What's Gonna Happen (from the musical Tootsie): Piano Vocal

This number captures the nervous energy of a character on the verge of a life-changing confession, and that emotional volatility translates into engaging performance material. The song builds momentum through its lyrical and harmonic momentum rather than relying on spectacle, rewarding singers who commit fully to the character's internal conflict. For pianists, the accompaniment sits in that sweet spot where it's neither oversimplified nor unnecessarily complex, making it accessible to strong high school players while offering interpretive depth.

Urgent and vulnerable, with the quality of someone building courage to say something dangerous. The music captures that moment before confession, when anxiety and determination tangle together, creating a number that feels both intimate and theatrical.

This is strong material for intermediate to advanced high school singers and college music theater students, particularly those developing their ability to convey internal conflict through song. Pianists comfortable with contemporary musical theater accompaniment will find the part both supportive and musically interesting.

• Find the specific moment when resolve turns into panic in the vocal line; let the music breathe during the hesitations rather than rushing through them.
• The piano part mirrors the singer's emotional state, so coordinate dynamics carefully between voice and accompaniment to maintain clarity when the texture thickens.
• Attend to the character's stakes: this is a confession that could change everything. That urgency should inform tempo and phrasing choices.

Consider this for a concert exploring Broadway character songs or contemporary musical theater writing. It also works well as an audition selection for singers needing to demonstrate emotional complexity and contemporary style, or as part of a music theater showcase where multiple voices from the same show create programming continuity.

• Characterization through dynamic control and phrasing in a contemporary musical style
• Navigation of syncopated rhythms and off-beat entrances
• Coordination of dramatic timing with harmonic support from the piano
• Sustaining vocal intensity during extended passages without losing musical shape
• Collaboration between vocalist and accompanist on contemporary Broadway material