The celebrated revival of Merrily We Roll Along may have concluded its limited Broadway engagement in 2024, but its legacy endures with a new filmed version now gracing theater screens. The release of this film adaptation brings attention to its remarkable leading stars, particularly Tony Award-winner Lindsay Mendez, whose career trajectory offers a fascinating look at her evolution in the theater world.
Mendez first burst into the Broadway scene in 2007 as Jan in the revival of Grease. This production was groundbreaking, as it marked the first time lead roles were cast through a national television competition, Grease: You’re the One That I Want!, where Laura Osnes and Max Crumm were ultimately chosen to portray Sandy and Danny. Mendez remained with the show until its closure in early 2009.
In April of the same year, she transitioned to off-Broadway, participating in Sherie Rene Scott’s jukebox musical Everyday Rapture. Subsequently, she took on the role of Betty Jean in The Marvelous Wonderettes, also off-Broadway. When Everyday Rapture transferred to Broadway in 2010, Mendez was part of the cast, earning the attention of audiences and critics alike.
Her Broadway journey continued in 2011 with the revival of Godspell, where she became a standout performer in the reimagined production, led by Corbin Bleu. This version, staged in the round, captivated audiences and ran until June 2012. Following this, Mendez showcased her talents in the original off-Broadway cast of Dogfight, based on the 1991 film. Her portrayal of Rose received critical acclaim, culminating in a Drama Desk nomination.
In 2013, she stepped into the iconic role of Elphaba in Wicked, succeeding Willemijn Verkaik in a production that coincided with the show’s 10th anniversary. Later, she contributed her vocal talents to Wicked: For Good, a 2025 film adaptation.
Mendez continued to prove her versatility with a starring role in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 21 Chump Street, which premiered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. She later participated in a musical adaptation of A Winter’s Tale with music by Todd Almond, part of The Public Theater’s esteemed Free Shakespeare in the Park series.
As her career blossomed, Mendez surprised fans by venturing into non-musical theater, appearing in Joshua Harmon’s Significant Other in 2015. This was a deviation from her usual roles, delving into the complexities of friendship in contemporary New York.
Her acclaimed performance as Carrie Pipperidge in the 2018 revival of Carousel not only earned her praise but also her first Tony Award win. While her stage career has flourished, Mendez has maintained a presence on screen, with appearances in notable television shows such as Smash, Modern Family, and more recently, the legal drama All Rise, where she played reporter Sara Castillo from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, she has taken on recurring roles in productions like American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez and Elsbeth.
In late 2022, Mendez starred alongside Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe in an off-Broadway revival of Merrily We Roll Along, a project that coincided with the legacy of Stephen Sondheim, following his passing. This innovative production, helmed by Maria Friedman, received unanimous acclaim and later transitioned to Broadway in 2023, where it performed over 300 shows at the Hudson Theatre, receiving multiple Tony nominations, including one for Mendez herself.
The filmed version of Merrily We Roll Along was produced by RadicalMedia, known for its work on acclaimed musicals, and premiered in theaters on December 5, distributed by Sony Pictures Classics and Fathom Entertainment. Audiences are now invited to experience Mendez’s Tony Award-nominated performance as Mary Flynn as this Sondheim masterpiece continues to resonate in the hearts of theater enthusiasts everywhere. Tickets are available now, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.
