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.

I CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT

From
The Last Five Years

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

Music by
Jason Robert Brown

Lyrics by
Jason Robert Brown

Orchestrated by
Jason Robert Brown

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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)

Starting Key
A

Estimated duration
5 min 11 sec
Instrumentation

(2x) PIANO/CONDUCTOR SCORE; (1x) VIOLIN; (1x) CELLO 1; (1x) CELLO 2 (+Crotales); (1x) GUITAR: Acoustic; (1x) BASS: Electric
I CAN SEE IT

From
The Fantasticks

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

Music by
Harvey Schmidt

Lyrics by
Tom Jones

Orchestrated by
Jack Elliot

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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 Voices (Typically Male)

Starting Key
Am

Estimated duration
4 min 08 sec
Instrumentation
(3x) PIANO/CONDUCTOR SCORE, (3x) REED 1 (Alto Saxophone, Piccolo, Flute), (1x) REED 2 (Oboe), (2x) REED 3 (Bass Clarinet, Clarinet), (1x) HORN, (1x) TRUMPET 1, (1x) TRUMPET 2, (1x) TROMBONE 1, (1x) TROMBONE 2, (1x) PERCUSSION (Drum Set), (1x) KEYBOARD 1 (Acoustic Piano), (1x) KEYBOARD 2 (Synthesizer), (9x) VIOLIN 1, (8x) VIOLIN 2, (7x) VIOLA, (6x) CELLO, (5x) BASS
I DO, I DO IN THE SKY

From
The Drowsy Chaperone

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

Music by
Lisa Lambert

Greg Morrison

Lyrics by
Lisa Lambert

Greg Morrison

Orchestrated by
Larry Blank

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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.
I DON'T NEED ANYTHING BUT YOU

From
Annie

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

Music by
STROUSE, CHARLES

Lyrics by
CHARNIN, MARTIN

Orchestrated by
LANG, PHILIP J.

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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 GIRL'S VOICE, 1 MALE VOICE, CHORUS

Starting Key
D

Estimated duration
5 min 00 sec
Instrumentation

2 Reed 1(Clarinet ,Alto sax, Flute), 2 Reed 2(Clarinet, Alto sax, Flute), 2 Reed 3(Clarinet, Tenor sax), 2 Reed 5(Clarinet, Flute, Baritone sax), 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Tuba, 17 Violin, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Guitar(no amp)Banjo), 2 Percussion(Drum set, Bells, Xylo, Timp)2 Piano Vocal, 25 Chorus books
I HATE THE BUS

From
Caroline, or Change

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

Music by
Jeanine Tesori

Lyrics by
Tony Kushner

Orchestrated by
R Basset, J Joubert, B Red

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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, 1 Guitar, 1 Piano, 2 Percussion (Ride Cymbal, Suspended Cymbal), 1 Violin 1, 1 Violin 2, 1 Viola, 1 Cello, 1 Bass (Acoustic)
I KNOW IT'S TODAY

From
Shrek The Musical

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.
I KNOW THINGS NOW

From
Into the Woods

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

Music by
Stephen Sondheim

Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim

Orchestrated by
Jonathan Tunick

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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)

Starting Key
C

Estimated duration
1 min 48 sec
Instrumentation

(1x) FULL SCORE; (2x) PIANO/VOCAL SCORE; (1x) FLUTE; (1x) CLARINET; (1x) BASSOON; (2x) HORNS 1 & 2; (1x) TRUMPET (in C); (1x) ALT. TRUMPET (in Bb); (1x) PIANO; (1x) SYNTHESIZER; (3x) PERCUSSION: Triangle, Bells; (17x) VIOLINS; (7x) VIOLAS; (6x) CELLO; (5x) BASS
I KNOW WHERE I'VE BEEN

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.

