Forever Plaid

When four young singers are killed in a car crash, they posthumously take the stage for one final gig in this goofy, 1950s nostalgia trip.

Forever Plaid is one of the most popular and successful musicals in recent memory. This deliciously fun revue is chock-full of classic barbershop quartet harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies!

Once upon a time, there were four guys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who discovered that they shared a love for music and then got together to become their idols – The Four Freshman, The Hi-Lo's and The Crew Cuts. Rehearsing in the basement of Smudge's family's plumbing supply company, they became "Forever Plaid". On the way to their first big gig, the "Plaids" are broadsided by a school bus and killed instantly. It is at the moment when their careers and lives end that the story of Forever Plaid begins....

Singing in close harmony, squabbling boyishly over the smallest intonations and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with overzealous precision, the "Plaids" are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs and delightful patter that keeps audiences rolling in the aisles when they're not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950s.

Author’s note: In casting Forever Plaid, a diverse and inclusive view is encouraged. All of the characters in the show are written to be played by actors of any background.

Updated Version available upon request: A tailored, socially distant version is available upon request!

Stuart Ross takes us through the inception of the musical, the way the characters are meant to move through the world, and the importance behind the music they sing.

Full Synopsis Materials and Orchestration

Concert Selections for Forever Plaid

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.

WONDERFUL DAY

From
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

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

Music by
Gene de Paul

Lyrics by
Johnny Mercer

Orchestrated by
Irwin Kostal

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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.

Arranged for
1 Voice (Typically Female) and Chorus (Typically Female)

Starting Key
D♭
Estimated duration
6 min 24 sec
Instrumentation

(1x) FULL SCORE; (5x) PIANO/CONDUCTOR SCORE; (10x) VOCAL BOOK; (1x) REED 1: Flute; (1x) REED 2: Oboe; (1x) REED 3: Clarinet; (1x) REED 4: Bassoon; (1x) HORN 1; (1x) HORN 2; (1x) TRUMPET 1; (1x) TRUMPET 2; (1x) TROMBONE; (2x) DRUMS: Drum Set, Timpani, Woodblock; (1x) GUITAR; (1x) KEYBOARD 1; (1x) KEYBOARD 2; (8x) VIOLIN 1; (8x) VIOLIN 3; (7x) VIOLA/VIOLIN 2: Viola; (5x) BASS
WORD OF YOUR BODY, THE

From
Spring Awakening

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

Music by
Duncan Sheik

Lyrics by
Steven Sater

Orchestrated by
Duncan Sheik

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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
2 min 59 sec
Instrumentation
(4x) PIANO/CONDUCTOR SCORE, (1x) HARMONIUM, (1x) GUITAR (Electric), (17x) VIOLIN, (7x) VIOLA, (6x) CELLO, (5x) BASS (Acoustic), (1x) DRUMS (Glockenspiel)
WORST PIES IN LONDON

From
Sweeney Todd

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

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

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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.

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE

Starting Key
A

Estimated duration
2 min 25 sec
Instrumentation

(1x) Full Score; (2x) Piano/Conductor Score; (2x) Reed 1: Piccolo, Flute; (1x) Reed 2: Oboe; (1x) Reed 3: Flute; (1x) Reed 4: Clarinet; (1x) Reed 5: Bassoon; (1x) Horn; (2x) Trumpets; (1x) Trombone 1; (1x) Trombone 2; (1x) Trombone 3; (3x) Percussion: Xylophone, Drums, Wash Tub with Hard Mallets, Tam-Tam, Timpani, Chimes; (1x) Harp; (1x) Organ; (16x) Violins; (7x) Viola; (6x) Cello; (5x) Bass
YA GOT TROUBLE

From
The Music Man

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

Music by
Meredith Willson

Lyrics by
Meredith Willson

Orchestrated by
Don Walker

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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
A♭
Estimated duration
6 min 50 sec
Instrumentation
(2x) PIANO/VOCAL SCORE, (2x) PIANO/CONDUCTOR SCORE, (25x) VOCAL BOOK, (1x) REED 1 (Flute), (1x) REED 2 (Clarinet), (1x) REED 3 (Clarinet), (1x) REED 4 (Bass Clarinet), (1x) REED 5 (Clarinet), (1x) TRUMPET 1, (1x) TRUMPET 2, (1x) TRUMPET 3, (1x) TROMBONE 1, (1x) TROMBONE 2, (1x) TROMBONE 3, (2x) PERCUSSION (Drum Set, Wood Block, Timpani), (1x) PIANO, (17x) VIOLINS, (6x) CELLO, (5x) BASS
YA GOT TROUBLE (REPRISE)

From
The Music Man

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

Music by
WILLSON, MEREDITH

Lyrics by
WILLSON, MEREDITH

Orchestrated by
WALKER, DON

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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.

Arranged for
1 MALE VOICE, CHORUS

Starting Key
A♭
Estimated duration
1 min 48 sec
Instrumentation

1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Reed 5, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 17 Violin, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 2 Piano/Conductor
YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT

From
Hairspray

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

Music by
Marc Shaiman

Lyrics by
Marc Shaiman

Scott Wittman

Orchestrated by
Harold Wheeler

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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.

Instrumentation

Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Drums, Percussion, 2 Guitars, Keyboard 1 (PC), Keyboard 2, Keyboard 3, Violins, Cello, Electric Bass, (20) Chorus Books.
YOU COULD DRIVE A PERSON CRAZY

From
Company

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

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

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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.

