Meghan Hornbacker
Tony Awards season can feel like Christmas for thespians across America. You count down the days until the 2nd weekend in June, and make a wish list of cast albums you need to get your hands on ASAP. From revivals to ‘revolutionary’ new shows, this past Broadway season provided so many possibilities to expand your audition book. Save yourself from singing something that casting directors have heard thousands of times, and pick your next audition room success story fresh off the Great White Way!
1. “When He Sees Me” from Waitress
Range: Ab3 – Eb5
The Sara Bareilles musical based on the 2007 film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress who becomes pregnant and falls in love with her gynecologist. Meanwhile she hopes to enter a pie-baking contest in order to have the funds to leave her dysfunctional marriage. Sung by the one of Jenna’s fellow waitresses, Dawn, this song is a humorous uptempo about the anxiety of going on a first date. It’s cute, has solid character development, but has more depth than your average uptempo audition song.
2. “Higher” from Allegiance
Range: G3 – D5
Allegiance is the musical inspired by the life of George Takei, and follows the story of a family in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Lea Salonga slays this beautiful, heart-breaking, girl-power ballad. I personally love this song because I feel like women of any age can relate to this message.
3. “She Loves Me” from She Loves Me
Range: C4 – D5
This title song from Harnick and Bock’s musical is a little too adorable, especially in the most recent revival with Zachary Levi. After a flirty encounter with his co-worker Amalia (Laura Benanti) after bringing her ice cream to cheer her up, Georg (Zachary Levi) walks down the street, giddy with butterflies, that he has found an unexpected love.
4. “Top of the World” from Tuck Everlasting
Range: A3 – G#5
Tuck Everlasting tells the story of eleven-year-old Winnie who runs away from home and meets Jesse Tuck. Jesse drank water from a spring that grants eternal life, and will forever be 17-years-old. This song is perfect for the youthful male protagonist. Plus, Andrew-Keenan Bolger is always swoon-worthy.
5. Come Out Of The Dark from On Your Feet
Range: E3 – E5
The musical that tells the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan brings their classic songs to the stage. Originally performed by Gloria Estefan, this ballad has such a cool melody and a whole lot of soul.
6. If Only You Would Listen from School of Rock
Range: A3 – D5
Based on the 2003 movie starring Jack Black, School of Rock is about a rock guitarist/singer who finds himself as a substitute teacher for a 4th grade class. He taps into the students’ musical talent and prepares them to compete in Battle of the Bands. This song from School of Rock is a better alternative to the cringe-worthy “Castle on a Cloud” or “Maybe” for child actors. The kids of School of Rock sing about the difficulties of feeling like their voices aren’t heard or valued by adults in society. It can be hard for child actors to find songs, but this one can definitely show the audition panel that you can be taken seriously.
7. You’ll Be Back from Hamilton
Range: D3 – C5
One of the more “classic” musical theatre songs from Lin-Manuel’s new hit, “You’ll Be Back” is the perfect arrogant-villain song. I could imagine someone picking this song to audition for Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. Although, I’d hurry and use this one before Hamilton is added to “overdone” and “do-not-sing” lists everywhere!
8. The Sailor of My Dreams from Dames at Sea
Range: C4 – F5
Originally off-Broadway with Bernadette Peters, and recently on Broadway with Eloise Kropp, Dames at Sea tells the story of a chorus girl who comes to the Big Apple, gets a role on Broadway, and quickly rises to stardom. In this song, Ruby sing about Dick, a songwriter and sailor who she has developed feelings for.
Keeping up to date with Broadway’s newest shows can put you at an advantage during auditions. Casting directors are less likely to have heard your song, but are probably at least aware of the show it is from.
