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That's Entertainment: SATB Choral Octavo

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That's Entertainment: SATB Choral Octavo

Words by Howard Dietz, music by Arthur Schwartz / arr. Alan Billingsley

Item: 00-51601

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Description
Lady Gaga released her cover of this showbiz standard on Harlequin, a companion album to the film Joker: Folie à Deux. Opening with a short spotlight solo and then breaking into a bouncy Broadway 2-beat, this theatrical arrangement is sure to thrill choirs of all ages! This stage-worthy opener, finale, or concert theme song craves choreo, including even a kick-line toward the rousing finish. Don't miss the spectacular orchestration on our pizazzy SoundTrax and SoundPax accompaniment.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
UPC: 038081591018
SKU: 00-51601

More about this title

About the Composer: Howard Dietz

Howard Dietz (1896-1983) was a lyricist and librettist who shaped the sound of American musical theater across five decades. Working frequently with composer Arthur Schwartz, Dietz crafted witty, sophisticated lyrics for Broadway shows and Hollywood films that blended elegance with accessibility. His ability to capture theatrical storytelling through song made him one of the Great American Songbook's most enduring voices.

Dietz's partnership with Schwartz produced some of the era's most beloved standards, including songs that remain staples of choral and vocal repertoires today. His theatrical sensibility and gift for memorable melody combined to create works that appeal equally to seasoned performers and emerging singers.

Why we love this

Alan Billingsley's arrangement captures the theatrical swagger of this standard while making it genuinely singable and fun for mixed choirs. The bouncy 2-beat energy and built-in choreography opportunities transform what could be a nostalgic novelty into a genuine crowd-pleaser that works as a show-stopper opener, closing number, or thematic anchor for a concert. Modern audiences connect instantly with this piece, whether they know it from Lady Gaga's recent cover or they're discovering it fresh.

What to expect

Stepping onto a Broadway stage with a wink and a smile. The piece sparkles with optimism and theatrical flair, bouncing along with irresistible momentum while maintaining the sophistication of a classic standard. It's the musical equivalent of a perfectly timed comedic delivery: polished enough to feel special, but joyful and unpretentious enough to invite everyone in.

Who it's for

Mixed choirs at the high school level and beyond will find this arrangement accessible and thoroughly enjoyable. The SATB voicing is straightforward, but the theatrical demands and choreography elements make it ideal for choirs that embrace performance energy and aren't afraid of a little stage presence.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the rhythmic precision of the 2-beat pulse with your rhythm section and keep the tempo steady; any rush will undercut the theatrical timing and the impact of the spotlight solo.
  • Shape the opening solo as a genuine theatrical moment with space and presence before the chorus enters, resisting the urge to rush into the full ensemble sound.
  • Lean into the comedic and energetic character of the piece; this arrangement thrives on personality and showmanship rather than refinement.
  • Coordinate the choreography (particularly the kick-line mentioned in the arrangement) with your music rehearsals early so singers aren't managing new blocking while learning their parts.

How to use it

Program this as your concert opener to set an energetic, theatrical tone immediately, or save it for a closing number that leaves the audience smiling and wanting more. It also works beautifully as a unifying concert theme if your program moves between different musical styles or eras. The piece's showbiz nostalgia makes it a natural fit for programs celebrating American musical theater or exploring how standards endure across generations.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing in a 2-beat feel with rhythmic precision and control
  • Theatrical interpretation and character-driven performance in choral context
  • Coordinate singing with choreography and movement
  • Balance between ensemble blend and highlighted solo passage
  • Sustained energy and comedic timing across extended sections

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