Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened... Poster

Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened... 2016

★ 7.519 votes96 min📅 2016-11-18

"Dreams don't die."

Lonny Price's *Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened... (2016)* is a heartfelt documentary that traces the extraordinary journey of the original cast of Stephen Sondheim's *Merrily We Roll Along*, following their lives across more than three decades.

Director: Lonny Price

Cast

Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim
Self
Hal Prince
Hal Prince
Self
Terry Finn
Terry Finn
Self
Jim Walton
Jim Walton
Self
Ann Morrison
Self
Jason Alexander
Jason Alexander
Self
Mandy Patinkin
Mandy Patinkin
Self
Donna Marie Asbury
Donna Marie Asbury
Self
Jim Bonkosky
Self
David Cady
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened... (2016)* about?

This documentary follows the original cast of Stephen Sondheim's *Merrily We Roll Along*, documenting their lives and careers over 30 years since the show's 1981 Broadway debut. It explores their personal and professional journeys, the challenges they faced, and the bonds that kept their artistic spirits alive despite setbacks.

Who directed *Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened...?

Lonny Price, an acclaimed theater director, helmed *Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened... (2016)*, blending his insider perspective with intimate storytelling to craft a poignant tribute to the cast's enduring legacy.

Who stars in *Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened...?

The documentary features Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Terry Finn, Jim Walton, Ann Morrison, and Jason Alexander, among others, offering a mix of behind-the-scenes insights and personal reflections.

Is *Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened... (2016)* worth watching?

If you're a fan of musical theater, Sondheim's work, or stories of artistic resilience, this documentary is a must-watch. Its blend of nostalgia, candid interviews, and emotional depth makes it a compelling glimpse into the lives of performers who turned a rocky start into a lasting legacy.

How long is *Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened...?

The film has a runtime of 96 minutes, offering a focused yet immersive experience into the cast's journey.

🎥 Trailer

About Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened... (2016) — The untold story behind a Broadway flop's lasting impact

Lonny Price's *Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened... (2016)* is a heartfelt documentary that traces the extraordinary journey of the original cast of Stephen Sondheim's *Merrily We Roll Along*, following their lives across more than three decades. From the Broadway debut at the Alvin Theatre in 1981 to the present day, the film captures the triumphs, setbacks, and enduring bonds of the actors who brought Sondheim's unconventional musical to life. With a blend of nostalgia and introspection, Price crafts a tribute to the resilience of artistic passion, exploring how a show's initial stumbles can shape the legacies of those who poured their hearts into it. The documentary radiates a raw, authentic energy, weaving together archival footage, candid interviews, and behind-the-scenes reflections that illuminate the highs and lows of a career in theater.

The cast's personal stories unfold against the backdrop of Sondheim's groundbreaking score and Hal Prince's visionary direction, revealing how a show misunderstood in its time became a touchstone for generations of performers. Featuring insights from Stephen Sondheim himself and Hal Prince, along with performances by Terry Finn, Jim Walton, and Jason Alexander, the documentary is a love letter to musical theater and the indomitable spirit of artists who dare to dream. It's a celebration of perseverance, friendship, and the unpredictable paths that define creative lives.