Another Op'nin', Another Show: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Philip Kern's arrangement captures the swagger and theatricality of Porter's original while making it genuinely singable for developing 2-part choirs. The classic vaudeville energy of the song translates beautifully to a concert setting, and audiences recognize it immediately. It's the kind of opener that gets an audience smiling before the first verse ends.

Bright, confident, and full of theatrical flair. The song radiates the infectious energy of a backstage moment: dancers warming up, curtain about to rise, and that electric sense that something wonderful is about to happen. There's genuine joy in Porter's melody and his celebration of the performer's life.

Any choir with a solid grasp of rhythmic independence and a willingness to embrace theatrical delivery. This works well for middle school through adult choirs looking for an upbeat, recognizable opener that builds ensemble confidence. Programming it alongside other Broadway standards or as the kickoff for a concert themed around musical theater makes the most of its infectious charm.

• Commit fully to the character and personality of the text. This number thrives on a winking, show-biz attitude; let singers understand they're celebrating the theater itself, not just singing about it.
• Keep the 2-beat feel crisp and steady. The rhythmic clarity of the accompaniment will guide you, but soloists or a strong section leader can help establish the groove early.
• Balance the parts cleanly so the lyrics are always intelligible. Porter's clever rhymes and observations deserve to land with the audience.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock the arrangement's rhythmic pocket if students are learning the piece for the first time.

Open your concert with this number. Its immediate recognizability and upbeat character set an energetic tone and invite the audience into a festive mood. It pairs naturally with other standards from the Great American Songbook or with additional Broadway fare, making it ideal for a pops concert or a celebration of musical theater.

• Maintaining a steady 2-beat rhythmic feel while singing
• Balancing clarity of diction with musical phrasing in faster-moving text
• Singing with theatrical intention and character awareness
• Responding to recorded accompaniment cues