The Best Audition Songs for 1776 The Musical (By Character)

🎭🇺🇸 Are you gearing up to audition for the iconic musical ‘1776’? This journey back in time isn’t just about donning colonial wigs and breeches; it’s about embodying the very essence of the Founding Fathers and the figures who played pivotal roles in America’s fight for independence. Choosing the perfect audition song is a critical step in this journey. Whether you’re aspiring to be the impassioned John Adams, the witty Benjamin Franklin, or the contemplative Thomas Jefferson, the right song can transform you from a performer into a storyteller, breathing life into the pages of history. So, let’s march into this list of the best audition songs for 1776!

The Best Audition Songs for 1776 The Musical

John Adams

1. “Bring Him Home” from “Les Misérables” – Reflects Adams’ deep passion and sense of responsibility.
2. “Gethsemane” from “Jesus Christ Superstar” – A powerful song showcasing intense emotion and determination.
3. “Anthem” from “Chess” – Captures his patriotic fervor and strong convictions.
4. “This is the Moment” from “Jekyll & Hyde” – A song about seizing a crucial moment in history, akin to Adams’ role.
5. “The Impossible Dream” from “Man of La Mancha” – Embodies his idealism and relentless pursuit of his goals.
6. “Made of Stone” from “Hunchback of Notre Dame” – Reflects his steadfastness and inner turmoil.
7. “Soliloquy” from “Carousel” – A complex piece that allows for a display of emotional range and depth.

Benjamin Franklin

1. “If I Were a Rich Man” from “Fiddler on the Roof” – Captures Franklin’s wit and wisdom.
2. “Mr. Cellophane” from “Chicago” – Highlights his often understated but crucial presence.
3. “I’m Not That Smart” from “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” – For a humorous and slightly self-deprecating portrayal.
4. “Reviewing the Situation” from “Oliver!” – Reflects his cunning and ability to strategize.
5. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel” – A song that can showcase Franklin’s role as a mentor and guide.
6. “A More Humane Mikado” from “The Mikado” – A witty and reflective number.
7. “Sitting Pretty (The Money Song)” from “Cabaret” – For a lighter, more comedic take.

Thomas Jefferson

1. “Corner of the Sky” from “Pippin” – Captures his ambition and desire for something more.
2. “Johanna” from “Sweeney Todd” – Reflects his contemplative and romantic nature.
3. “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from “Les Misérables” – A song about ideals and loss.
4. “Out There” from “Hunchback of Notre Dame” – Highlights his yearning for broader horizons.
5. “Younger Than Springtime” from “South Pacific” – For a more romantic portrayal.
6. “Waving Through a Window” from “Dear Evan Hansen” – Captures his sense of isolation and introspection.
7. “Love, I Hear” from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” – A lighter, romantic song.

John Dickinson

1. “Stars” from “Les Misérables” – Reflects his strong principles and opposition to the revolution.
2. “Pilate’s Dream” from “Jesus Christ Superstar” – Captures his contemplative and cautious approach.
3. “The American Dream” from “Miss Saigon” – For a critical and reflective perspective on America.
4. “Epiphany” from “Sweeney Todd” – Showcases intensity and a sense of betrayal.
5. “Where I Want to Be” from “Chess” – Reflects on his internal conflict and aspirations.
6. “You Must Love Me” from “Evita” – For a more emotional, pleading performance.
7. “Why God Why?” from “Miss Saigon” – A song that questions the world and one’s place in it.

Richard Henry Lee

1. “The Lady’s Improving” from “The Me Nobody Knows” – Reflects his confident and somewhat flamboyant personality.
2. “I Can’t Stand Still” from “Footloose” – Captures his energetic and enthusiastic nature.
3. “Sit Down, John” from “1776” – A perfect song for Lee’s character if allowed.
4. “Gaston” from “Beauty and the Beast” – Matches his bravado and charm.
5. “Bigger Isn’t Better” from “Barnum” – For a humorous and slightly boastful portrayal.
6. “Dancing Through Life” from “Wicked” – Highlights his carefree attitude and charisma.
7. “On the Street Where You Live” from “My Fair Lady” – A song about optimism and joy.

Edward Rutledge

1. “Hellfire” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” – Captures his intensity and darker aspects.
2. “Pretty Women” from “Sweeney Todd” – Reflects his elegance and underlying complexity.
3. “This is the Moment” from “Jekyll & Hyde” – For a dramatic, powerful portrayal of conviction.
4. “Molasses to Rum” from “1776” – A direct pick for Rutledge if allowed, showcasing his perspective.
5. “The Confrontation” from “Les Misérables” – A song about conflict and strong beliefs.
6. “Where I Want to Be” from “Chess” – Reflects on his desires and inner turmoil.
7. “The Music of the Night” from “The Phantom of the Opera” – A complex and emotive piece.

John Hancock

1. “They Call the Wind Maria” from “Paint Your Wagon” – Reflects his authoritative and decisive nature.
2. “Your Fault” from “Into the Woods” – A song about leadership and responsibility.
3. “Stars” from “Les Misérables” – Captures his sense of duty and order.
4. “The Impossible Dream” from “Man of La Mancha” – For an idealistic and strong-willed character.
5. “Pilgrimage” from “The Scottsboro Boys” – Highlights his role as a guiding and steady force.
6. “I Am What I Am” from “La Cage aux Folles” – Showcases his dignity and self-assurance.
7. “Purpose” from “Avenue Q” – For a more reflective take on his leadership.

