Another Op'nin', Another Show: SSA Choral Octavo

Philip Kern's SSA arrangement captures the infectious energy of this show-stopping opener while making it fully accessible to treble voices. The piece builds ensemble confidence through a straightforward 2-beat feel and irresistible Broadway charm, and it works equally well as a concert closer or a springboard into a larger theatrical performance.

Stepping into a backstage dressing room filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the thrill of curtain rising. The song radiates optimism and showmanship with straightforward Broadway charm and an irrepressible beat that makes singers want to move.

Directors looking for a reliable opener with genuine theatrical appeal and strong audience recognition will find this arrangement energetic and manageable for SSA choirs at intermediate to advanced levels. This works for high school and college ensembles seeking a feel-good moment that isn't trivial.

• Lock into the crisp 2-beat groove from the first rehearsal; this song lives and dies by rhythmic precision and forward momentum.
• Let the lyrics drive the phrasing and dynamics. The theatrical character should feel conversational and confident, not overly polished.
• Use the recorded accompaniment in rehearsal to build accurate line independence, then gradually reduce it as blend and intonation tighten.
• Mark clear sightlines for any staging or movement elements early on. A choir that knows where to go visually can focus fully on singing.

Program this as a concert opener to set an upbeat, engaging tone, or pair it with other Porter standards or Broadway selections for a cohesive themed concert. Its theatrical energy also makes it an excellent finale to a choral pop or entertainment-focused program.

• Maintaining a steady 2-beat feel with clean articulation
• Blending Broadway legit tone with ensemble precision
• Coordinating lyrics and movement for theatrical impact
• Balancing solo moments with group unison passages