This post was updated Jan. 13 at 8:14 p.m.

AFTeR PARTY’s newest musical aimed to bring light and laughter in lieu of finals week stress.

The newly formed UCLA theater company debuted its first show, “Merrily We Roll Along,” during week 10 of fall quarter. Hosting four free shows Dec. 5 to 7, AFTeR PARTY’s production was a musical comedy based on a book by author George Furth, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Presented through the unique form of a memory play – or a play narrated through the main character’s perspective that is nonchronological in nature – the musical was set to entertain audiences while making them think, director Zach Hoffman said.

“It’s going backwards in time, which already sets the tone of reflection,” said Hoffman, a fourth-year theater student. “I’m drawn to that because I love a musical that makes you think as well as makes you laugh and really entertains you.”

Focused on Franklin Shepard (Hoffman) and his best friends Charley Kringas (Lowen Jeffery) and Mary Flynn (Fitz Freeby), the musical tackled the ups and downs of friendships and community and the importance of finding balance between financial success and emotional stability, Hoffman said.

The show’s visuals were enhanced by shadows that appeared on the walls in the attic as they shimmered with memories of the protagonist Shepard’s past, Hoffman added. Setting the musical in an attic supplemented the structure of a memory play, as they are chock-full of memories, he said.

As an artistic musical about friendship, the show intended to highlight the importance of maintaining youthful hope, Hoffman added. The production was held in Macgowan Hall – a purposeful move as it incorporated a black box thrust formation, a flexible space where the stage extends into the audience on three sides, second-year theater student Eve Mori said.

“The cast is directed and rehearsed to be moving around throughout the whole space a lot,” said Mori, the founder and executive director of AFTeR PARTY’s. “The audience will have to use a lot of their imagination. … A lot of magic of theater will be happening.”

[Related: Carlos Roa explores identity, diversity through empowering visuals and set designs]

Mori and Hoffman chose a cabaret night of “Merrily We Roll Along” to start off the company, as it is a musical many people know, Mori said. This fun-to-watch musical features popular songs from famous composer Sondheim, intended to attract a lot of people, she added.

Hoping to provide enjoyment and entertainment, the story was about the ways friendship dynamics change throughout life, Mori said. The message is to stay grounded by your loved ones and your community, Hoffman said.

The production took a village, Hoffman said. The cast was dedicated and the creative team was talented, he added. Hoffman also said one of the greatest things about UCLA is that it is full of passionate students, something that shines through in the show.

Working on “Merrily We Roll Along” was a reaffirming experience, Hoffman said, reminding him that such an impassioned community exists in the real world. Hoffman added that the show emphasized the importance of keeping one’s “sparkly-eyed inner child alive.” The show was also an ode to his cohort – especially the seniors – to wish them well and tell them they can change the world, he said.

This club also provides a sense of community distinct from other theater clubs on campus, shadow set designer Kimmy Miller said. Other clubs can be very specific in terms of their focus and theme, while AFTeR PARTY’s is open to a wide variety of ideas, the third-year theater student said.

Shadow work provided a dynamic, artistic aspect to the production, Hoffman said. Shadow puppets, for instance, served as tools to convey stories on a deeper level and were utilized on a bigger scale to foster a more eye-catching show, Miller said.

“I think that the audience will get a lot out of it (the shadow puppets), especially with the aesthetic that Zach has chose,” Miller said. “This is a really smart way to have a new take on this production.”

[Related: Dancesport Club at UCLA brings competitive ballroom into the limelight]

Mori said she hopes the company – which she started at the end of spring quarter last year – will spread theater appreciation and awareness. Performing can be a fun, life-changing experience that inspires reflection, sparks conversation and creates meaningful change, Mori said. AFTeR PARTY’s works to spread the message that a theater company can be simultaneously entertaining and serious, especially as evidenced in its first production, she added.

Theater companies, especially AFTeR PARTY’s, provide an outlet for creative freedom that the theater department does not always have, Miller said.

“I’m glad to have this outlet, that I can feel like I have a voice as an artist to be able to discover more,” Miller said. “Student productions … give opportunities and allow you to grow as an artist and explore things that you can actually try out and see if you like.”

Additionally, AFTeR PARTY’s focuses on original student works, Mori said. She added that it is important to broaden the scale of art so everyone feels love and passion for art, especially in a time when it is being downplayed.

“I wanted this club to feel like going to the theater is like going to an after-party,” Mori said. “It’s chaotic and full of energy and also unexpected, and yet it’s so fun.”