Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finn

An exceptional revue of composer/lyricist, William Finn's, most beloved songs.

Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finn is a celebration showcasing the songs of one of the most acclaimed composer-lyricists currently writing for the musical theatre. A two-time Tony Award winner for the groundbreaking musical, Falsettos, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, William Finn is a true living legend. Make Me a Song is big, boisterous and life-loving, like Finn himself.

This poignant and compelling revue effortlessly weaves together songs from Finn's rich and touching songbook. Featuring classics from his hit shows juxtaposed with rarely heard selections from Romance in Hard Times, Elegies and the yet-to-be-produced The Royal Family, these treasured tunes tell personal, haunting and often hilarious tales.

A testament to the exceptional career of this beloved songwriter, Make Me a Song brims with spectacular highlights that are sure to delight longtime fans and newcomers alike. Featuring a cast of four and no set, this intimate revue is a budget-saving opportunity. William Finn's music will allow strong singers to showcase their vocal and acting abilities.

Full Synopsis Materials and Orchestration

Concert Selections for Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finn

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

Show Essentials

Music by

William Finn

Conceived by

Rob Ruggiero

Full Billing

Songs

Mister, Make Me a Song

Heart and Music

Hitchiking Across America

Republicans Part One

Billy's Law-of-Genetics

Passover

Only One

Republicans Part Two

I'd Rather Be Sailing/Set Those Sails

Change

I Have Found

Republicans Part Three

You're Even Better Than You Think You Are

Falsettoland

Four Jews In a Room Bitching

Tight Knit Family/Love is Blind/My Father's a Homo

Trina's Song

March of the Falsettos

Year of the Child/The Baseball Game

Unlikely Lovers

All Fall Down

Stupid Things I Won't Do

That's Enough For Me

I Went Fishing With My Dad

When the Earth Stopped Turning

Anytime (I Am There)

Song of Innocence and Experience

Finale

Full Song List

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Filichia Features

Filichia Features: MAKE ME A SONG: Luckily, William Finn Has Made Plenty

William Finn's revue gives audiences and actors an embarrassment of riches

Make Me a Song William Finn! The Artist Behind the Music

st1:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } -->  For example, the song Passover, featured in MAKE ME A SONG but written for ELEGIES, is the story of a boy (Finn) and his family traveling to New Jersey to celebrate Passover with his wacky family. ...

MAKE ME A SONG now available to license!

MTI is proud to announce that Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finn is now available to license through MTI. The show has only five characters (though that could be expanded), no orchestration (piano only), and no set requirements - so all you ...