[MusicalDirector]

I'm the musical director for a high school production of Into the Woods. Our school is small and doesn't have an orchestra. I was wondering if anyone here knows of any place where we can order a back track of the show. I've found Karaoke CDs, but they are missing the filler music and "in between songs" (like Second Midnight). ANY help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[ActingDude17]

The only thing I can think of is the accompaniments that come with the Broadway Junior version if you do that version and license it through MTI. Even then the songs aren't nearly as complete as they should be.

Hope you find some help and good luck with your production!

[TheWitch]

MTI does rent out a program called OrchExtra. It's meant to be used in place of certain instruments but can be used in place of a full orchestra. Though it's going to have to be run by a conductor. It's also quite expensive. What other small schools do is hire a pianist and just have them play from the piano score though it does sound quite a bit empty. MIDI would be your last option but not only does it sound pretty awful, it's not really allowed to be used by MTI for live shows. If none of these options are doable then I would suggest you go with a much simpler show. Maybe even a straight play.

[mikey79097]

I know when my school did Into the Woods we got a program called RehearScore which had the backing tracks for all of the songs and i believe a number of the transition instrumentals but I can be wrong about that.

I'm not sure how that would translate to being used for the whole play but I'm sure there is a way you can connect it to the house sound system and use it if need be.

Also I know our directors got a CD that had all the "sound effects" but I'm not sure if they just made that themselves. The RehearScore program I spoke of was provided through MTI but obviously cost a bit extra.

[TheWitch]

Yeah, RehearsScore is the name that MTI gives it's MIDI program. You're not really allowed to use it for the actual live show. It's meant to be used for rehearsals only, hence the name. Some people do use it for the show but MIDI does sound pretty bad. Like old video game music.

[ConverseSneaker]

[TheWitch]

And, again, I just want to stress that you cannot let MTI know that that is what you intend to use for the actual show because they will not let you. When I did the show they said that it was illegal or against their contract to use canned music for their shows.