Whatever Lola Wants (Lola Gets): SSA Choral Octavo

This arrangement captures the confidence and humor of the original without requiring a mixed ensemble, making it perfect for groups looking to program a standout opener or closer. Sally K. Albrecht's SSA setting preserves the comedic swagger of the number while giving treble-voiced singers a chance to own this sassy, show-stopping moment.

Brash, playful, and unapologetically confident. The melody struts with a syncopated groove that recalls 1950s Broadway glamour while the lyrics deliver tongue-in-cheek wit about desire and determination. Every phrase invites singers to perform with personality and charm.

Choir directors looking for repertoire that builds confidence in younger treble singers while keeping audiences entertained. This works equally well for middle school choirs seeking age-appropriate musical theater material and for high school ensembles wanting a fun, confidence-building piece to perform.

• Lean into the attitude from the opening phrase. This song lives in swagger and personality, so encourage singers to commit fully to the character rather than playing it safe.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock in the groove and rhythmic precision the number demands. The rhythm section drives everything.
• Stage the number if possible. The staging guide in the Lift Me Up! DVD resource offers concrete blocking ideas that heighten the comedy and energy.
• Keep the diction crisp and conversational, especially on the repeated phrases. This is spoken-sung territory, not operatic.

Open a concert with this number to set an upbeat, theatrical tone, or close the first half with the energy it naturally generates. Pair it with other Broadway repertoire from the same era, or use it as a palate cleanser between serious classical selections to remind audiences that choir can be fun and spirited.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated patterns common to musical theater
• Articulation and diction in a conversational, character-driven style
• Sustaining energy and character consistency over a full arrangement
• Blending with a smaller SSA voicing while maintaining individual voice part independence