The Best Audition Songs for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (By Character)

Auditioning for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying? With such a quirky cast of characters, finding the perfect song to capture each role’s personality is key. Whether you’re aiming for Finch’s charm, Rosemary’s sweetness, or Biggley’s authority, picking something that fits the 1960s vibe and brings out each character’s unique traits can really make you stand out. Here’s a list of song suggestions to help you get into character without using any songs from the show itself.

1. J. Pierrepont Finch

Finch is ambitious, clever, and charming, constantly scheming to rise to the top. His songs should be upbeat, witty, and filled with confidence.

1. “I’m Not That Smart” (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) – clever and comedic
2. “All I Need is the Girl” (Gypsy) – smooth and charismatic
3. “Miracle of Miracles” (Fiddler on the Roof) – excited and optimistic
4. “Something’s Coming” (West Side Story) – filled with ambition and energy
5. “Coffee in a Cardboard Cup” (70, Girls, 70) – lively and fun
6. “Put on a Happy Face” (Bye Bye Birdie) – cheerful and charming
7. “Tonight at Eight” (She Loves Me) – humorous and relatable

2. Rosemary Pilkington

Rosemary is romantic, supportive, and dreams of finding love with Finch. Her songs should be sweet, sincere, and showcase her charm.

1. “I Could Have Danced All Night” (My Fair Lady) – dreamy and romantic
2. “A Wonderful Guy” (South Pacific) – optimistic and warm
3. “Goodnight, My Someone” (The Music Man) – sweet and sincere
4. “Much More” (The Fantasticks) – hopeful and yearning
5. “In My Own Little Corner” (Cinderella) – whimsical and hopeful
6. “Will He Like Me?” (She Loves Me) – romantic and introspective
7. “It’s a Lovely Day Today” (Call Me Madam) – cheerful and light

3. J.B. Biggley

Biggley is the president of the company, gruff on the outside but with a soft spot for knitting and his mistress. His songs should convey authority with a bit of humor.

1. “Hello, Dolly!” (Hello, Dolly!) – grand and commanding
2. “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” (South Pacific) – reflective and earnest
3. “If I Were a Rich Man” (Fiddler on the Roof) – humorous and authoritative
4. “I Am What I Am” (La Cage aux Folles) – proud and self-assured
5. “Try to Remember” (The Fantasticks) – warm and nostalgic
6. “On the Street Where You Live” (My Fair Lady) – strong and expressive
7. “They Call the Wind Maria” (Paint Your Wagon) – bold and classic

4. Bud Frump

Bud is Biggley’s entitled nephew, who constantly tries to sabotage Finch. His songs should be humorous, a bit bratty, and convey his scheming nature.

1. “My Unfortunate Erection” (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) – humorous and exasperated
2. “I’m Not That Smart” (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) – self-deprecating and funny
3. “Herod’s Song” (Jesus Christ Superstar) – playful and mischievous
4. “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – fun and silly
5. “Where is the Life That Late I Led?” (Kiss Me, Kate) – over-the-top and comedic
6. “Me” (Beauty and the Beast) – narcissistic and humorous
7. “Buddy’s Blues” (Follies) – funny and self-involved

5. Smitty

Smitty is Rosemary’s witty, supportive friend, with a bit of a sarcastic streak. Her songs should be lighthearted, quirky, and full of personality.

1. “Adelaide’s Lament” (Guys and Dolls) – funny and character-driven
2. “I Enjoy Being a Girl” (Flower Drum Song) – lighthearted and playful
3. “The Stepsister’s Lament” (Cinderella) – humorous and cheeky
4. “Everybody’s Girl” (Steel Pier) – flirty and fun
5. “Take Back Your Mink” (Guys and Dolls) – sassy and lively
6. “It’s a Perfect Relationship” (Bells Are Ringing) – quirky and sweet
7. “What Did I Have That I Don’t Have?” (On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) – self-reflective and humorous

6. Hedy La Rue

Hedy is Biggley’s attractive and ditzy mistress. Her songs should be sultry, playful, and a bit comedic.

