The Best Audition Songs for Guys and Dolls (By Character)

Getting ready to audition for Guys and Dolls? With iconic roles like Sky, Sarah, Nathan, and Adelaide, choosing the right song is all about capturing that perfect blend of charm, humor, and that unmistakable ‘50s jazzy vibe. Each character has their own unique personality and energy—from Sky’s suave confidence to Adelaide’s comedic flair—so picking a song that fits each one’s quirks can help you stand out in the best way possible. Here are some song ideas to help you bring these unforgettable characters to life.

1. Sky Masterson

Sky is a suave, charming gambler who exudes confidence and mystery. His songs should showcase his romantic side and charisma.

1. “I’ve Got the World on a String” (Swing Time) – jazzy and confident
2. “Something’s Coming” (West Side Story) – captures excitement and anticipation
3. “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” (Shall We Dance?) – smooth and sentimental
4. “It Only Takes a Moment” (Hello, Dolly!) – romantic and sincere
5. “On the Street Where You Live” (My Fair Lady) – tender and passionate
6. “Come Fly With Me” (Swing Time) – classic, with a confident flair
7. “Almost Like Being in Love” (Brigadoon) – upbeat and romantic

2. Sarah Brown

Sarah is a dedicated mission worker who values tradition and duty but is also capable of passion and spontaneity. Her songs should reflect her sincerity, warmth, and inner strength.

1. “I Could Have Danced All Night” (My Fair Lady) – captures her joyful, romantic awakening
2. “Goodnight, My Someone” (The Music Man) – sweet and idealistic
3. “A Wonderful Guy” (South Pacific) – earnest and lighthearted
4. “Till There Was You” (The Music Man) – warm and romantic
5. “If I Loved You” (Carousel) – tender and introspective
6. “The Sound of Music” (The Sound of Music) – pure and heartfelt
7. “In My Own Little Corner” (Cinderella) – hopeful and sincere

3. Nathan Detroit

Nathan is a fast-talking, lovable gambler who is always scheming to keep his floating crap game running. His songs should convey humor, charm, and street smarts.

1. “Sue Me” (Bells Are Ringing) – humorous with a touch of exasperation
2. “Those Canaan Days” (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) – delivered with humor and nostalgia
3. “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – playful and upbeat
4. “Marry Me a Little” (Company) – with a charming, conflicted tone
5. “Her Face” (Carnival!) – humorous and slightly self-deprecating
6. “All for the Best” (Godspell) – fast-paced and upbeat
7. “I’m Calm” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – captures his anxiety and comedic side

4. Miss Adelaide

Miss Adelaide is Nathan’s long-suffering fiancée and a nightclub performer, with a comedic and heartfelt quality. Her songs should have a humorous, showgirl feel with a touch of vulnerability.

1. “Always True to You in My Fashion” (Kiss Me, Kate) – flirtatious and comedic
2. “Adelaide’s Lament” (On the Twentieth Century) – similar vibe, but from a different show
3. “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” (South Pacific) – humorous and sassy
4. “Take Back Your Mink” (Guys and Dolls) – playful and sultry
5. “Funny Honey” (Chicago) – humorous with a bit of sass
6. “When You’re Good to Mama” (Chicago) – showgirl flair and charm
7. “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” (Annie Get Your Gun) – cheeky and comedic

5. Nicely-Nicely Johnson

Nicely-Nicely is a big-hearted gambler and Nathan’s loyal friend, known for his love of food and fun personality. His songs should be upbeat, fun, and show off his comedic side.

1. “Friendship” (Anything Goes) – humorous and lively
2. “King of the World” (Songs for a New World) – powerful and bold
3. “Put on a Happy Face” (Bye Bye Birdie) – cheerful and charismatic
4. “The King of Broadway” (The Producers) – over-the-top and fun
5. “I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today” (Avenue Q) – humorous and playful
6. “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” (The Rothschilds) – gospel-style number with energy
7. “Great Big Stuff” (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) – playful and extravagant

6. Benny Southstreet

Benny is Nathan and Nicely-Nicely’s friend, often following along with their schemes. His songs should reflect a mix of humor and camaraderie.

