The Most Happy Fella

The Most Happy Fella
Frank Loesser's most ambitious and romantic musical tells the heart-stopping story of unlikely love that blossoms in Napa Valley.

From the composer of Guys and Dolls comes this touching, dramatic and intensely personal love story. Your heart will be warmed by this May-to-December romance, when a city bride is wooed by an aging Italian grape farmer who nearly botches everything... until his true goodness shines through. With a gorgeous score and spirited dancing, it's a simple and touching love story that makes for an extraordinary night of theatre.

Tony, a middle-aged vintner, makes a mail order marriage proposal, which is accepted under the girl's mistaken assumption that a photo of his young, handsome foreman is her intended husband. Her hurt and humiliation when she learns the truth, as well as a terrible accident that nearly kills Tony as he hurries to meet her, almost ends the relationship before it begins, but a loving understanding blossoms between them during Tony's long convalescence.

Filled with sweeping ballads, intense dramatic arias and tuneful, splashy Broadway-style numbers, this ambitious "Broadway opera" has found a home on opera and musical-theatre stages alike. Its sizable score showcases strong singers, including a mature operatic baritone and a young soprano ingénue for the two lead roles. The rest of the large cast consists of a winsome comic duo for the secondary leads and a host of other compelling characters. The show's lasting popularity has led to two Broadway revivals, the latter with a two-piano accompaniment that is available for rental.

Full SynopsisMaterials and Orchestration

Concert Selections for The Most Happy Fella

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.

  • ABBONDANZA
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Lyrics by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    3 Voices (Typically Male)
    Starting Key
    B
    Estimated duration
    4 min 45 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Flute, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Oboe, 1 Bassoon, 2 Horn 1&2, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Harp, 2 Vocal Score, 3 Chorus books

  • BIG D
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Lyrics by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 FEMALE VOICE, 1 MALE VOICE, CHORUS
    Starting Key
    F
    Estimated duration
    3 min 35 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1(Flute), 1 Reed 2(Oboe), 1 Reed 3(Bb Clarinet), 1 Reed 4(Bass Clarinet), 1 Reed 5(Bassoon), 2 Trumpet 1&2, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Horn 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Harp, 1 Accordian, 2 Piano Conductor, 25 Chorus books

  • HAPPY TO MAKE YOUR ACQUAINTANCE
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Lyrics by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    2 FEMALE VOICE, 1 MALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    F
    Estimated duration
    3 min 22 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1(Flute), 1 Reed 2(Eng.horn), 1 Reed 3(Clarinet), 1 Reed 4(Bb clarinet), 1 Reed 5(Bassoon), 2 Horn 1&2, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Horn 3, 6 Cello, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 1 Harp, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 4 Piano Conductor

  • JOEY, JOEY, JOEY
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Frank Loesser
    Lyrics by
    Frank Loesser
    Orchestrated by
    Don Walker
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 Voice (Typically Male)
    Starting Key
    D♭
    Estimated duration
    3 min 00 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2(Eng.Horn Oboe), 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4(Bass clarinet ,Clarinet), 1 Reed 5, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Horn 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1Trombone 2, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Harp, 3 Percussion(Xylo C, Timp, Snare drum, Bells, Cymb), 1 Accordion, 2 Piano Vocal

  • MAMMA, MAMMA
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Lyrics by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 MALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    BFile:Flat.svg
    Estimated duration
    3 min 04 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Reed 5, 2 Trumpet 1 & 2, 2 Horn 1 & 2, 1 Horn 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Harp, 3 Percussion(Bells,Tymp.), 1 Accordian, 2 Piano(Vocal,Conductor)

  • MOST HAPPY FELLA
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    FRANK LOESSER
    Lyrics by
    FRANK LOESSER
    Orchestrated by
    DON WALKER
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Starting Key
    C
    Estimated duration
    4 min 00 sec
    Instrumentation

    Accordion, Celeste, Opt. Keyboard (combines Accordian and Celeste) Cello (6), Horns (3), Harp, Percussion (3) PV (2), Reed 1, Reed 2, Reed 3. Bass (5) Reed 4, Reed 5, Trombones (2), Trumpets (2), Viola (7), Violin 1 (9), Violin 2 (8), Chorus Books (25)

  • MOST HAPPY FELLA - SYMPHONIC IMPRESSIONS
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $300
    Each Additional Performance:
    $150
    Music by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Symphonic Suite
    Arranged for
    INSTRUMENTAL
    Starting Key
    C
    Estimated duration
    9 min 20 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Piano Conductor Score, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 2 Alto Sax (optional) 1 Tenor Sax (optional), 1 Baritone Sax (optional), 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, 1 Tuba, 2 Percussion, 1 Timpani, 1 Celeste (incl. bells, xylophone), 1 Harp, 8 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 5 Viola, 5 Cello, 5 Bass

  • MY HEART IS SO FULL OF YOU
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Lyrics by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    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
    2 min 56 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1(Flute), 1 Reed 2(English horn), 1 Reed 3(Clarinet), 1 Reed 4(Clarinet), 1 Reed 5(Bassoon), 1 Horn 3, 2 Horn 1&2, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Harp, 2 Piano Conductor, 2 Chorus books