1. “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) – glamorous and flirtatious
2. “Always True to You in My Fashion” (Kiss Me, Kate) – seductive and fun
3. “I Wanna Be Loved by You” (Good Boy) – playful and coquettish
4. “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” (Leave It to Me!) – with a teasing edge
5. “A Little Brains, A Little Talent” (Damn Yankees) – coy and humorous
6. “Shy” (Once Upon a Mattress) – with a comedic twist
7. “Special” (Avenue Q) – humorous and cheeky

7. Miss Jones

Miss Jones is Biggley’s efficient, no-nonsense secretary with a surprising sense of humor. Her songs should show her strength and authority, with a touch of warmth.

1. “So What” (Cabaret) – blunt and commanding
2. “Little Girls” (Annie) – with a humorous, deadpan delivery
3. “That’s How Young I Feel” (Mame) – revealing a fun side
4. “The Ladies Who Lunch” (Company) – strong and slightly sarcastic
5. “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” (Jesus Christ Superstar) – unexpectedly tender
6. “Take Me to the World” (Evening Primrose) – introspective and strong
7. “Here’s That Rainy Day” (Carnival in Flanders) – sentimental and warm

8. Mr. Bratt

Mr. Bratt is the personnel manager, with a friendly but authoritative air. His songs should be smooth, confident, and a bit personable.

1. “Put on a Happy Face” (Bye Bye Birdie) – cheerful and upbeat
2. “The Best Things in Life Are Free” (Good News) – friendly and charming
3. “I’ve Got the World on a String” (Swing Time) – smooth and suave
4. “Something’s Coming” (West Side Story) – upbeat and optimistic
5. “A Fellow Needs a Girl” (Allegro) – warm and personable
6. “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” (Follow the Fleet) – suave and easygoing
7. “Friendship” (Anything Goes) – upbeat and social

9. Mr. Gatch

Mr. Gatch is a mid-level manager who supports Finch early on. His songs should be authoritative and warm, with a hint of humor.

1. “Hello, Dolly!” (Hello, Dolly!) – grand and confident
2. “On the Street Where You Live” (My Fair Lady) – strong and friendly
3. “Try to Remember” (The Fantasticks) – nostalgic and warm
4. “Luck Be a Lady” (Guys and Dolls) – with suave energy
5. “If I Loved You” (Carousel) – expressive and sincere
6. “The Oldest Profession” (The Life) – humorous with a knowing edge
7. “I’m Calm” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – light-hearted and fun

10. Mr. Twimble

Mr. Twimble is the loyal head of the mailroom. His songs should be reliable, warm, and slightly humorous.

1. “Old Man River” (Show Boat) – rich and traditional
2. “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” (Kiss Me, Kate) – comedic and confident
3. “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame” (South Pacific) – friendly and bold
4. “When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love” (Finian’s Rainbow) – humorous and endearing
5. “Try to Remember” (The Fantasticks) – nostalgic and warm
6. “Friendship” (Anything Goes) – upbeat with camaraderie
7. “Comedy Tonight” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – lively and comedic

11. Wally Womper

Wally Womper is the chairman of the board and Biggley’s boss. His songs should convey authority, wisdom, and humor.

1. “They Call the Wind Maria” (Paint Your Wagon) – powerful and traditional
2. “Good Thing Going” (Merrily We Roll Along) – reflective and warm
3. “Hello, Dolly!” (Hello, Dolly!) – with a grand, charismatic feel
4. “Friendship” (Anything Goes) – upbeat and friendly
5. “If I Were a Rich Man” (Fiddler on the Roof) – humorous and commanding
6. “Some Enchanted Evening” (South Pacific) – wise and reflective
7. “Try to Remember” (The Fantasticks) – nostalgic and warm

How to Succeed auditions are a great chance to show off your comedic timing and charm while bringing these classic characters to life. The right song can help you connect with the role and give a great first impression. So pick a song that you enjoy, bring out that old-school Broadway energy, and have fun climbing the corporate ladder (at least for your audition)! Good luck, and break a leg!