School News & Clubs

Behind the Scenes: John Jay Proscenium Brings "Merrily We Roll Along" to the Stage

By Nicholas Milkovich

Edited by Jacob Cheung

Photos by Veronica Silva

November 11, 2025

Coming soon to John Jay’s auditorium is “Merrily We Roll Along,” a musical currently in production by John Jay Proscenium. In this show, the story unfolds in reverse, beginning at the end and moving backward from 1976 to 1957. The production tells a powerful tale of friendship, betrayal, and tragedy centered around three friends: Franklin Shepard, played by Teves Gutierrez; Charley Kringas, played by Harrison Laissen; and Mary Flynn, played by Julia McAlpine. As they all say, “It’s a hit.”

Pulling off a production like this is no easy task, but the cast and crew are making it happen. The set has come together beautifully and is skillfully painted. Under the leadership of Proscenium’s president, Jackson Santiago, everyone has been working at their fullest. The cast has quickly learned their songs and performs them with excellence. They have also mastered intricate choreography, making each musical number a delight to watch. Both cast and crew have worked hand in hand to bring this show to life, and it shows.

A third, equally important group of contributors is the pit crew. Without them, there would be no musical. After all, what is a musical without music? The pit provides the other half of the sound, weaving each score together with the voices of the singers and the instruments of the musicians. The entire cast and crew are deeply grateful to the pit for their dedication and talent.

This production also marks a meaningful milestone for the seniors who are ending their four-year journey, while welcoming a new beginning for the freshmen. The seniors hope to put on an amazing show before they leave, and the freshmen are eager to start their own journey of creating great performances together.

“I’m very excited to just show the people what this show is about and what we’ve been working on so hard,” said Teves Gutierrez, who, despite graduating soon, wants to ensure that the audience is happy—because that makes him happy. Celeste Gaytan shared a similar sentiment, saying, “I think everyone is just like family and everyone’s been so kind.” The incoming freshmen couldn’t be surrounded by better people. Both seniors and underclassmen alike hope to show how inclusive Proscenium is and how much fun putting on a high school show can be.

Be sure to come out and support everyone who made this production possible: the cast, crew, pit, advisors, and all contributors. “Merrily We Roll Along” will be performed November 14–16, with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.