Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc. (From "Ragtime"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection brings together Flaherty's most singable material in a format designed specifically for the voice. The songs span his entire career and showcase his ability to write for different vocal types and dramatic situations, making this a resource that working singers will return to across auditions, recitals, and performances.

Flaherty's melodies are direct and emotionally clear, often dwelling in accessible ranges that let singers connect authentically with text. The harmony is sophisticated without being self-conscious, supporting character revelation and lyrical storytelling with the kind of craft that feels effortless when performed well.

This resource serves singers preparing for musical theatre auditions and performances, from high school and college students auditioning for programs and roles to working professionals building their audition book. Whether you're studying interpretation or assembling repertoire for a specific vocal range and type, this collection provides authentic, professionally transcribed material from shows that represent decades of theatrical practice.

• Study the historical and contextual notes provided for each song; understanding the character's dramatic arc and the show's setting deepens your interpretation and makes your choices at the audition table more informed.
• Use the 16-bar cut suggestions as a starting point, but test them in the room first. Some casting directors appreciate the full arc of a song, so be prepared to shift between the cut and the complete version.
• Pay attention to Flaherty's harmonic movement and rhythmic specificity, particularly in songs with syncopation; precision here elevates your musicianship and shows respect for the composer's intent.
• Consider the vocal demands of each piece in context of your range and current technique. This collection spans four distinct vocal ranges, so you can compare how songs sit across different transpositions.

Draw from this collection to build recital programs that blend contemporary Broadway with classic standards, or use individual songs as audition selections for role-specific callbacks. The variety of emotional tone and dramatic situation makes it possible to construct a cohesive program that showcases range and interpretive skill across a single composer's output.

• Interpreting character intention through melodic phrasing and harmonic context
• Managing vocal demands across extended songs and rapid character shifts
• Reading piano/vocal scores and coordinating melody with harmonic accompaniment
• Preparing material for audition, including strategic cutting and memorization
• Understanding period and style conventions in contemporary musical theatre