The Best Audition Songs for Les Miserables (By Character)

Auditioning for Les Misérables is an exciting opportunity to dive into some of the most complex and emotional characters in musical theater. Whether you’re channeling the fiery passion of Enjolras, the heartbreak of Éponine, or the wit of Gavroche, choosing the perfect audition song can help you connect with the character and leave a lasting impression. To help you find inspiration, here’s a list of song suggestions that capture the essence of each role while letting your unique voice shine.

Jean Valjean

Valjean is a complex character, requiring powerful, emotional, and introspective songs. His songs should reflect his moral struggles and hope for redemption.

“Bring Him Home” (Chess) – introspective and heartfelt
“Anthem” (Chess) – passionate and determined
“The Impossible Dream” (Man of La Mancha) – bold and hopeful
“If I Loved You” (Carousel) – tender and reflective
“This Is the Moment” (Jekyll & Hyde) – dramatic and powerful
“I Am What I Am” (La Cage aux Folles) – strong and self-affirming
“Lonely Room” (Oklahoma!) – introspective and intense

Inspector Javert

Javert’s songs should convey his unyielding sense of justice and inner turmoil. Look for commanding and dramatic pieces.

“Stars” (Chess) – contemplative and authoritative
“Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” (Oklahoma!) – reinterpreted with quiet power
“Where I Want to Be” (Chess) – introspective and strong
“Soliloquy” (Carousel) – reflective and intense
“The Devil You Know” (Side Show) – dramatic and conflicted
“Prologue: The Old Red Hills of Home” (Parade) – filled with resolve and gravitas
“Gethsemane” (Jesus Christ Superstar) – raw and emotionally charged

Fantine

Fantine’s songs should express her suffering, love for her daughter, and ultimate despair. Choose emotionally raw and expressive pieces.

“As Long As He Needs Me” (Oliver!) – vulnerable and emotional
“The Light in the Piazza” (The Light in the Piazza) – tender and heartfelt
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” (Jesus Christ Superstar) – filled with longing
“Easy as Life” (Aida) – powerful and dramatic
“What I Did for Love” (A Chorus Line) – poignant and emotional
“Your Daddy’s Son” (Ragtime) – heartbreaking and reflective
“With You” (Ghost: The Musical) – sorrowful and intimate

Cosette

Cosette’s songs should reflect her innocence, optimism, and romantic heart. Look for sweet, soprano-focused pieces.

“Goodnight, My Someone” (The Music Man) – tender and sweet
“Somewhere” (West Side Story) – hopeful and dreamy
“In My Own Little Corner” (Cinderella) – whimsical and introspective
“I Feel Pretty” (West Side Story) – light and bubbly
“Once You Lose Your Heart” (Me and My Girl) – romantic and hopeful
“If I Loved You” (Carousel) – tender and reflective
“Simple” (Nine) – pure and lyrical

Marius Pontmercy

Marius’s songs should reflect his idealism, romanticism, and youthful passion. Choose pieces that convey yearning and hope.

“Maria” (West Side Story) – romantic and longing
“Johanna” (Sweeney Todd) – tender and passionate
“On the Street Where You Live” (My Fair Lady) – earnest and romantic
“Younger Than Springtime” (South Pacific) – lyrical and hopeful
“The World Was Dancing” (Songs for a New World) – introspective and emotional
“Seize the Day” (Newsies) – optimistic and energetic
“Out There” (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) – yearning and emotional

Éponine Thénardier

Éponine’s songs should showcase her unrequited love, resilience, and vulnerability. Look for pieces that are soulful and heartfelt.

“On My Own” (The Boy from Oz) – emotional and reflective
“There Are Worse Things I Could Do” (Grease) – defiant and vulnerable
“Maybe I Like It This Way” (The Wild Party) – bittersweet and tender
“Home” (Beauty and the Beast) – yearning and introspective
“How Could I Ever Know” (The Secret Garden) – poignant and tender
“I Dreamed a Dream” (Miss Saigon) – filled with longing
“I’m Not That Girl” (Wicked) – emotional and introspective

Thénardier

Thénardier’s songs should be comedic, conniving, and filled with character. Look for pieces that allow for humor and over-the-top personality.

“Master of the House” (Oliver!) – humorous and bold
“Reviewing the Situation” (Oliver!) – scheming and comedic
“Those Canaan Days” (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) – exaggerated and playful
“A Little Priest” (Sweeney Todd) – mischievous and darkly humorous
“The Ballad of Sweeney Todd” (Sweeney Todd) – sinister and storytelling
“I Wanna Be a Producer” (The Producers) – flamboyant and comedic
“You Won’t Succeed on Broadway” (Spamalot) – cheeky and energetic

Madame Thénardier

Madame Thénardier’s songs should highlight her larger-than-life personality, wicked humor, and ruthless nature. Choose comedic and bold pieces.

“When You’re Good to Mama” (Chicago) – sultry and commanding
“You Can Always Count on Me” (City of Angels) – cheeky and self-serving
“I Don’t Know What I’d Do Without You” (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder) – biting and comedic
“The Worst Pies in London” (Sweeney Todd) – over-the-top and humorous
“Don’t Tell Mama” (Cabaret) – bold and playful
“Big Spender” (Sweet Charity) – brassy and commanding
“Take Me to the World” (Evening Primrose) – dark and expressive

Enjolras

Enjolras’s songs should reflect his passion for revolution and unwavering dedication to the cause. Choose powerful, inspiring pieces.

