The Best Audition Songs for Into the Woods (By Character)

Are you gearing up to audition for the magical and intricate world of “Into the Woods” and looking for the best audition songs for Into the Woods? You’re embarking on a journey as enchanting as the musical itself! Auditioning for such a beloved show can be as thrilling as it is daunting, especially when it comes to picking that perfect song. It’s not just about showing off your vocal range – it’s about capturing the essence of some of the most iconic characters in musical theatre. From the mysterious Mysterious Man to the multi-layered Witch, each role is a doorway into a fairy tale world, rich with depth and complexity. In this post, I’m excited to dive into a treasure trove of song suggestions for these roles. So, let’s grab our musical maps and embark on this adventure together, finding those perfect tunes that will not just impress but also resonate with your spirit as a performer!

Best Audition Songs for Into the Woods

The Baker

1. “If I Can’t Love Her” from “Beauty and the Beast” – Reflects the Baker’s depth and internal conflict.
2. “Purpose” from “Avenue Q” – Captures his quest for meaning and fulfillment.
3. “Who I’d Be” from “Shrek The Musical” – Showcases a range of emotions and a sense of longing.
4. “Soliloquy” from “Carousel” – A complex number reflecting a man’s thoughts on impending fatherhood.
5. “I Am the One” from “Next to Normal” – Demonstrates a complex character struggling with personal issues.

The Baker’s Wife

1. “Back to Before” from “Ragtime” – Emphasizes her longing for more and her introspective nature.
2. “I Miss the Mountains” from “Next to Normal” – Reflects on the complexity of her desires and her life.
3. “Everything Changes” from “Waitress” – Captures her transformation and maternal instincts.
4. “What Baking Can Do” from “Waitress” – A metaphorical song about finding oneself, akin to the Baker’s Wife’s journey.
5. “Days and Days” from “Fun Home” – Showcases a deeper understanding and emotional depth.

Cinderella

1. “On My Own” from “Les Misérables” – Reflects her sense of independence and romantic longing.
2. “In My Own Little Corner” from “Cinderella” – Captures her dreamy and hopeful nature.
3. “Astonishing” from “Little Women” – Showcases a strong-willed and ambitious character.
4. “Far From the Home I Love” from “Fiddler on the Roof” – A song about love, leaving, and transformation.
5. “Once Upon a Time” from “Brooklyn The Musical” – Evokes a sense of storytelling and personal journey.

Jack

1. “Electricity” from “Billy Elliot” – Captures the youthful passion and discovery.
2. “Corner of the Sky” from “Pippin” – Reflects his dreams and the quest for something greater.
3. “Santa Fe” from “Newsies” – A young man’s longing for a better life.
4. “Grow for Me” from “Little Shop of Horrors” – Reflects Jack’s connection to nature and his naivety.
5. “Out There” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” – Highlights his sense of wonder and adventure.

Little Red Riding Hood

1. “Naughty” from “Matilda The Musical” – Captures her mischievous, independent spirit.
2. “Maybe” from “Annie” – Reflects her innocence and hopefulness, fitting for Little Red’s character.
3. “The Girl I Mean to Be” from “The Secret Garden” – Highlights a young girl’s desire for a place of her own, akin to Little Red’s journey.
4. “I Know It’s Today” from “Shrek The Musical” – Showcases youthful optimism mixed with a sense of waiting and wanting more.
5. “Good Girl Winnie Foster” from “Tuck Everlasting” – Portrays a young girl’s longing for adventure and change, resonating with Little Red’s adventurous spirit.

The Witch

1. “Rose’s Turn” from “Gypsy” – Captures her complexity, showcasing a range of emotions and a powerful presence.
2. “As Long as He Needs Me” from “Oliver!” – Reflects the Witch’s dedication and the depth of her emotions, especially in her relationship with Rapunzel.
3. “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked” – Embodies her sense of empowerment, defiance, and transformation.
4. “I Miss the Mountains” from “Next to Normal” – Showcases a deep sense of longing and internal conflict, similar to the Witch’s character arc.
5. “Memory” from “Cats” – Although typically sung by an older character, it conveys a sense of past glory, loss, and desire for redemption, aligning with the Witch’s journey.

The Wolf

1. “The Ballad of Booth” from “Assassins” – Sondheim’s darker storytelling is akin to The Wolf’s sinister character.
2. “Confrontation” from “Jekyll & Hyde” – Captures the menacing and dual aspects of The Wolf’s personality.
3. “Dentist!” from “Little Shop of Horrors” – Reflects his predatory and slightly humorous nature.
4. “Hellfire” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” – Emphasizes a darker, obsessive side.
5. “Master of the House” from “Les Misérables” – Showcases slyness and manipulation.

