The Story of My Life

The Story of My Life
A man struggles to write his best friend's eulogy in this emotional tribute to the people who change our lives.



Nominated for four 2009 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical, The Story of My Life is a Broadway rarity: an intimate musical that candidly explores the simplicity of human need and the complexity of emotions under which it lies buried. Composer-lyricist Neil Bartram and librettist Brian Hill have created an authentic and affecting work, told through a series of songs – in turn playful, touching and dramatic. The Story of My Life inspires us to reconnect with those who were part of the earliest chapters of our own life stories.

The Story of My Life follows the friendship of Alvin and Thomas, two men from a small town. These lifelong friends are reunited after Alvin's mysterious death. In the abstract world of his mind, Thomas struggles to write Alvin's eulogy while recounting the many turns that their lives have taken since meeting as children. Alvin searches through the manuscripts and stories in Thomas' mind to lead him on a journey of remembrance. Through music and song, these two friends recount their adventures, explore their past dissonance and ultimately discover what is at the base of every strong friendship... love.

The Story of My Life features a unique cast of only two actors, which provides extremely specialized direction opportunities. This musical is perfect for an intimate space, whether it be a community theatre or a small college venue.

Full SynopsisMaterials and Orchestration

Concert Selections for The Story of My Life

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.

  • ANGELS IN THE SNOW (9-PIECE ORCHESTRATION)
    From
    The Story of My Life
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Neil Bartram
    Lyrics by
    Neil Bartram
    Orchestrated by
    Neil Bartram
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    2 Voices (Typically Male)
    Starting Key
    E
    Estimated duration
    4 min 16 sec
    Instrumentation
    (2x) PIANO/FULL SCORE, (3x) PIANO/VOCAL SCORE, (1x) WOODWIND (Clarinet, Triangle), (1x) CELLO
  • ANGELS IN THE SNOW (9-PIECE ORCHESTRATION)
    From
    The Story of My Life
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Neil Bartram
    Lyrics by
    Neil Bartram
    Orchestrated by
    Jonathan Tunick
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    2 Voices (Typically Male)
    Starting Key
    E
    Estimated duration
    4 min 16 sec
    Instrumentation
    (2x) PIANO/FULL SCORE, (3x) PIANO/VOCAL SCORE, (1x) CLARINET, (1x) BASSOON, (1x) TRUMPET, (3x) PERCUSSION (Bell Tree, Mark Tree, Egg Shaker, Drum Kit, Triangle, Glockenspiel, Crotales, Bells), (17x) VIOLIN, (7x) VIOLA, (6x) CELLO, (5x) BASS (Acoustic)
  • BUTTERFLY (3-PIECE ORCHESTRATION)
    From
    The Story of My Life
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Neil Bartram
    Lyrics by
    Neil Bartram
    Orchestrated by
    Neil Bartram
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 Voice (Typically Male)
    Starting Key
    A♭
    Estimated duration
    4 min 17 sec
    Instrumentation
    (2x) PIANO/FULL SCORE, (2x) PIANO/VOCAL SCORE, (1x) WOODWIND (Clarinet), (1x) CELLO
  • BUTTERFLY (9-PIECE ORCHESTRATION)
    From
    The Story of My Life
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Neil Bartram
    Lyrics by
    Neil Bartram
    Orchestrated by
    Jonathan Tunick
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 Voice (Typically Male)
    Starting Key
    A♭
    Estimated duration
    4 min 17 sec
    Instrumentation
    (2x) PIANO/FULL SCORE, (2x) PIANO/VOCAL SCORE, (1x) CLARINET, (1x) BASSOON, (1x) TRUMPET, (3x) PERCUSSION (Bell Tree, Glockenspiel, Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Crotales, Drum Kit), (17x) VIOLIN, (7x) VIOLA, (6x) CELLO, (5x) BASS
  • PEOPLE CARRY ON (3-PIECE ORCHESTRATION)
    From
    The Story of My Life
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Neil Bartram
    Lyrics by
    Neil Bartram
    Orchestrated by
    Neil Bartram
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 Voice (Typically Male)
    Starting Key
    BFile:Flat.svg
    Estimated duration
    3 min 38 sec
    Instrumentation
    (2x) PIANO/FULL SCORE, (2x) PIANO/VOCAL SCORE, (2x) WOODWIND (Triangle, Clarinet, Oboe), (1x) CELLO
  • PEOPLE CARRY ON (9-PIECE ORCHESTRATION)
    From
    The Story of My Life
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Neil Bartram
    Lyrics by
    Neil Bartram
    Orchestrated by
    Jonathan Tunick
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 Voice (Typically Male)
    Starting Key
    BFile:Flat.svg
    Estimated duration
    3 min 38 sec
    Instrumentation
    (2x) PIANO/FULL SCORE, (2x) PIANO/VOCAL SCORE, (1x) CLARINET, (1x) BASSOON, (1x) TRUMPET (Tacet), (1x) PERCUSSION (Glockenspiel), (17x) VIOLIN, (7x) VIOLA, (6x) CELLO, (5x) BASS

Show Essentials

Music and Lyrics by
Neil BartramNeil Bartram
Book by
Brian HillBrian Hill
Full Billing

Songs

Write What You Know

Mrs. Remington

The Greatest Gift

1876

Normal

People Carry On

The Butterfly

Saying Goodbye (Part 1)

Here's Where It Begins

Saying Goodbye (Part 2)

Independence Day

I Like It Here

You're Amazing, Tom

Nothing There

I Didn't See Alvin

This Is It

Angels in the Snow

Full Song List

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Tags

Contemporary Broadway
Comedy
Drama
Book Musical
Minimal Design
Small Cast Collection
Male Star Vehicle

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