Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever

A riveting song cycle exploring the everyday struggles of love in the modern world.

A look into the private song vault of Richard Maltby, Jr., and David Shire (Big; Starting Here, Starting Now; Baby), the review, Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever, is filled to the brim with the brilliance for which these musical theatre giants are known.

Closer Than Ever is a nonstop exploration of everyday struggles in the "modern world." Topics ranging from unrequited adoration... to aging... to Muzak are tackled with resounding sincerity and precisely placed hilarity. Each song is a unique story told by a new character, taking audiences, not only into the songbook of Mr. Maltby and Mr. Shire, but into the minds of the individuals facing these completely relatable challenges.

A superb choice for companies that have previously produced the work of Maltby and Shire, Closer Than Ever will inspire audiences to pause for self-reflection, whether presented as a fully realized production or a simple concert piece.

Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire join us in this video conversation piece to discuss their musicals Starting Here and Starting Now and Closer Than Ever, two very different musicals with a very incredible team behind them.

Full Synopsis Materials and Orchestration

Concert Selections for Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever

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.

BACK ON BASE

From
Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever

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

Music by
David Shire

Lyrics by
David Shire

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Arrangement Details
Song Type: Show Extraction
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.

Starting Key
G

Estimated duration
3 min 30 sec
Instrumentation

(2x) PIANO/CONDUCTOR SCORE; (1x) BASS
IT'S NEVER THAT EASY/I'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE

From
Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever

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

Music by
David Shire

Lyrics by
Richard Maltby, Jr.

show more...show less...
Arrangement Details
Song Type: Show Extraction
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.

Arranged for
2 Voices (Typically 2 Female)

Starting Key
B

Estimated duration
6 min 17 sec
Instrumentation

(3x) PIANO/VOCAL SCORE; (1x) BASS