Arranged for
3 FEMALE VOICES

Starting Key
G

Estimated duration
2 min 24 sec
Instrumentation

(1x) Full Score; (4x) Piano/Conductor Score; (4x) Reed 1: Flute, Clarinet, Piccolo, Alto Saxophone; (3x) Reed 2: Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Flute; (3x) Reed 3: Clarinet, Flute, Tenor Saxophone; (2x) Reed 4: Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone; (2x) Reed 5: Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone; (2x) Horns; (1x) Trumpet 1; (1x) Trumpet 2; (1x) Trumpet 3; (1x) Trombone 1; (1x) Trombone 2; (3x) Percussion 1 & 2: Drum Kit, Triangle, Timpani, Temple Block, Castanets, Xylophone; (1x) Guitar: Acoustic; (1x) Piano; (16x) Violins; (6x) Cello; (5x) Bass
YOU DON'T KNOW

From
Next to Normal

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

Music by
Tom Kitt

Lyrics by
Brian Yorkey

Orchestrated by
Michael Starobin

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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.

Instrumentation

2 Piano Conductor Score, 2 Piano Vocal Score, 2 Violin/Synth, 1 Cello, 1 Guitar (Electric), 1 Bass (Electric), 1 Drum Set
YOU DON'T KNOW THIS MAN

From
Parade

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

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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.
YOU MUST MEET MY WIFE

From
A Little Night Music

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

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

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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.

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE, 1 MALE VOICE

Starting Key
Dm

Estimated duration
4 min 00 sec
Instrumentation

(1x) Full Score; (3x) Piano/Conductor Score; (1x) Woodwind 1: Flute; (1x) Woodwind 2: English Horn; (1x) Woodwind 3: Clarinet; (1x) Woodwind 4: Bass Clarinet; (1x) Woodwind 5: Bassoon (optional Clarinet); (2x) Horns 1 & 2; (1x) Horn 3; (1x) Trombone (optional: Use if no Horn 3); (1x) Celesta; (1x) Harp; (17x) Violins; (7x) Viola; (6x) Cello; (5x) Bass
YOU WILL BE FOUND

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

Music by
Benj Pasek

Justin Paul

Lyrics by
Benj Pasek

Justin Paul

Orchestrated by
Alex Lacamoire

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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
B

Estimated duration
6 min 00 sec
Instrumentation
(1x) FULL SCORE, (16x) PIANO/VOCAL SCORE, (2x) KEYBOARD/CONDUCTOR SCORE, (2x) GUITAR 1 (Steel String Acousitc, Electric), (2x) GUITAR 1 - ALT. TUNING (Steel String Acoustic, Electric), (1x) GUITAR 2 (Electric), (2x) BASS (Acoustic, Electric), (1x) DRUMS, (17x) VIOLIN, (7x) VIOLA, (6x) CELLO
YOU'RE GONNA LOVE TOMORROW

From
Follies

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

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

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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.

Arranged for
2 FEMALE VOICES, 2 MALE VOICES

Starting Key
D

Estimated duration
4 min 49 sec
Instrumentation

(1x) Full Score; (5x) Piano/Conductor Score; (2x) Reed 1: Flute, Alto Saxophone; (3x) Reed 2: Clarinet, Flute, Alto Saxophone; (3x) Reed 3: Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone; (2x) Reed 4: Oboe, Tenor Saxophone; (2x) Reed 5: Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone; (1x) Horn; (1x) Trumpet 1; (1x) Trumpet 2; (1x) Trumpet 3; (1x) Trombone 1; (1x) Trombone 2; (1x) Trombone 3; (3x) Percussion: Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Drum Set, Woodblock; (1x) Guitar; (1x) Piano; (1x) Harp; (17x) Violins; (7x) Viola; (6x) Cello; (5x) Bass
YOU'RE NEVER FULLY DRESSED WITHOUT A SMILE

From
Annie

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

Music by
Charles Strouse

Lyrics by
Martin Charnin

Orchestrated by
Philip J. Lang

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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.

Arranged for
4 Voices (Typically 3 Female, 1 Male) and Chorus

Starting Key
A

Estimated duration
2 min 50 sec
Instrumentation

2 Reed 1, 2 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Reed 5, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Tuba, 17 Violin, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 2 Piano Conductor, 1 Guitar, 1 Banjo, 25 Chorus books
YOU'RE TIMELESS TO ME

From
Hairspray

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$125

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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.

Instrumentation

Bass, Drums, Guitars 1 & 2, Keyboard 1/Conductor, Keyboard 2 (Strings), Keyboard 3 (Clarinets + Alto Flutes), Percussion (Vibes, Timpani, Orchestra Bells, Wood Block, Triangle, Mark Tree, Congas), Reed 1 (Alto Sax, Flute, Clarinet), Reed 2 (Tenor Sax, Flute, Clarinet), Trombone, Trumpet, Cello, Violin
YOU'VE GOT TO PICK A POCKET (F MIN)

From
Oliver!

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

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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.
YOU'VE GOT TO PICK A POCKET (G MIN)

From
Oliver!

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

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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.
ZITHER CAROL

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

Music by
TRADITIONAL

Arranged by
GIBSON, MICHAEL

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Arrangement Details
Song Type: Concert/Symphonic Arrangement (with vocal)
A Concert/Symphonic Arrangement has been specifically written for use in a concert setting. Generally this means it features a larger, typical symphonic orchestration than what you may find in the show. It is meant to be performed with one or more singers.

Arranged for
1 SOLO VOICE, BOYS CHORUS

Starting Key
G

Estimated duration
1 min 32 sec
Instrumentation

1 Percussion, 1 Harpsichord, 25 Chorus books