Starting Key
A♭
Estimated duration
4 min 02 sec
Instrumentation

(24x) KEYBOARD 1/CONDUCTOR SCORE; (1x) REED 1: Alto Saxophone; (1x) REED 2: Tenor Saxophone; (1x) TRUMPET: Trumpet, Flugelhorn; (1x) TROMBONE; (2x) GUITARS 1 & 2; (2x) PERCUSSION: Tambourine, Timpani, Suspended Cymbal; (1x) DRUMS; (1x) KEYBOARD 2: "Strings"; (1x) KEYBOARD 3: "Fender Rhodes," "Organ"; (6x) VIOLIN; (4x) CELLO; (1x) BASS: Electric
I MISS THE MOUNTAINS

From
Next to Normal

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

Music by
Tom Kitt

Lyrics by
Brian Yorkey

Orchestrated by
Michael Starobin & Tom Kitt

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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)

Starting Key
C

Estimated duration
3 min 46 sec
Instrumentation
(1x) PIANO/VOCAL SCORE, (2x) PIANO/CONDUCTOR SCORE, (1x) GUITAR (Acoustic), (1x) VIOLIN, (1x) CELLO, (1x) BASS (Acoustic), (2x) PERCUSSION (Vibraphone, Shaker, Drum Kit)
I NEVER KNEW HIS NAME

From
The Civil War

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

Music by
WILDHORN, FRANK

Lyrics by
WILDHORN, FRANK

BOYD, GREGORY

MURPHY, JACK

Orchestrated by
SCHARNBERG, KIM

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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
C
I REMEMBER (ARR. MCKIBBINS)

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

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Arranged by
MCKIBBINS, PAUL

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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 FEMALE VOICE

Starting Key
Am

Estimated duration
2 min 15 sec
Instrumentation

1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2, 1 Oboe, 1 Eng.Horn, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bassoon 2, 1 Bassoon 1, 2 Horns 2&4, 2 Horns 1&3, 2 Trumpets 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Bass Trombone, 9 Violin 1. 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Piano, 1 Conductor Score, 1 Chorus book
I REMEMBER (TUNICK)

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: 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 FEMALE VOICE

Starting Key
Am

Estimated duration
2 min 15 sec
Instrumentation

1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2(Oboe, Eng.Horn), 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Reed 5, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 2, 2 Horn 1&2, 2 Trombone 1&2, 17 Violin 1&2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Harp, 2 Percussion(Triangle), 2 Piano(Celesta), 1 Vocal (Piano), 1 Full Score
I STAND ALONE

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

Music by
YESTON, MAURY

Lyrics by
YESTON, MAURY

Arranged by
OLSON, BYRON

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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
MALE VOICE

Starting Key
D♭
Estimated duration
3 min 35 sec
Instrumentation

1 Flute1, 1 Flute2, 1 Clarinet1, 1 Clarinet2, 1 Bass Clarinet, 1 Trumpet1, 1 Trumpet2, 1 Trumpet3, 1Trumpet4, 1 Trombone1, 1 Trombone2, 1 Horn1, 1Horn2, 1 Horn3, 1 Horn4, 1 Bass Trombone, 17 Violins, 7 Violas, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Fender Bass(Rhythm), 1 Percussion1, 1 Percussion2, 1 Percussion(Rhythm), 1 Keyboard 1(Rhythm), 1 Keyboard2(Rhythm), 1 Harp, 1 Drums(Rhythm), Vocal, 1 Full ScoreOptional Rock Combo - indicated as "(Rhythm)" above
I THINK I'M GONNA LIKE IT HERE

From
Annie

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

Music by
STROUSE, CHARLES

Lyrics by
CHARNIN, MARTIN

Orchestrated by
LANG, PHILIP J.

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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 GIRL'S VOICE, 1 FEMALE VOICE, CHORUS

Starting Key
C

Estimated duration
4 min 25 sec
Instrumentation

1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2(Baritone sax ,Clarinet), 1 Reed 3(Bass clarinet ,Tenor sax ,Clarinet), 1 Reed 4, 1 Reed 5, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Tuba, 17 Violin, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Guitar, 2 Percussion 1&2(Drum set ,Timp, Bells, Xylo), 8 Vocal, 2 Piano/Conductor
I WANNA BE A PRODUCER

From
The Producers

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

Music by
Mel Brooks

Lyrics by
Mel Brooks

Arranged by
Glen Kelly

Orchestrated by
Doug Besterman

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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
Cm

