The Best Audition Songs for In the Heights (By Character)

Auditioning for In the Heights? It’s a show full of heart, energy, and Latin flavor, so picking the right song is all about capturing that spirit. Whether you’re trying to channel Usnavi’s hustle, Vanessa’s dreams, or Abuela Claudia’s warmth, you want a song that fits the character’s vibe and showcases your range. Here’s a bunch of song ideas to help you shine.

1. Usnavi de la Vega

Usnavi is charismatic, hardworking, and a dreamer who longs for a better future. His songs should capture his energy, wit, and emotional depth.

1. “One Step Closer” (The Little Mermaid) – upbeat and hopeful
2. “My Shot” (Hamilton) – driven and full of ambition
3. “It’s Hard to Speak My Heart” (Parade) – introspective and heartfelt
4. “The Nicest Kids in Town” (Hairspray) – playful and energetic
5. “The World Will Know” (Newsies) – determined and passionate
6. “Wait for It” (Hamilton) – thoughtful and contemplative
7. “The Schmuel Song” (The Last Five Years) – storytelling and full of hope

2. Vanessa

Vanessa is ambitious and dreams of escaping Washington Heights for a better life. Her songs should be soulful, powerful, and reflect her longing for independence.

1. “I Can’t Say No” (Oklahoma!) – playful with a hint of sass
2. “She Used to Be Mine” (Waitress) – raw and emotional
3. “Breathe” (Next to Normal) – expressive and yearning
4. “Home” (The Wiz) – soulful and full of longing
5. “Astonishing” (Little Women) – empowering and strong
6. “All That Jazz” (Chicago) – confident and sultry
7. “Maybe This Time” (Cabaret) – hopeful and vulnerable

3. Nina Rosario

Nina is intelligent, caring, and carries the weight of high expectations. Her songs should convey her vulnerability, strength, and the struggle to find her place.

1. “Pulled” (The Addams Family) – light and conflicted
2. “Nothing” (A Chorus Line) – reflective and intense
3. “I’d Give My Life for You” (Miss Saigon) – emotional and heartfelt
4. “On My Own” (Les Misérables) – introspective and powerful
5. “The Light in the Piazza” (The Light in the Piazza) – innocent yet strong
6. “When He Sees Me” (Waitress) – nervous yet hopeful
7. “I’m Not That Girl” (Wicked) – wistful and honest

4. Benny

Benny is ambitious, charming, and has a complex relationship with the Rosario family. His songs should show confidence, warmth, and a bit of romantic energy.

1. “Go the Distance” (Hercules) – driven and optimistic
2. “Seize the Day” (Newsies) – energetic and hopeful
3. “Corner of the Sky” (Pippin) – reflective and ambitious
4. “Something’s Coming” (West Side Story) – filled with anticipation
5. “Dancing Through Life” (Wicked) – laid-back but thoughtful
6. “Sailing” (A New Brain) – smooth and sincere
7. “Younger Than Springtime” (South Pacific) – romantic and earnest

5. Abuela Claudia

Abuela Claudia is the heart of the community, wise and full of love. Her songs should be warm, nostalgic, and filled with wisdom.

1. “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” (The Sound of Music) – inspiring and strong
2. “The Winner Takes It All” (Mamma Mia!) – emotional and heartfelt
3. “Send in the Clowns” (A Little Night Music) – reflective and poignant
4. “Hello, Young Lovers” (The King and I) – warm and wistful
5. “Children Will Listen” (Into the Woods) – wise and gentle
6. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (Carousel) – uplifting and powerful
7. “Somewhere” (West Side Story) – longing and hopeful

6. Kevin Rosario

Kevin is a devoted father who is willing to sacrifice everything for his family. His songs should convey strength, love, and the burdens he carries.

1. “Bring Him Home” (Les Misérables) – emotional and heartfelt
2. “If I Were a Rich Man” (Fiddler on the Roof) – reflective and thoughtful
3. “Anthem” (Chess) – strong and powerful
4. “Father to Son” (Falsettos) – caring and heartfelt
5. “I Am What I Am” (La Cage aux Folles) – proud and strong
6. “This is the Moment” (Jekyll & Hyde) – dramatic and determined
7. “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” (South Pacific) – earnest and thought-provoking

7. Camila Rosario

Camila is a strong, no-nonsense mother who tries to keep her family together. Her songs should reflect her strength, resilience, and deep care for her family.

1. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” (Funny Girl) – determined and strong
2. “Everything I Know” (In the Heights) – reflective and emotional
3. “I’m Still Here” (Follies) – resilient and powerful
4. “Back to Before” (Ragtime) – emotional and full of strength
5. “Not for the Life of Me” (Thoroughly Modern Millie) – spirited and determined
6. “What I Did for Love” (A Chorus Line) – heartfelt and strong
7. “Take Me to the World” (Evening Primrose) – yearning and sincere

8. Sonny

Sonny is Usnavi’s witty, street-smart younger cousin with big dreams of his own. His songs should be playful, full of energy, and a bit mischievous.

1. “I’m Not That Smart” (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) – humorous and clever
2. “Electricity” (Billy Elliot) – energetic and hopeful
3. “I Wanna Be a Producer” (The Producers) – fun and ambitious
4. “My New Philosophy” (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown) – quirky and energetic
5. “Giants in the Sky” (Into the Woods) – imaginative and reflective
6. “Santa Fe” (Newsies) – dreaming of a better future
7. “Bigger Isn’t Better” (Barnum) – playful and upbeat

9. Daniela

Daniela is sassy, bold, and the life of the party. Her songs should be vibrant, full of personality, and showcase her humor.

1. “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) – glamorous and fun
2. “Always True to You in My Fashion” (Kiss Me, Kate) – sassy and playful
3. “Don’t Tell Mama” (Cabaret) – cheeky and humorous
4. “Big Spender” (Sweet Charity) – confident and bold
5. “Buenos Aires” (Evita) – energetic and fiery
6. “I’m the Greatest Star” (Funny Girl) – showy and full of confidence
7. “Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” (South Pacific) – lively and fun

10. Carla

Carla is sweet, loyal, and a bit ditzy. Her songs should be lighthearted, humorous, and reflect her innocence.

1. “I Feel Pretty” (West Side Story) – bubbly and sweet
2. “My New Philosophy” (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown) – quirky and fun
3. “Popular” (Wicked) – playful and comedic
4. “Honey Bun” (South Pacific) – light and silly
5. “Matchmaker” (Fiddler on the Roof) – fun and innocent
6. “It’s a Fine, Fine Line” (Avenue Q) – sweet and reflective
7. “Taylor the Latte Boy” (Kristin Chenoweth) – cute and charming

11. Piragua Guy (El Piragüero)

The Piragua Guy is cheerful and hardworking, representing the spirit of small business owners. His songs should be upbeat, soulful, and full of warmth.

1. “Seize the Day” (Newsies) – uplifting and energetic
2. “King of the World” (Songs for a New World) – powerful and hopeful
3. “Consider Yourself” (Oliver!) – friendly and upbeat
4. “The Bare Necessities” (The Jungle Book) – lighthearted and fun
5. “Friend Like Me” (Aladdin) – full of energy and charisma
6. “Put on a Happy Face” (Bye Bye Birdie) – cheerful and positive
7. “Do You Hear the People Sing?” (Les Misérables) – strong and spirited

12. Graffiti Pete

Graffiti Pete is a misunderstood graffiti artist with a good heart. His songs should have a youthful, urban vibe and show off his creativity.

1. “We’re All in This Together” (High School Musical) – energetic and fun
2. “You Can’t Stop the Beat” (Hairspray) – lively and full of rhythm
3. “One Song Glory” (Rent) – intense and passionate
4. “Dancing Through Life” (Wicked) – carefree and cool
5. “Another Day” (Rent) – hopeful and strong
6. “Footloose” (Footloose) – upbeat and rebellious
7. “Cool” (West Side Story) – rhythmic and urban

In the Heights auditions are all about bringing your own flair to these vibrant characters, so have fun with it! Choose a song that not only highlights your voice but also connects you to the character’s story. Go in there, bring the energy of Washington Heights, and give it your all. Break a leg and enjoy every second of it!