That's Entertainment: Choral SoundTrax CD

Alan Billingsley's arrangement captures the theatrical swagger of this standards-era gem without losing the bounce and charm that made it a showstopper. The SoundTrax recording is genuinely pizazzy, giving your singers a reference that sounds like a real Broadway pit band, which makes rehearsals feel like actual concert prep rather than practice sessions. Best of all, the built-in choreography cues (especially that kick-line finish) give even reluctant singers a reason to commit fully to the stage picture.

Stepping into a Broadway spotlight and owning the stage. The bouncy 2-beat infectious and propulsive, the orchestration gloriously theatrical, and the finish triumphant enough to anchor an entire concert. There's a built-in grin factor here that singers feel the moment the ensemble kicks in.

Any choir seeking a high-energy opener, closer, or concert anchor that works across age groups and ability levels. The showbiz flavor appeals to teens and adults alike, while the theatrical arrangement handles strong singers and more modest ensembles with equal effectiveness.

• Nail the opening solo spotlight moment; it's your conductor's cue to establish the theatrical tone before the ensemble enters with that bouncy 2-beat. Clarity and swagger here set the audience's expectation for what's coming.
• Balance the energy of the recorded accompaniment carefully in early rehearsals so the choir can lock in the rhythmic pocket without being overpowered. Once they own the groove, gradually bring the track up to performance level.
• Plan your choreography blocking before the first full run-through. The kick-line and stage movement are integral to the arrangement's payoff, not decoration, so rehearse them alongside the vocal lines from the start.
• Keep the 2-beat feel light and bouncy rather than heavy. This is vaudeville swagger, not march tempo. Conductor clarity on the jazz-influenced rhythms will help the ensemble stay buoyant through the finish.

Open your concert with this and let the audience know immediately that you're serving fun and professionalism in equal measure. It works equally well as a finale if you want to send the crowd out energized. Program it alongside other Great American Songbook standards or use it as a bridge between classical and contemporary selections to keep the evening's flavor fresh.

• Jazz phrasing and rhythmic precision in a 2-beat feel
• Theatrical presence and stage awareness with choreography integration
• Following a recorded accompaniment track with ensemble blend
• Stylistic contrast between the opening solo moment and the full ensemble sections
• Confidence performing repertoire rooted in American popular song tradition