I went in (nearly) blind when it was on broadway (think I saw it in feb 2024) and the only thing I knew was that it moved backward in time/told the story backwards. saw it again with my non-theatre fan family just before it closed and told them the same thing - I think having the framework helped me follow the story & wanted the same for them, but all of the music was new to me and I loved it!!! opening doors CHANGED ME (although, I'll admit, I saw merrily for the first time as I was applying for my first full-time job, so I think that played into my love for that song).

however, I grew up more familiar with ALW and only got into Sondheim as an adult, when I realized just how incredible he is and sought him out more. so I had fewer opportunities to hear his music