Estimated duration
6 min 46 sec
Instrumentation
(2x) PIANO/CONDUCTOR SCORE, (20x) VOCAL BOOK, (3x) REED 1 (Piccolo, Flute, Alto Saxophone), (3x) REED 3 (Clarinet, Flute, Alto Saxophone), (2x) REED 3 (Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone), (3x) REED 4 (Oboe, Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone), (2x) REED 5 (Bassoon, Baritone Saxophone), (1x) HORN, (1x) TRUMPET 1, (1x) TRUMPET 2, (1x) TRUMPET 3, (1x) TROMBONE 1, (1x) TROMBONE 2, (1x) TROMBONE 3, (3x) PERCUSSION (Timpani, Typewriter Keys, Ratchet, Crotales, Mark Tree, Triangle, Bell Tree, Glockenspiel, Suspended Cymbal, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Chimes), (1x) DRUMS, (1x) KEYBOARD, (1x) HARP, (16x) VIOLINS, (6x) CELLO, (5x) BASS
I WANT IT ALL

First Performance Fee:
$0
Each Additional Performance:
$0
I WANT IT ALL

First Performance Fee:
$0
Each Additional Performance:
$0
I WANT IT ALL

First Performance Fee:
$0
Each Additional Performance:
$0
I WANT IT ALL
I WANT IT ALL

First Performance Fee:
$0
Each Additional Performance:
$0
I WANT IT ALL

First Performance Fee:
$0
Each Additional Performance:
$0
I WANT IT ALL

First Performance Fee:
$0
Each Additional Performance:
$0
I WANT IT ALL

First Performance Fee:
$0
Each Additional Performance:
$0
I WANT IT ALL

First Performance Fee:
$0
Each Additional Performance:
$0
I WANT IT ALL

First Performance Fee:
$0
Each Additional Performance:
$0
I WANT IT ALL

From
Baby

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

Music by
David Shire

Lyrics by
Richard Maltby, Jr.

Orchestrated by
Jonathan Tunick

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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 Voices (Typically Female)

Starting Key
C

Estimated duration
4 min 09 sec
Instrumentation
1 Oboe, 1 English horn, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bass clarinet, 1 Bassoon 1, 1 Bassoon 2, 1 Alto sax, 1 Tenor sax, 1 Baritone sax, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Horn, 1 Trombone, 17 Violin ABC, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 1 Guitar, 1 Bass, 2 Drum(Bells, Drum set), 1 Keyboard 1(Acoustic piano), 1 Keyboard 2(Synthesizer, Rock bass w/ fuzz Organ), 2 Piano Conductor, 3 Chorus books
I WISH I COULD FORGET YOU

From
Passion

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
D♭
Estimated duration
2 min 00 sec
Instrumentation

1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Trumpet, 2 Horn 1&2, 17 Violin 1&2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Keyboard 1(Harp), 1 Keyboard 2(Strings), 3 Percussion(Cymb,Timp), 2 Piano/Conductor, 2 Chorus books
I WISH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU SO

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

Music by
Frank Loesser

Orchestrated by
Jeffrey Klitz

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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.

Starting Key
B
I'D GIVE IT ALL FOR YOU (SYMPHONIC VERSION)

From
Songs for a New World

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

Music by
Jason Robert Brown

Lyrics by
Jason Robert Brown

Orchestrated by
Jason Robert Brown

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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
2 Voices (Typically 1 Male, 1 Female)

Starting Key
D

Estimated duration
4 min 56 sec
Instrumentation

2 Flute, 2 Oboe, 2 Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 4 Horn, 2 Trumpet, 2 Trombone, 2 Percussion, 1 Drums, 1 Acoustic Guitar, 1 Electric Bass, 1 Piano, (8) Violin I, (8) Violin II, (7) Viola, (6) Cello, (5) Contrabass. Your rental materials will also include 1 Full Score and 3 copies of the Piano Vocal Score.
I'LL COVER YOU

From
Rent

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

Music by
Jonathan Larson

Lyrics by
Jonathan Larson

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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, 1 Guitar (Electric), 1 Keyboard (Guitar 2), 1 Bass (Electric), 1 Drum Set