Rapunzel

1. “Green Finch and Linnet Bird” from “Sweeney Todd” – Expresses a feeling of being trapped and longing for freedom.
2. “In My Own Little Corner” from “Cinderella” – Reflects her dreams and aspirations within confinement.
3. “I Speak Six Languages” from “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” – For a more humorous, character-driven interpretation.
4. “The Beauty Is” from “The Light in the Piazza” – Captures the wonder and yearning for new experiences.
5. “Think of Me” from “The Phantom of the Opera” – Conveys innocence and a desire to be remembered.

Rapunzel’s Prince and Cinderella’s Prince

1. “Agony” from “Into the Woods” – if allowed, as it directly reflects their characters.
2. “Me” from “Beauty and the Beast” – Captures their self-absorbed nature.
3. “I’m Alive” from “Next to Normal” – Emphasizes the more dynamic and lively aspects of the princes.
4. “Il Mondo Era Vuoto” from “The Light in the Piazza” – For a romantic and passionate choice.
5. “Santa Fe” from “Newsies” – Reflects their longing for something more, aligning with their quest for love.

Jack’s Mother

1. “Days and Days” from “Fun Home” – Reflects on the struggles and sacrifices of motherhood.
2. “Everything I Know” from “In The Heights” – A song about love, loss, and maternal strength.
3. “Where Did the Rock Go?” from “School of Rock” – For a more contemporary and humorous take on motherhood.
4. “Tell Me It’s Not True” from “Blood Brothers” – Captures her protective nature and emotional depth.
5. “Hold On” from “The Secret Garden” – Offers a message of resilience and hope in difficult times.

Cinderella’s Stepmother, Florinda, and Lucinda (Stepsisters)

1. “Stepsisters’ Lament” from “Cinderella” – Perfectly captures their envy and disdain for Cinderella.
2. “Class” from “Chicago” – A satirical take that suits their snobbish attitudes.
3. “When You’re Good to Mama” from “Chicago” – Reflects their manipulative and self-serving nature.
4. “Cell Block Tango” from “Chicago” – For a dramatic and darkly comedic presentation.
5. “The Worst Pies in London” from “Sweeney Todd” – Showcases a comedic, villainous character.

Cinderella’s Mother

1. “Children and Art” from “Sunday in the Park with George” – A song about legacy and maternal influence.
2. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel” – Captures her comforting and guiding presence.
3. “The Light in the Piazza” from “The Light in the Piazza” – Reflects on a mother’s love and concern.
4. “Dear Theodosia” from “Hamilton” – A beautiful ballad about parental love and hopes for a child.
5. “Slipping Through My Fingers” from “Mamma Mia!” – Highlights the bittersweet nature of a mother’s love.

The Mysterious Man

1. “Reviewing the Situation” from “Oliver!” – Captures his cunning, enigmatic, and contemplative nature.
2. “Purpose” from “Avenue Q” – Reflects on his existential questioning and hidden motives.
3. “Guido’s Song” from “Nine” – A great match for portraying a character with layered secrets and complexity.
4. “Mr. Cellophane” from “Chicago” – Highlights the idea of being significant yet often overlooked, fitting for the Mysterious Man’s subtle influence.
5. “Me and the Sky” from “Come From Away” – While traditionally sung by a female character, its narrative style and theme of reflection and change could be an intriguing choice for the Mysterious Man, showcasing his depth and journey.

The Narrator

1. “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd” from “Sweeney Todd” – A perfect fit for a storyteller guiding the audience.
2. “Putting It Together” from “Sunday in the Park with George” – Highlights the art of storytelling.
3. “A Musical” from “Something Rotten!” – A comedic take on the role of a narrator.
4. “Magic to Do” from “Pippin” – A lively song fitting for an engaging narrator.
5. “Wilkommen” from “Cabaret” – Captures the essence of introducing and guiding a story.

The Giant

1. “No Good Deed” from “Wicked” – Conveys a sense of power, misunderstood intentions, and a looming presence.
2. “I Will Prevail” from “Wonderland” – Emphasizes determination, might, and a feeling of being wronged or seeking revenge.
3. “The World Will Remember Us” from “Bonnie & Clyde” – Captures a sense of ambition, fearlessness, and the desire to leave a lasting impact.
4. “Dead Girl Walking (Reprise)” from “Heathers: The Musical” – Showcases intensity, a sense of threat, and a powerful presence.
5. “As Long as You’re Mine” from “Wicked” – Although typically a romantic duet, its sense of power and depth could be adapted to showcase the Giant’s formidable character.

And that’s a wrap on our lyrical journey through the woods! 🍃🎶 I hope these song suggestions have sparked some inspiration and excitement for your upcoming auditions. Remember, the best performances come from a place of authenticity and connection with the character. Whether you choose a ballad that tugs at the heartstrings or an upbeat number that showcases your comic sensibilities, infuse it with your unique interpretation. Let your song be the magic spell that transports everyone right into the heart of the story. So go ahead, step into those audition shoes with confidence and let your voice ring through the woods. Break a leg, and may your performance be as enchanting as the world of “Into the Woods” itself! 🌲🌟