MTI’s All Together Now! raises over £4.6 million

Last month’s four-day live theatre event, All Together Now! raised over £4.6 million for theatrical organisations across the world.

Developed by theatrical licensor Music Theatre International (MTI) and billed as A Global Event Celebrating Local Theatre, the event featured over 2,000 organisations from 31 countries over the four-day period in November. Nearly 5,000 individual performances were seen by approximately 500,000 audiences.

Commenting on the success of the project, Drew Cohen, president and CEO of MTI Worldwide, said: “The response from around the world has been an overwhelming affirmation of the importance of live theatre and the strong connection the members of the theatre community have with each other.

“Moreover, the incredible support of audiences in returning to live theatre has been incredible to witness. I attended a small production of All Together Now! at a youth theatre in California and the sense of belonging expressed by everyone in attendance – whether on stage or in the audience – was truly inspiring.”

Seán Gray, the managing director of MTI’s London office, added: “Theatre people have an indomitable spirit. We were so happy to offer the UK and Europe this opportunity to celebrate returning to the stage.

“Even if we aren’t yet finished with this pandemic (or it with us), a weekend in which performers, musicians and all those backstage and front of house had a chance to share their talents with their communities once again will have given everyone a real theatrical ‘booster shot’. Thanks to everyone who participated.

“Whether through a live, in-person performance, or through streaming, I am thrilled that so many theatres were able to reach their audiences in meaningful ways through All Together Now!”

Co-creator of the revue, MTI’s chief operating officer and director of education and development, John Prignano said: “By our estimation, nearly 100,000 people participated in these events as performers, musicians and crew members. The resilience and passion of the theatre community was on full display during that November weekend, and we are grateful to help make a difference for all of the various theatres across the globe.”

Featuring some of musical theatre’s best-loved songs, the revue was created by librettist Timothy Allen McDonald (James and the Giant Peach) director, choreographer and associate artistic director of The York Theatre Company, Gerry McIntyre (Berkshire Theatre Group’s Godspell); director and choreographer Racky Plews (American Idiot West End, UK and international tour); and director Jeff Calhoun (9 to 5, Savoy Theatre, UK tour).

The work featured in the revue was made available free-of-charge with none of the usual rental or royalty fees attached. Participating organisations were invited to license MTI’s All Together Now! as a fundraiser for their own theatre to be perform live, streamed or as a combination of both.

The star studded group of authors, estates and rights-holders who allowed their songs to be made available included: Abe Burrows, Alain Boublil, Alan Jay Lerner, Alan Menken, Allan Knee, Anthony Drewe, Anthony Newley, Benj Pasek, Benny Andersson, Bill Steinkellner, Billie Joe Armstrong, Björn Ulvaeus, Catherine Johnson, Charles Strouse, Cheri Steinkellner, Clarke Peters, Claude-Michel Schönberg, David Greig, David Hein, David Simpatico, Dennis Kelly, Dick Scanlan, Disney Theatrical Group, Douglas Carter Beane, DreamWorks Theatricals, Frank Loesser, Frank Wildhorn, Frederick Loewe, George Furth,  George Stiles,  Glenn Slater,  Harvey Fierstein, Herbert Kretzmer,  Howard Ashman, Irene Sankoff, Jack Feldman, James Lapine, Jason Howland, Jason Robert Brown, Jeanine Tesori, Jennifer Lee, Jerry Bock, Jessie Nelson, Jimmy Van Heusen, Jo Swerling, John Michael Tebelak, Johnny Burke, Jonathan Larson, Joseph Stein, Julian Fellowes, Justin Paul, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Leslie Bricusse, Linda Woolverton, Lionel Bart, Lynn Ahrens, Marc Shaiman, Marcy Heisler, Mark O’Donnell,  Martin Charnin, Matthew Gerard, Michael Mayer, Mindi Dickstein, Richard M. Sherman,  Richard Morris, Robbie Nevil, Robert B. Sherman, Robert Lopez, Sara Bareilles, Scott Wittman, Sheldon Harnick, Stephen Flaherty, Stephen Schwartz, Stephen Sondheim,  Terrence McNally, Thomas Meehan, Tim McDonald, Tim Minchin, Tim Rice and Zina Goldrich.

Angela Thomas