Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever

Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever
A riveting song cycle exploring the everyday struggles of love in the modern world.



A look into the private song vault of Richard Maltby, Jr., and David Shire (Big; Starting Here, Starting Now; Baby), the review, Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever, is filled to the brim with the brilliance for which these musical theatre giants are known.

Closer Than Ever is a nonstop exploration of everyday struggles in the "modern world." Topics ranging from unrequited adoration... to aging... to Muzak are tackled with resounding sincerity and precisely placed hilarity. Each song is a unique story told by a new character, taking audiences, not only into the songbook of Mr. Maltby and Mr. Shire, but into the minds of the individuals facing these completely relatable challenges.

A superb choice for companies that have previously produced the work of Maltby and Shire, Closer Than Ever will inspire audiences to pause for self-reflection, whether presented as a fully realized production or a simple concert piece.

Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire join us in this video conversation piece to discuss their musicals Starting Here and Starting Now and Closer Than Ever, two very different musicals with a very incredible team behind them.

Full SynopsisMaterials and Orchestration

Concert Selections for Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever

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.

  • BACK ON BASE
    From
    Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    David Shire
    Lyrics by
    David Shire
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Starting Key
    G
    Estimated duration
    3 min 30 sec
    Instrumentation

    (2x) PIANO/CONDUCTOR SCORE; (1x) BASS

  • IT'S NEVER THAT EASY/I'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE
    From
    Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    David Shire
    Lyrics by
    Richard Maltby, Jr.
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    2 Voices (Typically 2 Female)
    Starting Key
    B
    Estimated duration
    6 min 17 sec
    Instrumentation

    (3x) PIANO/VOCAL SCORE; (1x) BASS

Show Essentials

Music by
David ShireDavid Shire
Lyrics by
Richard Maltby, Jr.Richard Maltby, Jr.
Full Billing

Songs

Doors

She Loves Me Not

You Want To Be My Friend?

What Am I Doin'

Like A Baby

Miss Byrd

The Sound Of Muzak

One Of The Good Guys

There's Nothing Like It

Life Story

Next Time

Three Friends

Fandango

There

Patterns

Another Wedding Song

If I Sing

Back On Base

The March Of Time

Father Of Fathers

It's Never That Easy/I've Been Here Before

Closer Than Ever

Full Song List

Cost Estimator

Estimate the approximate cost of your licensing fees by providing a few details about your production.

Estimate Your Cost

Upcoming

Similar Shows

Baby
Big The Musical
Starting Here, Starting Now

Tags

Contemporary Broadway
Romance
Revue
Contemporary
Minimal Design
Revues

Explore

Show History
Critical Reaction
Awards
Connect

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
CUR8 (formerly ShowTix4U)

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

Performance
Details
Digital Scripts & Scores – Powered by ProductionPro

Give Your Cast and Crew the Tools for a Successful Rehearsal Process

Pre Performance
Details
How Does the Show Go On
How Does The Show Go On?

The ultimate book for theater lovers of all ages.

Details
Reference Recording

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

Pre Performance
Details
Stage Write: Staging Assistant

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

Pre Performance
Details

Questions & Answers

Ask a QuestionSee All Questions
By Trish Grunz
May 03, 2017
Login to flag as inappropriate
Related shows or resources: Maltby and Shire's Closer Than Ever
Show Tracks available
Are show and rehearsal tracks available for theaters without an orchestra for "Closer than Ever"?
Answer this Question
See 1 answer