“The Impossible Dream” (Man of La Mancha) – bold and determined
“Anthem” (Chess) – passionate and dramatic
“You’ll Be Back” (Hamilton) – commanding and charismatic
“Santa Fe” (Newsies) – hopeful and inspirational
“Corner of the Sky” (Pippin) – idealistic and driven
“Prologue: The Old Red Hills of Home” (Parade) – resolute and heartfelt
“Being Alive” (Company) – emotional and inspiring

Gavroche

Gavroche’s songs should reflect his bold, cheeky, and street-smart nature, with a playful and spirited tone.

“Consider Yourself” (Oliver!) – confident and lively
“Where is Love?” (Oliver!) – tender and emotional
“Electricity” (Billy Elliot) – energetic and passionate
“Seize the Day” (Newsies) – determined and spirited
“My New Philosophy” (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown) – quirky and fun
“The Bare Necessities” (The Jungle Book) – playful and carefree
“Santa Fe” (Newsies) – yearning and optimistic

The Bishop of Digne (Bishop Myriel)

The Bishop’s songs should convey warmth, wisdom, and hope, reflecting his compassion and faith.

“You’ll Never Walk Alone” (Carousel) – powerful and inspirational
“Try to Remember” (The Fantasticks) – gentle and nostalgic
“Edelweiss” (The Sound of Music) – serene and heartfelt
“Climb Ev’ry Mountain” (The Sound of Music) – uplifting and wise
“Beautiful City” (Godspell) – hopeful and reflective
“Father Time” (Children of Eden) – wise and calming
“Prologue: The Old Red Hills of Home” (Parade) – poignant and nostalgic

Grantaire

Grantaire’s songs should reflect his cynicism, humor, and subtle admiration for Enjolras, with a blend of sarcasm and emotion.

“Mr. Cellophane” (Chicago) – self-deprecating and reflective
“Buddy’s Blues” (Follies) – comedic and character-driven
“Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” (Parade) – emotional and haunting
“Not While I’m Around” (Sweeney Todd) – tender and protective
“I’m Calm” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – humorous and ironic
“Stars” (Chess) – introspective and yearning
“Losing My Mind” (Follies) – poignant and emotional

Young Cosette

Young Cosette’s songs should reflect innocence and hope, with a pure and tender tone.

“Where is Love?” (Oliver!) – soft and emotional
“The Girl I Mean to Be” (The Secret Garden) – whimsical and sweet
“Castle on a Cloud” (The Secret Garden) – wistful and delicate
“Dites-Moi” (South Pacific) – tender and innocent
“When You Wish Upon a Star” (Pinocchio) – hopeful and dreamy
“Maybe” (Annie) – heartfelt and yearning
“Over the Rainbow” (The Wizard of Oz) – filled with wonder and hope

Young Éponine

Young Éponine’s songs should reflect her spoiled, bratty nature as a child, with playful and spirited pieces.

“I Want It Now” (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) – demanding and cheeky
“Stepsisters’ Lament” (Cinderella) – bratty and humorous
“Matchmaker” (Fiddler on the Roof) – playful and spirited
“Naughty” (Matilda) – mischievous and clever
“It’s a Hard Knock Life” (Annie) – lively and defiant
“When I Grow Up” (Matilda) – bold and reflective
“Little Girls” (Annie) – comedic and dramatic

Combeferre

Combeferre’s songs should reflect his intelligence, idealism, and compassion. Choose thoughtful and inspiring pieces.

“Corner of the Sky” (Pippin) – reflective and driven
“Being Alive” (Company) – introspective and heartfelt
“Beautiful City” (Godspell) – uplifting and hopeful
“You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” (South Pacific) – earnest and reflective
“Out There” (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) – yearning and passionate
“Prologue: The Old Red Hills of Home” (Parade) – stirring and reflective
“Johanna (Reprise)” (Sweeney Todd) – gentle yet determined

Courfeyrac

Courfeyrac’s songs should convey his warmth, humor, and camaraderie. Select lighthearted yet idealistic pieces.

“Seize the Day” (Newsies) – spirited and determined
“Friendship” (Anything Goes) – upbeat and lively
“Consider Yourself” (Oliver!) – friendly and cheerful
“Put on a Happy Face” (Bye Bye Birdie) – optimistic and fun
“Santa Fe” (Newsies) – hopeful and reflective
“Freedom” (The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown) – uplifting and spirited
“Gee, Officer Krupke” (West Side Story) – humorous and character-driven

Joly

Joly’s songs should capture his quirky, hypochondriac nature, with humorous and eccentric pieces.

“I’m Not That Smart” (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) – comedic and quirky
“I’m Calm” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – funny and frantic
“Comedy Tonight” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – lively and humorous
“Buddy’s Blues” (Follies) – comedic and self-aware
“Everyone Says Don’t” (Anyone Can Whistle) – quirky and upbeat
“Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm” (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) – humorous and charming
“It Takes Two” (Into the Woods) – lighthearted and sweet

Feuilly

Feuilly’s songs should reflect his passion for freedom and justice, with earnest and stirring pieces.

“The Impossible Dream” (Man of La Mancha) – bold and determined
“Anthem” (Chess) – passionate and heartfelt
“Out There” (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) – emotional and hopeful
“The World Will Know” (Newsies) – spirited and defiant
“Prologue: The Old Red Hills of Home” (Parade) – powerful and reflective
“Beautiful City” (Godspell) – hopeful and uplifting
“Proud of Your Boy” (Aladdin) – earnest and moving

Les Misérables offers such rich characters and powerful storytelling that every audition is a chance to bring your own perspective to these iconic roles. The right song can help you showcase your strengths and convey the depth, passion, or humor of your character. Step into the world of revolution, redemption, and resilience, and let your voice and heart tell the story. Break a leg!