Make 'Em Laugh: A Medley of Comic Songs: SAB Choral Octavo

Gilpin captures the anarchic energy of vaudeville without sacrificing musical craftsmanship. The recorded accompaniment on SoundTrax adds comedic sound effects that elevate the humor without overshadowing the singers, and the 16-page octavo gives you plenty of room to stage something genuinely funny rather than just cute.

Pure vaudeville mischief captured in three connected tunes. There's an irresistible lightness to the 2-beat vaudeville style, and the clever lyrics invite audiences to laugh with the singers rather than at them. The percussion effects on the recorded track (slip-on-a-banana-peel fun, as the description promises) transform what could be simple novelty into orchestrated silliness.

Middle school through adult choirs comfortable with secular, comedic material and willing to embrace physicality on stage. Directors seeking a program closer that entertains audiences without demanding technical virtuosity from singers will find this medley energetic and satisfying.

• Lean into character voices during rehearsal from day one; singers who commit to personality early will execute the comedy with confidence rather than self-consciousness.
• Use the SoundTrax accompaniment in performance to underscore the gags, but rehearse extensively a cappella so the choir owns the rhythm and comic timing independently.
• Scout your staging possibilities before committing to arrangements of lyrics or blocking; the physical humor is half the payoff, and it needs rehearsal space that matches your concert stage.
• Assign specific singers to "reaction" moments if the piece allows; a well-placed gasp or delayed entry from one voice part often lands bigger than a full ensemble moment.

Program this as a concert finale or second-to-last number to send audiences home smiling after heavier repertoire. It works equally well as a spring or winter holiday concert highlight, or as a standalone showcase for a smaller ensemble that needs a crowd-pleaser without extended rehearsal demands.

• Rhythmic precision in 2-beat vaudeville style
• Comic timing and ensemble unity across rapid text delivery
• Memorization of lyrics with character differentiation
• Secure part singing in SAB voicing while prioritizing text clarity