Anyone Can Whistle

Anyone Can Whistle
Society, government and religion are lampooned in this unconventional satire of small town life.

Anyone Can Whistle, an absurdist social satire about insanity and conformity (among a dozen other things) is probably the bravest show that Stephen Sondheim wrote, at least until Assassins. A legendary cult show, this wacky, intelligent, highly unconventional musical points ahead to Stephen Sondheim's groundbreaking work in the 1970s, even as it keeps a foot firmly rooted in musical theatre's "golden age."

Anyone Can Whistle tells the story of a corrupt mayoress who fakes a miracle to revitalize her bankrupt town (through the resulting pilgrim trade) and the ill-fated romance between the rational nurse, out to expose the fraud, and the easygoing doctor who is determined to enjoy the chaos that it brings. In the end, the show delivers a poignant message about the importance of the individual in a conformist society – but not before aiming its still-relevant barbs at government, religion, science and anything else that stands in its way!

With its circus-like atmosphere, Anyone Can Whistle features plenty of memorable, lovably cartoonish roles of all sizes. The dazzling, melodic Broadway-style score overflows with the youthful energy of experimentation, consisting of one showstopper after another, including two extensive ballets that provide opportunities for some inspired choreography.

Concert Selections for Anyone Can Whistle

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.

  • ANYONE CAN WHISTLE
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Stephen Sondheim
    Lyrics by
    Stephen Sondheim
    Orchestrated by
    Don Walker
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 Voice (Typically Female)
    Starting Key
    C
    Estimated duration
    3 min 38 sec
    Instrumentation
    Part Name Doubling Quantity
    PIANO/CONDUCTOR SCORE   2
    REED 1 Flute 1
    REED 2 Clarinet 1
    REED 3 Flute 1
    REED 4 Bass Clarinet 1
    REED 5 Clarinet 1
    HORN 1 & 2   2
    TRUMPET 1 & 2   2
    TRUMPET 3   1
    TROMBONE 1   1
    TROMBONE 2   1
    PERCUSSION 1 & 2 Timpani, Triangle 2
    ACCORDION   1
    CELLO A   2
    CELLO B   2
    CELLO C   2
    BASS   5

    Please Note: In some instances (i.e. Reeds, Percussion, etc.), additional copies of parts may be provided, in the event you wish to split out the doublings to multiple players.

  • EVERYBODY SAYS DON'T!
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Lyrics by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 MALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    C
    Estimated duration
    2 min 17 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1(Flute), 1 Reed 2(Clarinet 3), 1 Reed 3(Clarinet 1), 1 Reed 4(Clarinet 2), 1 Reed 5(Bassoon), 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 2 Cello A, 2 Cello B, 2 Cello C, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion(Drum Set, Vibes, Xylophone), 1 Accordian, 2 Piano/Conductor

  • THERE WON'T BE TRUMPETS
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Lyrics by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    2 FEMALE VOICES
    Starting Key
    BFile:Flat.svg
    Estimated duration
    2 min 35 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute(Piccolo), 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet 1(Clarinet in Eb), 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 3, 1 Bassoon, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 2 Cello A, 2 Cello B, 2 Cello C, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion(Timp F, Timp Bb), 1 Accordion, 2 Piano Conductor, 2 Chorus books

  • WITH SO LITTLE TO BE SURE OF
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Lyrics by
    SONDHEIM, STEPHEN
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 FEMALE VOICE, 1 MALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    D
    Estimated duration
    4 min 30 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2(Alto flute), 1 English horn, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 3, 1Bass clarinet, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 2 Cello A, 2 Cello B, 2 Cello C, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion(Drum set ,Timp), 1 Accordion, 2 Piano Conductor, 2 Chorus books

Resources

No matter where you are on your theatrical journey, our innovative production resources will enhance your show experience!
Two smiling people with their phones out

Manage your events and ticket sales online and create epic experiences.

Performance
How Does the Show Go On

The ultimate book for theater lovers of all ages.

Listen to a cast or demo recording before licensing your next musical.

Pre Performance

Enable your creative team to easily track the moving pieces of your production.

Pre Performance

Questions & Answers

There don't appear to be any questions submitted.