Billy Burke, Liz Boyer, and Shawn Doyle as Frank, Mary, and Charley - Photo by Michael Cantor

Review © by Richard Gist, November 11, 1995

The Vagabond Players bills itself as "America's oldest continuous little theatre," now in its 80th season. It may be old, but if the current production of the Stephen Sondheim-George Furth musical Merrily We Roll Along is any indication, this community theatre in Fells Point, Baltimore, is anything but creaky.

Much has been written about the hundreds of revisions this show has suffered since its initial Broadway closing after two weeks 14 years ago. Major revivals include milestone productions in La Jolla, Seattle, Washington D.C. (1990), Leicester, England and the York Company in New York. While the history of the constant tinkering with this musical makes for fascinating reading and discussion among Sondheim aficionados, the Merrily we see at "the Vagabond" (probably the York version) is at times delightful, sometimes emotionally powerful, never dull, and musically rewarding throughout.

The book unwinds in reverse chronology, an appealing device which lets the audience quickly be done with the ugly breakup of the songwriting team around which the story revolves. From this point on, each succeeding scene offers us hints as to what will happen in subsequent, though really earlier, scenes. For the audience, the action becomes progressively upbeat and entertaining, too.

Under the experienced direction (and choreography) of Todd Pearthree, this accomplished cast includes Billy Burke as an engaging and believable Franklin Shepard, the Broadway composer turned movie producer whose performance improves as the character he portrays progressively approaches his own age. It is in the scenes that show the youthful innocence of Frank’s earlier personality that Burke is most capable of delivering with ease.

Frank’s childhood buddy and collaborator, Charley (played with sprightly charm and fine comic timing by Shawn Doyle), and his best friend and writer turned drama critic, Mary Flynn (interpreted with verve and impressive musicality by Liz Boyer) are consistent throughout in helping to develop the book’s themes of waning innocence and betrayed friendships. Holly Pasciullo’s portrayal of Gussie Carnegie tends to be exaggerated in the early scenes, but her affectations, comic punch and energetic stage presence are very helpful in keeping the show on pace later on. Kimberly Auty and Klaude Kirannebitter as the rejected spouses support well, as do Jeff Peterson as Tyler and Kim Garrison as an exaggerated television interviewer. Musical Director Steven Zumbrun at the piano plays flawlessly in his sensitive accompaniment throughout and draws the very best out of each number performed. This reviewer was particularly charmed by Liz Boyer's rendition of "Like it Was," and Burke's poignant interpretation of "Growing Up" in Act One.

While the set is modest and permits entrances only from upstage, it shows a degree of creative flair and effective use of limited space.

But what wins the night over and carries the audience humming and smiling out into what one only wishes were a spacious parking lot (arrive early -- this is a real hindrance), is the Sondheim touch -- the lilting ditties so full of life and intelligence, performed with consistently high skill under Todd Pearthree’s superb direction. Reserve now -- this theater is too small to permit procrastination, and you won’t want to miss this fine production.

For information and reservations for any of the following shows during the Vagabond Players' 1995-96 season call (410) 563-9135. Watch for the Vagabond Players season which includes:

• MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth - Directed by Todd Pearthtree November 10 to December 17 Todd directed the acclaimed Nine here a few years ago. 'Merrily' is the story of a songwriting team's rocky ride down and up the showbiz ladder of success.

• SOMEONE WHO'LL WATCH OVER ME by Frank McGuinness - Directed by Tony Gallahan January 5 to February 4 At last! The Baltimore premier of the witty and compelling drama about three uneasy captives of Beruit terrorists.

• BECKET by Jean Anouilh - Directed by Barry Feinstein February 16 to March 17 Thomas Becket - the best friend and worst enemy a King ever had... Becket is an exploration of the agonizing conflict of an extraordinary man's loyalties to his King and to his God.

• CROSSING DELANCEY by Susan Sandler - Director TBA March 29 to April 28 Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match - 90's style. A Jewish grandmother's efforts to arrange a marriage for her reluctant granddaughter.

• LIVING TOGETHER by Alan Ayckbourn - Directed by Steve Goldklang May 10 to June 9 In response to our hugely successful Table Manners, we present another hilarious comedy from Ayckbourn's Norman Conquests trilogy.

• THE SISTERS ROSENSWEIG by Wendy Wasserstein - Directed by Mariam Bazensky June 21 to July 21 This story of the reunion of a very modern trio of sisters was loved by Broadway audiences, and is presented here subject to release of rights by Dramatists Play Service.