Jonathan Groff’s Onstage Sondheim Slip-Up Goes Viral Ahead of Theatrical Release

Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff shared a hilarious blooper from his Broadway run. The moment featured a flubbed Stephen Sondheim lyric during “Merrily We Roll Along.” It aired on Late Night with Seth Meyers on November 25, 2025.

The viral clip arrives just as the filmed stage production prepares for a nationwide cinema release. According to Sony Pictures Classics, the movie opens in theaters on December 5.

Even Tony Winners Trip on Sondheim’s Tongue-Twisters

Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics are legendary for their complexity. They demand perfect diction and breakneck pacing. Even seasoned performers find them challenging.

Groff revealed the slip-up during a joint interview with co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez. The clip showed a genuine, unscripted moment from their live performance. It highlighted the human effort behind a polished Broadway show.

The production won four Tony Awards in 2024. Groff himself took home the award for Leading Actor in a Musical. His willingness to share the mistake adds a relatable layer to his acclaimed performance.

From Broadway Flop to Cinematic Event

The original 1981 production of “Merrily We Roll Along” closed after only 16 performances. This modern revival, however, became a smash hit. It played to packed houses at New York’s Hudson Theatre for nine months.

Director Maria Friedman’s fresh approach was key to its success. She used older actors to portray the story’s reverse chronology. This decision helped audiences connect with the emotional core of Sondheim and George Furth’s work.

The filmed version captures the entire award-winning cast and creative team. It will be distributed in the U.S. by Fathom Entertainment. International releases in the UK, Australia, and Canada will follow.

A Human Moment Fuels Hype for December Release

The Late Night segment served as brilliant promotion. It blended humor with genuine artistry. Fans saw the camaraderie between Groff, Radcliffe, and Mendez.

This buzz directly supports the December 5 theatrical launch. Tickets are now available online through Fathom’s website. The film runs for 2 hours and 25 minutes, preserving the full stage production.

The viral flub reminds audiences of live theater’s unpredictable magic. It also underscores the immense skill required to perform Sondheim night after night. This human error makes the upcoming cinematic experience feel even more special.

Jonathan Groff’s Sondheim lyric flub provides a perfect, human preview for the “Merrily We Roll Along” film. This celebrated Broadway hit arrives in theaters everywhere on December 5.

Thought you’d like to know

What song did Jonathan Groff mess up?

The exact song from the blooper wasn’t named in the segment. However, it was a lyric from Stephen Sondheim’s score for “Merrily We Roll Along.” The show features complex numbers like “Old Friends” and “Not a Day Goes By.”

When can I see the Merrily We Roll Along movie?

The filmed Broadway production opens in United States theaters on December 5, 2025. Sony Pictures Classics and Fathom Entertainment are handling the release. International dates will follow shortly after.

Did the Merrily revival win any Tony Awards?

Yes, it won four Tony Awards in 2024. Jonathan Groff won Best Leading Actor in a Musical. Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez won for Featured Actor and Actress. The show also won for Best Orchestrations.

Is the same cast in the movie version?

Yes, the film features the entire original Broadway cast. This includes Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez in their Tony-winning roles. It captures their final performances during the show’s run.

Why is Sondheim’s music so hard to sing?

Sondheim’s lyrics are famously intricate and fast-paced. They use complex wordplay and require precise articulation. This technical demand is what makes them so challenging for performers.

Where can I buy tickets for the theatrical release?

Tickets for the U.S. screenings are available at FathomEntertainment.com. The event will be shown in participating movie theaters nationwide. Check local listings for specific showtimes.