Venturion

I've been in that situation before; sometimes it's only 1 trp, 1 reed, or 1 tpt, 1 reed, 1 bone. Needless to say, it's usually economics driving that approach. But it can be fun . . . and easier to take liberties with the part (stylistically appropriate, of course!)

But in this case, I've played the theater before, and they always have had a full pit. But for this show, however, they needed to extend the stage over the pit (lots of dancers in this production), and so the space disappeared. The "orchestra" is now relegated to the scanty wings, or down front on the side, something like that.

Thanks, guys, for your quick replies. Helps give me an idea. "Whistle" sounds interesting, as Sondheim usually is.