  • OOH! MY FEET!
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Lyrics by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    2 FEMALE VOICES
    Starting Key
    E♭
    Estimated duration
    2 min 21 sec
    Instrumentation

    (1x) Full Score; (2x) Piano/Vocal Score; (1x) Reed 1: Alto Flute; (1x) Reed 2: Alto Flute; (1x) Reed 3: Clarinet; (1x) Reed 4: Bass Clarinet; (1x) Reed 5: Bassoon; (2x) Horns 1 & 2; (1x) Horn 3; (2x) Trumpets 1 & 2; (1x) Trombone; (1x) Tuba; (2x) Percussion 1 & 2: Timpani, Drum Set; (1x) Harp; (8x) Violin 1; (8x) Violin 2; (7x) Viola; (6x) Cello; (5x) Bass

  • OVERTURE ("MOST HAPPY FELLA")
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    INSTRUMENTAL
    Starting Key
    C
    Estimated duration
    3 min 10 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Reed 5, 1 Horn 3, 2 Horn 1&2, 2 Trumpets 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Harp, 1 Accordion, 2 Piano Conductor

  • ROSABELLA
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Lyrics by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 MALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    BFile:Flat.svg
    Estimated duration
    3 min 06 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1(Flute), 1 Reed 2(English horn ,Oboe), 2 Reed 3(Flute ,Clarinet), 1 Reed 4(Clarinet), 1 Reed 5(Bassoon), 2 Trumpet 1&2, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Horn 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Harp, 3 Percussion(Bells, Timp, Triangle), 1 Accordion, 2 Piano(Vocal Conductor)

  • SOMEBODY, SOMEWHERE
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Lyrics by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    1 FEMALE VOICE
    Starting Key
    G
    Estimated duration
    2 min 22 sec
    Instrumentation

    (1x) Full Score; (2x) Piano/Vocal Score; (1x) Reed 1: Flute; (1x) Reed 2: English Horn; (1x) Reed 3: Clarinet; (1x) Reed 4: Bass Clarinet; (1x) Reed 5: Bassoon; (2x) Horns 1 & 2; (1x) Horn 3; (2x) Trumpets 1 & 2; (1x) Trombone 1; (1x) Trombone 2; (1x) Celeste; (1x) Harp; (1x) Percussion: Timpani; (9x) Violin 1; (8x) Violin 2; (7x) Viola; (6x) Cello; (5x) Bass

  • SONG OF A SUMMER NIGHT
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Frank Loesser
    Lyrics by
    Frank Loesser
    Orchestrated by
    Don Walker
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Instrumentation

    Reed 1 (Flute), Reed 2 (Oboe, English Horn), Reed 3 (Flute), Reed 4 (Bass Clarinet), Reed 5 (Bassoon), 3 Horns, 2 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, (2) Percussion, Harp, Celeste, (9) Violin 1, (8) Violin 2, (7) Viola, (6) Cello), (5) Bass. Your rental materials will also include 20 Piano Vocal Scores and 1 Full Score.

  • STANDING ON THE CORNER
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    LOESSER, FRANK
    Lyrics by
    LOESSER, FRNAK
    Orchestrated by
    WALKER, DON
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Arranged for
    4 MALE VOICES
    Starting Key
    C
    Estimated duration
    2 min 13 sec
    Instrumentation

    1 Reed 1(Flute), 1 Reed 2(English horn), 1 Reed 3(Clarinet), 1 Reed 4(Clarinet),1 Reed 5(Bassoon), 2 Trumpet 1&2, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 2 Piano Conductor, 1 Harp, 1 Accordion, 4 Chorus books

  • WARM ALL OVER
    From
    The Most Happy Fella
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Frank Loesser
    Lyrics by
    Frank Loesser
    Orchestrated by
    Don Walker
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Starting Key
    G
    Instrumentation

    Reed 1 (Flute), Reed 2 (Oboe, English Horn), Reed 3 (Clarinet), Reed 4 (Clarinet, Bass Clarinet), Reed 5 (Bassoon), 3 Horns, 2 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, Accordion, Celeste, Harp, (2) Percussion, (8) Violin 1, (8) Violin 2, (7) Viola, (6) Cello, (5) Bass. Your rental materials will also include 1 Full Score and 1 Piano Vocal Score.

Show Essentials

Book, Music and Lyrics by
Frank LoesserFrank Loesser
Full Billing

Songs

Ooh! My Feet

Somebody, Somewhere

The Most Happy Fella

Standing On The Corner

Joey, Joey, Joey

Rosabella

Abbondanza

Sposalizio

Benvenuta

Don't Cry

Happy To Make Your Acquaintance

Big D

How Beautiful The Days

Young People

Warm All Over

I Like Everybody

My Heart Is So Full Of You

Mamma, Mamma

Song Of A Summer Night

Full Song List

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Classic Broadway
Period/Historical
Romance
Book Musical
Period/Historical
Golden Age Musicals
Female Star Vehicle
Male Star Vehicle

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By jrollings
February 16, 2020
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Related shows or resources: The Most Happy Fella
Do you offer "concert rights" to Most Happy Fella'?

A query concerning a different form for one of your musicals. 

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