That's Entertainment: SAB Choral Octavo

Alan Billingsley's arrangement captures the theatrical DNA of this Great American Songbook classic while making it immediately accessible for SAB choirs. The 2-beat rhythm and built-in choreography hook—especially that kick-line finale—give your singers genuine entertainment value beyond typical concert repertoire, making it the kind of opener or closer that audiences remember long after the concert ends.

This is pure Broadway exuberance transplanted onto the concert stage. The bouncy 2-beat and theatrical orchestration evoke a backstage dressing room where performers are ready to dazzle; the music practically asks your choir to move, smile, and own the stage with confidence and style.

Directors programming community choirs, secondary school choirs, and adult ensembles who want a crowd-pleasing showstopper with genuine musical substance. Singers at all levels respond to this piece because it combines the sophistication of a classic standard with the immediate gratification of a fun, danceable arrangement.

• Shape the opening solo spotlight moment with clear diction and character; it sets the theatrical tone for everything that follows.
• Lock the 2-beat pulse tight in rehearsals by drilling the rhythm section (altos and basses) before layering in the soprano melody.
• Stage the choreography early in your rehearsal process so singers internalize the movement as part of the rhythm, not an afterthought.
• Lean into the comedic swing and buoyancy of the arrangement; this piece thrives on energy and personality rather than subtlety.

Perfect as a season opener that signals to your audience they're in for an entertaining evening, or save it for the finale when you want to send people home happy and humming. It also works beautifully as a concert theme or interlude piece that bridges more serious repertoire and gives singers a moment to showcase personality and movement.

• Executing rhythmic precision in 2-beat feel
• Blending theatrical character with choral balance
• Coordinating choreography with ensemble singing
• Building confidence in exposed solo passages
• Sustaining energy and articulation through upbeat, driving tempos