Lydia, the Tattooed Lady: SAB Choral Octavo

This arrangement opens up Arlen's comic masterpiece to three-part choirs without sacrificing the song's absurdist charm. Jay Althouse keeps the melody front-and-center while crafting harmonies that feel both period-appropriate and singable, so your group can deliver the comedic timing and character the number demands. It's the rare novelty song that actors actually enjoy performing because the music supports the storytelling.

A vaudeville turn brought to life: brassy, cheeky, and full of theatrical wink-and-nod humor. The melody has that classic Arlen buoyancy that makes it catchy without feeling simple, while the lyrics celebrate an absurdist character with genuine affection. It's the musical equivalent of a well-executed comedy sketch, inviting the audience to enjoy the ridiculousness along with the performers.

SAB choirs with solid rhythmic literacy and actors who enjoy playing with style and character. This works equally well for high school choirs looking to program something fun, community choirs seeking an entertaining novelty number, or college groups building a mixed repertoire. Singers need comfort with comedic delivery, but the vocal writing itself sits well for three-part mixed voices.

• Treat the lyrics as a script. The humor lands only when the text is articulated crisply and the rhythm of the words drives the phrasing, not the melody alone.
• Lean into the vaudeville style of the original. Think theatrical delivery rather than concert refinement; exaggeration serves this material.
• Balance the ensemble parts so the melody stays visible even when harmony thickens. The story belongs to Lydia, and the choir should enhance her narrative, not compete with it.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock the rhythmic style and tempo early. The groove of this song matters as much as the notes.

Pair this with other novelty or character-driven songs from the same era to build a standalone comedic set, or use it as a showstopper finale to lighten the mood after more serious repertoire. It also works beautifully in programs centered on American songwriting or Hollywood's golden age. The conversational tone and entertainment value make it ideal for family concerts, alumni events, or any program where you want the audience smiling.

• Comic timing and articulation in ensemble singing
• Maintaining rhythmic independence while supporting a melodic line
• Interpreting character and story through choral performance
• Singing in period style without sacrificing blend and intonation