Charles Thomson

1. “You Must Love Me” from “Evita” – Reflects his dedication and behind-the-scenes influence.
2. “Mr. Cellophane” from “Chicago” – Captures his overlooked but essential role.
3. “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from “Guys and Dolls” – A more lighthearted, characterful song.
4. “On the Street Where You Live” from “My Fair Lady” – Showcases his earnestness and loyalty.
5. “Man of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote)” from “Man of La Mancha” – For a noble and aspirational portrayal.
6. “Being Alive” from “Company” – Reflects on personal connection and depth.
7. “The Colors of My Life” from “Barnum” – A song about reflection and purpose.

Abigail Adams

1. “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” from “Show Boat” – Reflects her enduring love and partnership with John Adams.
2. “Before the Parade Passes By” from “Hello, Dolly!” – Showcases her strength and determination.
3. “Send in the Clowns” from “A Little Night Music” – A song of reflection and deep emotion, fitting for Abigail’s complex character.
4. “Someone Like You” from “Jekyll & Hyde” – Captures her longing and emotional depth.
5. “Tell Me on a Sunday” from “Song and Dance” – Reflects the personal and intimate aspect of her character.
6. “Back to Before” from “Ragtime” – A powerful song about change and reflection.
7. “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Misérables” – Emphasizes her resilience and hope in the face of challenges.

Martha Jefferson

1. “Goodnight My Someone” from “The Music Man” – A sweet, romantic song that fits Martha’s gentle and loving nature.
2. “Till There Was You” from “The Music Man” – Reflects her romantic and tender personality.
3. “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from “The Phantom of the Opera” – Captures her sense of longing and love.
4. “Hopelessly Devoted to You” from “Grease” – A song about dedicated love, fitting for Martha’s character.
5. “I Could Have Danced All Night” from “My Fair Lady” – Showcases her joy and happiness.
6. “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid” – For a more youthful and dreamy portrayal.
7. “Love Never Dies” from “Love Never Dies” – A powerful ballad about enduring love.

Roger Sherman

1. “The Colors of My Life” from “Barnum” – A thoughtful, introspective song suitable for Sherman’s pragmatic character.
2. “Try to Remember” from “The Fantasticks” – Captures his reflective and balanced approach.
3. “Who I’d Be” from “Shrek The Musical” – Reflects on his inner thoughts and aspirations.
4. “I’m Not That Smart” from “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” – For a humorous and self-deprecating take.
5. “Edelweiss” from “The Sound of Music” – A gentle, heartwarming song that can reflect Sherman’s quiet strength.
6. “A Quiet Girl” from “Wonderful Town” – For a tender and sincere performance.
7. “Purpose” from “Avenue Q” – A song about finding one’s place and role, fitting for Sherman’s character.

Dr. Josiah Bartlett

1. “Sunrise, Sunset” from “Fiddler on the Roof” – Reflects on change and the passage of time, suitable for Bartlett’s wisdom.
2. “It Takes Two” from “Into the Woods” – A song about partnership and collaboration.
3. “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” from “South Pacific” – Captures his thoughtful and considerate nature.
4. “A Man Could Go Quite Mad” from “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” – For a more dramatic and intense portrayal.
5. “She Cries” from “Songs for a New World” – A nuanced song that can be adapted to showcase depth.
6. “The Streets of Dublin” from “A Man of No Importance” – Reflects on seeing and understanding the world around him.
7. “Someone Else’s Story” from “Chess” – A song about contemplation and understanding, fitting for Bartlett.

Col. Thomas McKean

1. “Hadrian’s Wall” from “Hadestown” – Represents his steadfast and determined nature.
2. “Fight the Dragons” from “Big Fish” – Reflects his bravery and commitment.
3. “Stars” from “Les Misérables” – A powerful song about conviction and duty.
4. “The Impossible Dream” from “Man of La Mancha” – Captures his sense of purpose and idealism.
5. “Into the Fire” from “The Scarlet Pimpernel” – Emphasizes a sense of heroism and leadership.
6. “Man of La Mancha” from “Man of La Mancha” – A song about fighting for one’s beliefs.
7. “Bring Him Home” from “Les Misérables” – A heartfelt prayer that can be adapted to reflect his concern for his country.

Andrew McNair

1. “Ol’ Man River” from “Show Boat” – Highlights his wisdom and observational nature.
2. “The Old Red Hills of Home” from “Parade” – A reflective song about time and change.
3. “A Musical” from “Something Rotten!” – For a humorous and lighthearted portrayal.
4. “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from “Guys and Dolls” – A fun, characterful song.
5. “Master of the House” from “Les Misérables” – Showcases a comedic, light-hearted side.
6. “I’m Not That Smart” from “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” – A humorous song for a character actor.
7. “When I’m Sixty-Four” by The Beatles – A light and playful song reflecting on age and time.

The musical ‘1776’ is a rich tapestry of courage, debate, and the forging of a nation, and each character offers a unique perspective on this pivotal moment in history. By choosing a song that aligns with the spirit of these characters, you’re not just auditioning for a role; you’re reviving a momentous era. So, step into those auditions with confidence, let your voice be heard, and may your performance capture the essence of ‘1776’ – a story of passion, politics, and the power of ideals. Break a leg, and may your portrayal be as memorable as the history you’re representing! 🎭🎶