Lullaby of Broadway (and Forty-Second Street): SAB Choral Octavo

Jay Althouse's arrangement captures the swagger and sophistication of these two standards while keeping the voicing accessible for singers who aren't Broadway professionals. The clever opening that weaves in both titles shows real craft, and the written-in movement elements (featured on the Danza! DVD) give your singers a theatrical framework without requiring previous choreography experience. This is a crowd-pleaser that sounds polished and feels genuinely fun to sing.

You'll feel the glitter and energy of 1930s-40s Broadway; there's elegance in the harmonies and an unpretentious joy in the lyrics that makes singing these songs feel like stepping into a classic film. The arrangement respects both songs' swinging character while keeping the texture clear and bright, never cluttered or trying too hard.

This arrangement works for high school and community choirs looking for a stylish, accessible standard that sounds more sophisticated than it is to learn. SAB voicing keeps it manageable for mixed ensembles without strong lower voices, and the theatrical staging elements appeal to singers who enjoy movement and dramatic interpretation alongside solid musical technique.

• Treat the rhythm section with precision; these songs rely on their swing feel to land well, so lock the accompaniment tempo early and keep it steady through rehearsals.
• Pay attention to the lyrical phrasing in the verses. Dubin's words are meant to sit naturally in speech rhythm, so don't over-sing or artificially phrase musical lines.
• Use the recorded accompaniment during sight-reading to help singers hear the harmonic context, especially if your ensemble is less experienced with jazz-inflected chord changes.
• Shape the dynamics around the narrative of each song rather than marking them mechanically. 'Lullaby of Broadway' has a journey from intimate to full, and your singers should feel that arc.

Program this as a concert centerpiece or as part of a Broadway standards set; it pairs naturally with other golden-age American songbook selections and gives audiences the theatrical flair they associate with that era. The built-in movement options make it an excellent choice for a spring pops concert or a program that emphasizes visual storytelling alongside singing.

• Singing swing rhythms and jazz-influenced phrasing
• Blending SAB voicing in tertiary harmony
• Coordinating movement with ensemble singing
• Interpreting mid-century songbook standards with style and restraint