Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along had a very short run on Broadway originally in 1981 with a few other short runs in subsequent years. It was retooled and is a hit on Broadway now. Second Generation Theatre is the first regional theatre company to stage this musical gem. It’s at Shea’s Smith Theatre until May 12.

While it may have a lower profile (and sketchier reputation) than some shows, it’s always been a hit with Sondheim followers because of the lovely score with several very familiar tunes. Link this with Second Gen’s inventive staging, period-perfect costumes, strong characters, magnificent cast, and a cleverly told story and you have a very fine night at the theatre.

This is friendship story told in reverse, from when the trio of one-time friends – Franklin, Charley, and Mary – have grown apart from a tight, supportive friendship. Along their trip backwards through time, there’s between, promises broken, dreams upended, love lost, love never realized, and careers on and off track. Admittedly, it took a few beats to get into the moment: as the overture was playing, the narrow screens around the stage flashed back to the early days, when Franklin, Charley, and Mary were all laughs and smiles and pinky promises. The show opens, though, at a darker time.  This killer cast can carry it off, under director Michael Gilbert-Wachowiak’s astute eye. Like other Sondheim shows (think Company), there’s the cocktail party chatter and the beautiful people milling about. From this throng, we meet the players. Franklin, the commercial success and composer is suavely played by Josh Wilde. He’s now married to the glamorous Gussie (Kelly Copps), an actress who connives behind her air kisses. Jordan Levin is Charley, the solid and true playwright who has a lot to say and wants to say it right. Their pal for the ages, Mary, is Alexandria Watts, once an aspiring writer who settled for writing reviews when she’s sober enough to manage it. They are surrounded by a standout ensemble – Kris Bartolmeo, Brittany Bassett-Baran, Louis Colaiacovo, Bobby Cooke, Jake Hayes, Stevie Kemp, Sofia Matlasz, John Panepinto, Maria Pedro, Valentine Rodriquez, and the adorable Carter Riccio as Franklin, Jr.- who pop in and out of roles and scenes. Dynamos all.

It’s the music that moves the story. Sondheim’s trademark recitatives require strong technique and articulation and this cast nails every note and nuance with Allan Paglia’s musical direction. And oh that score: Charley’s “Franklin Shepard Inc.” is raw emotion and rage and darn but Levin’s Charley breaks out of his shell spectacularly; “Old Friends” part I and II weave the Frank-Charley-Mary friendship tightly; Gussie slays that “Act II Opening” and Copps’ sexy sass and powerful voice are incredible; Mary’s “Like It Was” is heartbreaking and lovely and Watts’ sweet voice is perfect; “Our Time” is so full of hope and passion and Wilde, Levin, and Watts are in perfect harmony as their friendship is at its earliest moment (spoiler alert: the trio meets as they were waiting for Sputnik to fly over their apartment…an innocent and hopeful time in our history and their relationship. The storytelling in the scene is wonderfully evocative. The love in Mary’s eyes. The ambition in Frank’s stance. The hope in Charley’s voice….Wilde, Levin, and Watts conveyed this all).  I almost hate to say this, but my only disappointment was Pedro’s take on “Not a Day Goes By;” her high belt is marvelous  but it was almost too much power for this tender lyric.

Second Gen’s high production values, keen sense for casting, and season choices are always spot on and very special. This was a great way to end the company’s 10th season.

Merrily We Roll Along is a good reminder about the value of relationships (yes, as soon as I got into the car after the show, I reached out to a dear old friend…because who’s like us? Damn few.): it runs a little over two hours with a 15-minute intermission. Find tickets and info at http://www.sheas.org.