's definitely a must see!!!* *-Roy Berko, BroadwayWorld* *Production Dates: Only 3 more chances to see Merrily We Roll Along:* *Merrily We Roll Along **will play this week on Friday and Saturday, February 16 and 17 at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. * *Ticket Information: * *Tickets: $15 adults; $13 seniors and $7 for all students. * *February 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17, 2018 @ 7:30 pm. * *February 4, 11 and 18, 2018 @ 2:00 pm. * *Tickets: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $7 for all students. * For ticket reservations and information call 440/525-7134 <(440)%20525-7134> or order tickets on-line at *www.lakelandcc.edu/arts <http://www.lakelandcc.edu/arts>*. FREE PARKING in the Faculty/Staff lot. http://www.lakelandcc.edu/web/about/lakeland-civic-theatre