Revitalising your Repertoire - Modern Music Theatre Audition Songs

This week we thought we’d share with you a few songs from the modern musical theatre repertoire that may be handy to have in an audition situation. All of these songs are very accessible, sight-readable for pianists and have great scope for the actor/singer to show their chops.

“Happy To Keep His Dinner Warm” from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

This charming and quirky song has a good straight line, interesting jazz inspired chords, a nice character to play, and is rarely used in auditions. It can also be used by both altos and sopranos. Check out a pre-“Will And Grace” Megan Mullally with her very likeable and sweet rendition from the Broadway revival. Note how unrushed it is, and her excellent diction- is there any word you don’t understand?

“Gimme Gimme” from Thoroughly Modern Millie

Here is a classic belt song, starting small and ending big. The vowels in the lyrics are really well thought out and as you reach the top notes, remember to keep smiling and brighten your sound - take a look at Sutton Foster’s excellent placement in this link. You will need to give this song an edit for audition purposes though!

“She’s a Woman” from Kiss of the Spiderwoman

This beautiful ballad is rarely heard in auditions, which is surprising since it is so simple and expressive. It is useful for both Tenors and Basses. Remember not to hold long notes without creating some expression on them, a small crescendo or decrescendo stirs the emotions. Also be careful on the placement on the high notes towards the end on the word “lucky”. It’s a tricky vowel but somehow adds to this character’s yearning.

“Love Can’t Happen” from Grand Hotel

Can be considered up-tempo for an audition, and this song is definitely useful for Tenors. But a hint: the sheet music is in ¾ time, though the music has a 6/8 feel. As a result, there are a lot of page turns for your pianist, so make sure it’s in a good folder! The singer should focus on the line of the song, and a good breath for the soaring long note at the end.

“Funny” from City of Angels

This song is succinct and dramatic, starts intense and small and builds to a satisfying climax. If you carefully hold back until the very end, the final note’s open vowel with pack the extra dramatic punch that every audition panel is after.

And remember to always warm up first! If you don't have Warm Me Up for smartphone yet, click here for iPhone, and here for Android.

Keep singing!