The Best Audition Songs for Little Shop of Horrors (By Character)

Little Shop of Horrors is a cult classic that has captured the hearts of theatergoers with its unique blend of rock, Motown, and dark comedy. Whether you’re auditioning for the sweet but strong Audrey, the nerdy and hopeful Seymour, or the iconic, smooth-talking Audrey II, choosing the right audition song can make all the difference in showcasing your talents. While it’s tempting to reach for the show’s own hits like “Suddenly, Seymour” or “Somewhere That’s Green,” selecting a song from a different musical or even a pop tune can help you stand out and bring fresh energy to these beloved characters. In this post, we’ll explore a selection of audition songs that perfectly capture the style, vocal range, and personality of each character in Little Shop of Horrors—without repeating what everyone else is doing.

Seymour Krelborn

1. “Run Away With Me” from The Mad Ones – Captures Seymour’s yearning and vulnerability.
2. “Santa Fe” from Newsies – A hopeful song about escaping to a better place.
3. “I Believe” from The Book of Mormon – Shows a blend of innocence and newfound confidence.
4. “This is the Moment” from Jekyll & Hyde – A powerful ballad reflecting a turning point, similar to Seymour’s big moments.
5. “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars – Reflects Seymour’s romantic longing and regret.
6. “It Takes Two” from Hairspray – A sweet, earnest love song with a bit of soul.
7. “Lost in the Wilderness” from Children of Eden – Reflects Seymour’s sense of confusion and desire for something more.

Audrey

1. “My White Knight” from The Music Man – A hopeful ballad about dreaming of a better life.
2. “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables – Reflects her longing and heartbreak.
3. “As Long as He Needs Me” from Oliver! – Captures her devotion and inner strength.
4. “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” by The Shirelles – A classic song that mirrors her emotional depth.
5. “Tell Me on a Sunday” from Song and Dance – Expresses Audrey’s hope for love despite past hurts.
6. “In My Own Little Corner” from Cinderella – Reflects Audrey’s dreams of escape and a better life.
7. “Out Here on My Own” from Fame – A vulnerable ballad that mirrors her desire for love and belonging.

Mr. Mushnik

1. “Master of the House” from Les Misérables – A fun, character-driven song with a similar gruff style.
2. “A Little Brains, A Little Talent” from Damn Yankees – Reflects Mushnik’s scheming and charisma.
3. “You’re the Boss” by Elvis Presley & Ann-Margret – A retro duet that showcases his assertiveness.
4. “Luck Be a Lady” from Guys and Dolls – A classic that captures Mushnik’s boldness and style.
5. “Those Canaan Days” from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Reflects Mushnik’s melodrama.
6. “Tradition” from Fiddler on the Roof – Showcases his old-world values and humor.
7. “Heart” from Damn Yankees – A light-hearted, old-school number with plenty of character.

Orin Scrivello, DDS

1. “The Devil You Know” from Side Show – Reflects Orin’s dangerous charm.
2. “Go to Hell” from Bonnie & Clyde – Captures his dark, twisted sense of fun.
3. “Dentist!” from The Rocky Horror Show – A rock number with a similar outrageous energy.
4. “One Night in Bangkok” from Chess – Showcases his arrogance and edginess.
5. “Greased Lightnin’” from Grease – A rockabilly tune that captures Orin’s swagger.
6. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes – A modern rock song with a dark, relentless vibe.
7. “Mean Green Mother from Outerspace” from Little Shop of Horrors (but if you want something else, try) “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” by Elvis Presley for a similar vibe.

Audrey II

1. “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder – A funky, soulful song that captures Audrey II’s commanding presence.
2. “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” by The Temptations – Reflects the dark, smooth, and powerful vibe.
3. “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone – A classic, powerful song that showcases the plant’s confidence and power.
4. “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner – A high-energy, soulful rock number with lots of attitude.
5. “Shout” by The Isley Brothers – Captures the lively, commanding nature of Audrey II.
6. “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones – A gritty rock song with a menacing vibe.
7. “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac – A rock song with an eerie, powerful undertone.

The Urchins (Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronnette)

1. “Da Doo Ron Ron” by The Crystals – A classic 1960s girl group song with tight harmonies.
2. “Heatwave” by Martha and the Vandellas – An upbeat, energetic song with a retro flair.
3. “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes – Reflects their sweet yet sassy demeanor.
4. “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas – A high-energy, classic number with attitude.
5. “One Fine Day” by The Chiffons – A bubbly, upbeat tune that fits their style.
6. “Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes – Captures the 1960s girl group vibe with fun harmonies.
7. “Stop! In the Name of Love” by The Supremes – Reflects their powerful, sassy side.

Patrick Martin

1. “All I Care About” from Chicago – A smooth, salesman-like number with charm.
2. “The Money Song” from Avenue Q – Captures his opportunistic, fast-talking nature.
3. “Luck Be a Lady” from Guys and Dolls – Reflects his suave, confident personality.
4. “The Schmuel Song” from The Last Five Years – A fast-talking, storytelling number.
5. “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from Guys and Dolls – A fun, energetic song with a bit of hustle.
6. “When You’re an Addams” from The Addams Family Musical – Reflects his quirky, confident style.
7. “I Wanna Be a Producer” from The Producers – Captures his ambitious, go-getter attitude.

Choosing the right audition song is crucial in setting yourself apart and making a lasting impression in any audition, especially for a show as iconic as Little Shop of Horrors. By selecting a song that aligns with the style and essence of the character you’re auditioning for, while also showcasing your unique strengths, you can bring a fresh perspective to these classic roles. Whether you’re channeling Seymour’s earnest vulnerability, Audrey’s sweet dreaminess, or Audrey II’s powerful presence, these song suggestions offer a perfect balance of familiarity and originality. So, step into the audition room with confidence, armed with a song that lets you shine, and get ready to bring these unforgettable characters to life.

Photo by Steven Van Elk on Unsplash