Anyone Can Whistle

Society, government and religion are lampooned in this unconventional satire of small town life.

Anyone Can Whistle, an absurdist social satire about insanity and conformity (among a dozen other things) is probably the bravest show that Stephen Sondheim wrote, at least until Assassins. A legendary cult show, this wacky, intelligent, highly unconventional musical points ahead to Stephen Sondheim's groundbreaking work in the 1970s, even as it keeps a foot firmly rooted in musical theatre's "golden age."

Anyone Can Whistle tells the story of a corrupt mayoress who fakes a miracle to revitalize her bankrupt town (through the resulting pilgrim trade) and the ill-fated romance between the rational nurse, out to expose the fraud, and the easygoing doctor who is determined to enjoy the chaos that it brings. In the end, the show delivers a poignant message about the importance of the individual in a conformist society – but not before aiming its still-relevant barbs at government, religion, science and anything else that stands in its way!

With its circus-like atmosphere, Anyone Can Whistle features plenty of memorable, lovably cartoonish roles of all sizes. The dazzling, melodic Broadway-style score overflows with the youthful energy of experimentation, consisting of one showstopper after another, including two extensive ballets that provide opportunities for some inspired choreography.

Full Synopsis Materials and Orchestration

Concert Selections for Anyone Can Whistle

MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.

ANYONE CAN WHISTLE

From
ANYONE CAN WHISTLE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE

Starting Key
C

Estimated duration
5 min 38 sec

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
WALKER, DON

Instrumentation
1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2, 1 Flute 3, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bass clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 2 Cello A, 2 Cello B, 2 Cello C, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion(Timp, Triangle), 1 Accordian, 2 Piano Conductor
EVERYBODY SAYS DON'T!

From
ANYONE CAN WHISTLE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
1 MALE VOICE

Starting Key
C

Estimated duration
3 min 37 sec

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
WALKER, DON

Instrumentation
1 Reed 1(Flute), 1 Reed 2(Clarinet 3), 1 Reed 3(Clarinet 1), 1 Reed 4(Clarinet 2), 1 Reed 5(Bassoon), 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 2 Cello A, 2 Cello B, 2 Cello C, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion(Drum Set, Vibes, Xylophone), 1 Accordian, 2 Piano/Conductor
SUITE OF WALTZES FROM "ANYONE

From
ANYONE CAN WHISTLE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SYMPHONIC SUITE

Estimated duration
0 sec

Music by
Stephen Sondheim

Arranged by
Larry Moore

Instrumentation
Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboe, 2 Clarinet 2 Bassoon, 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, 2 Percussion, Harp, (8) Violin 1, (8) Violin 2, (7) Viola, (6) Cello, (5) Bass. Your rental materials will also include a Full Score.
THERE WON'T BE TRUMPETS

From
ANYONE CAN WHISTLE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
2 FEMALE VOICES

Starting Key
Bb

Estimated duration
3 min 55 sec

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
WALKER, DON

Instrumentation
1 Flute(Piccolo), 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet 1(Clarinet in Eb), 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 3, 1 Bassoon, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 2 Cello A, 2 Cello B, 2 Cello C, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion(Timp F, Timp Bb), 1 Accordion, 2 Piano Conductor, 2 Chorus books
WALTZES FROM "ANYONE CAN WHISTLE"

From
ANYONE CAN WHISTLE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SYMPHONIC SUITE

Estimated duration
0 sec

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Arranged by
MOORE, LARRY

Instrumentation
3 Flute (Flute 3 doubles Piccolo), 2 Oboe, 2 Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 4 Horn, 3 Trumpet, 3 Trombone 1 Tuba, 2 Percussion, 1 Timpani, 1 Harp, (8) Violin I, (8) Violin II, (7) Viola, (6) Cello, (5) Bass.
WITH SO LITTLE TO BE SURE OF

From
ANYONE CAN WHISTLE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE, 1 MALE VOICE

Starting Key
D

Estimated duration
7 min 10 sec

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
WALKER, DON

Instrumentation
1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2(Alto flute), 1 English horn, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 3, 1Bass clarinet, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 2 Cello A, 2 Cello B, 2 Cello C, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion(Drum set ,Timp), 1 Accordion, 2 Piano Conductor, 2 Chorus books
WITH SO LITTLE TO BE SURE OF (FOR SOLO HORN & STRINGS)

From
ANYONE CAN WHISTLE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
CONCERT/SYMPHONIC ARRANGEMENT (INSTRUMENTAL)

Arranged for
FOR SOLO HORN (Flugelhorn or Trumpet solo) AND STRINGS

Starting Key
C

Estimated duration
9 min 14 sec

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Arranged by
MCKIBBINS, PAUL

Instrumentation
9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola 1 2 &3, 2 Cello 1, 2 Cello 2, 2 Cello 3, 5 Bass, 1Flugelhorn, 1 Full Score