Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened...

Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened... is a 2016 documentary film, directed by Lonny Price. The film captures the complexities of human endeavor in artistic works, creating something beautiful and meaningful from the mundane and ordinary. The documentary explores the production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's musical "Merrily We Roll Along" which closed after just 16 performances in the early 1980s. The film, however, gives more than just an account of a Broadway flop. It showcases the grit within the human spirit, highlighting the resilience found in the face of rejection and disappointment.

The documentary features inserts from well-known figures in the Broadway scene, such as Donna Marie Asbury, Jim Bonkosky, and Jason Alexander. The blend of these three personalities adds dynamism to the film, forcing audiences to explore theatre not just as an art form but as a medium where dreams are made, and sometimes shattered. Alexander, Best known for his role as George Costanza in "Seinfeld", lends his unique perspective as a successful actor and provides insightful commentary about the original production.

"The Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened" is a metaphorical exploration of the journey of Sondheim and Furth's musical, compiling contemporary interviews and archival footage to paint a vivid, deeply human, painfully poignant, unmatched in its rawness, and yet inspirational picture of the creative process behind this controversial play. Lonny Price, himself one of the original cast members in "Merrily We Roll Along," lends his knowledgeable lens and introspective approach, giving the documentary an intimate, passionate, and personal touch, drawing audiences in and making them a part of the journey that the original crew went through.

The strength of "Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened…" lies in its honest exploration of ambition, dreams, and reality. It reflects the many complexities of life within the world of theatre, prompting audiences to consider the cost of dreams, the weight of expectations, and the unpredictable outcomes of investing one's heart and soul into artistic vision. The documentary does not shy away from depicting the disappointments and failures that punctuated the production, transforming a supposed failure into an invaluable life lesson for those involved.

This documentary, with its deep resonance, offers more than just an account of a Broadway show. It is a tribute to the unwavering spirit of creativity, focusing on the initial cast members, all youngsters at the start of their careers in the early '80s. It is a powerful commentary on the ephemeral nature of success and failure, and the profound life lessons that come with embracing both.

Yet, despite touching on poignant and heartbreaking themes, the film manages to maintain an optimistic tone. It embodies the spirit of perseverance, serving as a testament to the resilience of artists who continue to chase their dreams, even when faced with setbacks. "Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened…" offers an authentic exploration of the vulnerability, courage, and resilience in the face of rejection that forms an integral part of performing arts.

In summary, "Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened…" is a fascinating documentary, which manages to illuminate the human experience behind the curtain of Broadway. The film offers unique insights into the world of theatre, from the inspirational beginnings to the heartbreaking endings. However, it ultimately focuses on the later growth and the enduring career of the original cast members, making it a must-see for theatre enthusiasts, empowering anyone chasing their dreams, and engaging anyone familiar with the unpredictable cycle of life and the brink of adulthood with resonating nostalgia and warmth.