1. “Gee, Officer Krupke” (West Side Story) – humorous and cheeky
2. “Consider Yourself” (Oliver!) – friendly and upbeat
3. “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” (Kiss Me, Kate) – fun and playful
4. “Seize the Day” (Newsies) – spirited and confident
5. “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – lighthearted and fun
6. “Together” (Gypsy) – captures friendship and humor
7. “Gaston” (Beauty and the Beast) – bold and full of camaraderie

7. Arvide Abernathy

Arvide is Sarah’s wise, kind-hearted grandfather and a senior member of the Save-a-Soul Mission. His songs should convey warmth, wisdom, and a touch of nostalgia.

1. “Try to Remember” (The Fantasticks) – gentle and reflective
2. “No One is Alone” (Into the Woods) – wise and comforting
3. “Edelweiss” (The Sound of Music) – warm and sincere
4. “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” (Cinderella) – thoughtful and tender
5. “Hello, Young Lovers” (The King and I) – nostalgic and kind
6. “Anyone Can Whistle” (Anyone Can Whistle) – introspective and warm
7. “Not While I’m Around” (Sweeney Todd) – protective and heartfelt

Harry the Horse

Harry the Horse is a sneaky, loyal gambler involved in some shady dealings. His songs should have a playful, mischievous quality, with a bit of swagger.

1. “Easy Street” (Annie) – mischievous and sneaky
2. “Master of the House” (Les Misérables) – bold and humorous
3. “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” (Kiss Me, Kate) – playful and cocky
4. “Those Canaan Days” (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) – expressive and comedic
5. “Friendship” (Anything Goes) – fun, upbeat, and captures a camaraderie
6. “Seventy-Six Trombones” (The Music Man) – delivered with charm and confidence
7. “Put on a Happy Face” (Bye Bye Birdie) – lighthearted and playful

Big Jule

Big Jule is a tough, intimidating gangster with a larger-than-life personality. His songs should reflect his brashness, confidence, and a hint of humor, capturing the 1950s Broadway feel of Guys and Dolls.

1. “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame” (South Pacific) – bold and masculine
2. “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” (Kiss Me, Kate) – playful with swagger
3. “I’m Calm” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – humorously manic, fitting his energy
4. “A Little Brains, A Little Talent” (Damn Yankees) – cocky and fun
5. “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – comedic and assertive
6. “Friendship” (Anything Goes) – confident and upbeat, with a strong personality
7. “Reviewing the Situation” (Oliver!) – introspective with a touch of mischief

10. General Matilda B. Cartwright

General Cartwright is the strict, no-nonsense leader of the Save-a-Soul Mission, though she eventually shows a lighter side. Her songs should showcase her authority but also a hint of warmth or humor.

1. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (Carousel) – warm and inspirational
2. “I’m Still Here” (Follies) – resilient and confident
3. “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” (The Sound of Music) – determined and inspirational
4. “Before the Parade Passes By” (Hello, Dolly!) – commanding and energetic
5. “A Wonderful Day Like Today” (The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd) – upbeat and positive
6. “Where Is the Warmth?” (The Baker’s Wife) – with a serious tone
7. “Who Will Buy?” (Oliver!) – with a sense of conviction and warmth

Lt. Brannigan

Lt. Brannigan is a determined police officer with a bit of comic frustration as he tries to catch Nathan and his gang. His songs should capture his authority, exasperation, and occasional humor.

1. “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – lighthearted and slightly comedic
2. “Those Canaan Days” (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) – delivered with a sense of authority and humor
3. “I Don’t Understand the Poor” (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder) – humorous and a bit sarcastic
4. “I Am What I Am” (La Cage aux Folles) – with a firm and assertive tone
5. “Friendship” (Anything Goes) – playful and shows camaraderie (with a comedic twist)
6. “Officer Krupke” (West Side Story) – humorous and character-driven
7. “Me and My Town” (Anyone Can Whistle) – humorous, with a sense of duty

Auditioning for Guys and Dolls is an exciting opportunity to step into the shoes of these bold, unforgettable characters. With the right song, you can capture their distinct personalities and bring a bit of old-school Broadway charm to your performance. Break a leg and have fun embodying the spirit of this timeless classic!