The 2024 Tony Awards celebrated the exceptional talents of the theater industry, and among the notable winners was Jonathan Tunick, who secured his second career Tony Award. Tunick, a prolific orchestrator, won Best Orchestrations for his work on the revival of “Merrily We Roll Along.” His first Tony win was for “Titanic” in 1997. This win is particularly significant as it marks Tunick’s first award for a Stephen Sondheim score, completing a full-circle moment for the longtime collaborator of the late composer.
“Thanks to Maria, and to Steve, my old friend and teacher,” Tunick said onstage at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater while accepting the honor.
A Celebrated Revival
“Merrily We Roll Along,” directed by Olivier winner Maria Friedman, opened on October 10, 2023, at the Hudson Theatre and will continue its run through July 7. The production features music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by George Furth. The revival stars Daniel Radcliffe as Charley Kringas, Jonathan Groff as Franklin Shepard, and Lindsay Mendez as Mary Flynn, all reprising their roles from the sold-out 2022 Off-Broadway run at New York Theatre Workshop. They are joined by Krystal Joy Brown as Gussie Carnegie, Katie Rose Clarke as Beth Shepard, and Reg Rogers as Joe Josephson. The child role of Frank Jr. is shared by Max Rackenberg, Rocco Van Auken, and Brady Wagner.
Ensemble and Creative Team
The ensemble cast includes Sherz Aletaha, Maya Boyd, Leana Rae Concepcion, Ken Krugman, Corey Mach, Talia Simone Robinson, Jamila Sabares-Klemm, Brian Sears, Evan Alexander Smith, Christian Strange, Vishal Vaidya, Natalie Wachen, and Jacob Keith Watson. The swings for the production are Morgan Kirner, Amanda Rose, and Koray Tarhan. Casting for the production was handled by Jim Carnahan and Jason Thinger.
The production boasts an impressive creative team with choreography by Tim Jackson, scenic and costume design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, sound design by Kai Harada, hair and wig design by Cookie Jordan, music supervision by Catherine Jayes, music direction by Joel Fram, associate music supervision by Alvin Hough, Jr., and music coordination by Kristy Norter.
The Story of Merrily We Roll Along
Based on the play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, “Merrily We Roll Along” follows the lives of three friends navigating the entertainment industry over three decades, told in reverse chronological order. The score by Sondheim includes memorable songs such as “Old Friends,” “Now You Know,” “Franklin Shepard, Inc.,” “Good Thing Going,” and “Not a Day Goes By.” A revival cast recording was released on January 12.
Producing Team and Recognitions
The producing team for the revival is led by Sonia Friedman Productions, David Babani, Patrick Catullo, and Jeff Romley.
Other Notable Wins at the 2024 Tony Awards
The 2024 Tony Awards recognized a wide array of talent across various categories. Here are some of the notable winners:
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Kecia Lewis, “Hell’s Kitchen”
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Daniel Radcliffe, “Merrily We Roll Along”
- Best Direction of a Musical: Danya Taymor, “The Outsiders”
- Best Direction of a Play: Daniel Aukin, “Stereophonic”
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Kara Young, “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch”
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: Will Brill, “Stereophonic”
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Jeremy Strong, “An Enemy of the People”
- Best Sound Design of a Musical: Cody Spencer, “The Outsiders”
- Best Sound Design of a Play: Ryan Rumery, “Stereophonic”
- Best Lighting Design of a Play: Jane Cox, “Appropriate”
- Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Brian MacDevitt and Hana S. Kim, “The Outsiders”
- Best Choreography: Justin Peck, “Illinoise”
- Best Scenic Design of a Play: David Zinn, “Stereophonic”
- Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Tom Scutt, “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club”
- Best Orchestrations: Jonathan Tunick, “Merrily We Roll Along”
- Best Costume Design of a Musical: Linda Cho, “The Great Gatsby”
- Best Costume Design of a Play: Dede Ayite, “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”
- Best Book of a Musical: Shaina Taub, “Suffs”
Conclusion
The 2024 Tony Awards have highlighted the outstanding contributions of theater professionals, with Jonathan Tunick’s win for “Merrily We Roll Along” standing out as a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to the craft. As the revival continues its run, audiences can enjoy the remarkable orchestrations and performances that have earned this production critical acclaim.
