The Best Audition Songs for Dear Evan Hansen (By Character)

Auditioning for Dear Evan Hansen requires an understanding of its emotionally charged, contemporary story and the complex characters within it. Each character in the show, from Evan and his anxious, lonely world, to Heidi’s struggle as a single mother, to the grieving Murphy family and the cynical humor of Jared, brings a unique emotional layer to the story. Finding the right audition song means tapping into the personal challenges, desires, and vulnerabilities of these characters, while showcasing your vocal ability and emotional range. Whether you’re auditioning for a lead or a supporting role, choosing songs that reflect the contemporary, heartfelt tone of Dear Evan Hansen will give you the best chance to connect with the material.

1. Evan Hansen

Evan’s vulnerability and introspective nature should shine through in song choices that express his inner turmoil and desire for belonging.

• 1. “Michael in the Bathroom” (Be More Chill)
• 2. “Left Behind” (Spring Awakening)
• 3. “Run Away With Me” (The Mad Ones)
• 4. “I’m Not That Smart” (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee)
• 5. “Lost in the Wilderness” (Children of Eden)
• 6. “Words Fail” (The Bridges of Madison County)
• 7. “Fight the Dragons” (Big Fish)

2. Heidi Hansen

Heidi is Evan’s hardworking, loving mother who struggles to balance her job and being there for her son. Her songs should express a mother’s love, frustration, and resilience.

1. “I Miss the Mountains” (Next to Normal)
2. “What Baking Can Do” (Waitress)
3. “Just Breathe” (In the Heights)
4. “The Life I Never Led” (Sister Act)
5. “Holding to the Ground” (Falsettos)
6. “Everything Else” (Next to Normal)
7. “Here I Am” (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels)

3. Connor Murphy

Connor is a troubled teen who feels isolated and misunderstood, which ultimately leads to his tragic decision. His songs should reflect anger, loneliness, and frustration.

1. “I’m Alive” (Next to Normal)
2. “Role of a Lifetime” (Bare: A Pop Opera)
3. “Goodbye” (Catch Me If You Can)
4. “My Petersburg” (Anastasia)
5. “Seventeen” (Heathers: The Musical)
6. “If You Want Me” (Once)
7. “Santa Fe” (Newsies)

4. Zoe Murphy

Zoe is Connor’s sister and Evan’s love interest. She’s dealing with grief over her brother’s death but also trying to find her own voice and sense of self. Her songs should be soulful and emotionally honest.

1. “Breathe” (In the Heights)
2. “The Light in the Piazza” (The Light in the Piazza)
3. “Home” (Beauty and the Beast)
4. “Pulled” (The Addams Family Musical)
5. “I Don’t Know What I’d Do Without You” (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder)
6. “With You” (Ghost the Musical)
7. “Journey to the Past” (Anastasia)

5. Larry Murphy

Larry is Connor and Zoe’s emotionally distant father. He struggles with processing his son’s death while trying to maintain a sense of control. His songs should reflect his grief, internal struggle, and desire for connection.

1. “No More” (Into the Woods)
2. “I’ve Been” (Next to Normal)
3. “You Should Be Loved” (Side Show)
4. “If I Loved You” (Carousel)
5. “Being Alive” (Company)
6. “Stop Time” (Big: The Musical)
7. “Anthem” (Chess)

6. Cynthia Murphy

Cynthia is Connor and Zoe’s grieving mother, who is desperate to understand her son’s death and to hold onto memories of him. Her songs should be emotionally charged and convey deep sorrow.

1. “Maybe” (Next to Normal)
2. “I Dreamed a Dream” (Les Misérables)
3. “With You” (Ghost the Musical)
4. “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” (Next to Normal)
5. “She Used to Be Mine” (Waitress)
6. “Everything I Know” (In the Heights)
7. “Send in the Clowns” (A Little Night Music)

7. Jared Kleinman

Jared is Evan’s snarky and sarcastic “family friend.” His songs should be witty, humorous, and capture his cynical, somewhat self-serving personality.

1. “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” (Avenue Q)
2. “What Do I Need With Love” (Thoroughly Modern Millie)
3. “Cool” (West Side Story)
4. “You’ll Be Back” (Hamilton)
5. “The Brain” (Young Frankenstein)
6. “Where Do You Belong?” (Mean Girls)
7. “I Believe” (The Book of Mormon)

8. Alana Beck

Alana is an overachieving, eager student who wants to stand out and make a difference. Her songs should reflect ambition, optimism, and a need for validation.

1. “Watch What Happens” (Newsies)
2. “Astonishing” (Little Women)
3. “I Can Do Better Than That” (The Last Five Years)
4. “Right Hand Man” (Something Rotten!)
5. “Once More I Can See” (Wonderland)
6. “So Much Better” (Legally Blonde)
7. “Journey to the Past” (Anastasia)

Dear Evan Hansen is a deeply human musical, filled with characters who are searching for connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging. When selecting an audition song, it’s crucial to not only match the style of the show but to find something that allows you to express the emotional nuances of your character—whether it’s Evan’s anxiety, Heidi’s strength, or the Murphy family’s grief. With the right song, you’ll not only showcase your voice but also demonstrate a deep understanding of the character’s emotional journey, making you stand out in this moving and heartfelt production.