Three-time Olivier winner Maria Friedman (“Merrily We Roll Along”) chatted at The Acting Company GALA. She is a veteran British actress, singer, and musical theatre director.
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” This quote applies to Maria Friedman.
Last year, Friedman was nominated for the Tony Award for “Best Direction of a Musical.” She won the 2024 Drama League Award for “Outstanding Direction of a Musical” for her directing work on “Merrily We Roll Along.”
The show also won the Drama League Award and Tony Award for “Outstanding Revival of a Musical.”
2025 Acting Company GALA
The evening was hosted by emcees Tina Benko and Patrick K. Dooley.
This one-night-only event celebrated more than 50 years of developing emerging actors by bringing classics and new plays across the country giving artists, audiences and students the chance to dream and imagine what their lives could be as kings, queens, heroes, villains, scholars and creators.
The GALA featured a cocktail hour, followed by a silent auction, special guests, performances, a gourmet dinner, live music and dancing.
Tony winner Bartlett Sher was recognized with the “John Houseman Award,” while Timothy A. Wilkins (Chair of the New York Public Radio Board and leading attorney) was bestowed the Joan M. Warburg Award.
On being at the 2025 Acting Company GALA event, Friedman said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be here. I am there anytime we are telling stories, especially for a grassroots nonprofit that is led by inspirational, thoughtful people.”
Friedman on ‘Merrily We Roll Along’
The Broadway show “Merrily We Roll Along,” which she directed, won a total of four Tony Awards, which “Best Revival of a Musical.”
“It is wonderful. That felt really, really good,” she said about the Tony recognition.
“It was a great privilege to make the show and a great privilege to be a part of it, and I am continuing to be a part of making the film, which comes out later this year. So, I hope people go and see it,” she elaborated.
Lessons learned from this show
On the lessons learned from this Broadway musical, Friedman reflected, “To be careful about my friends; to look after the people I love. Also, to keep them close to me and to look after them.”
Advice for young and aspiring actors
For young and emerging actors, she encouraged them to “find the joy wherever you can, and to find the truth.”
Stage of her life
On the title of the current chapter of her life, she revealed, “Gratitude.”
“Gosh, I am going to save that one for when I write my novel,” she said.
Superpower of choice
When asked what her superpower of choice would be, Friedman responded, “I would like to be invisible.”
Success
Regarding her definition of the word success, Friedman revealed, “Success is a transient thing. Success is how you lead your life.”
Message for her supporters and fans
For her dedicated fans and supporters, Friedman said effusively, “Thank you.”
To learn more about actress, singer, and director Maria Friedman, follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
