The Best Audition Songs for Mary Poppins (By Character)

For those stepping into the limelight to audition for roles in classic musicals like “Mary Poppins,” selecting the perfect audition song is a pivotal moment. Whether you’re aiming to capture Mary’s magical charm, Bert’s cheerful optimism, or George Banks’s transformative journey, the right song can open the door to Cherry Tree Lane and beyond.

Mary Poppins

1. “Just You Wait” from “My Fair Lady” – Reflects the determination and transformative influence Mary has, similar to Eliza Doolittle’s journey.
2. “I Could Have Danced All Night” from “My Fair Lady” – Showcases a joyous revelation, akin to Mary’s ability to find delight in every situation.
3. “Before the Parade Passes By” from “Hello, Dolly!” – Captures Mary’s spirit of seizing the day and making the most out of life.
4. “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from “The Sound of Music” – A song about pursuing dreams and overcoming challenges, echoing Mary’s guidance to the Banks family.
5. “People Will Say We’re in Love” from “Oklahoma!” – While more romantic, it can be interpreted to show Mary’s charming influence on those around her.
6. “My White Knight” from “The Music Man” – Not directly reflective of romance for Mary but can illustrate her idealistic views on improving the lives of the Banks family.
7. “If I Loved You” from “Carousel” – Demonstrates the depth of emotion and connection, similar to the impact Mary has on those she cares for.

Bert

1. “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” from “Oklahoma!” – Captures Bert’s optimistic outlook and ability to find beauty in everyday life.
2. “Consider Yourself” from “Oliver!” – Reflects Bert’s welcoming nature and his role as an amiable guide through life’s adventures.
3. “Put On a Happy Face” from “Bye Bye Birdie” – A perfect match for Bert’s cheerful disposition and penchant for uplifting others.
4. “The Street Where You Live” from “My Fair Lady” – While traditionally a romantic song, it can showcase Bert’s wonder and appreciation for the world around him.
5. “Once In Love With Amy” from “Where’s Charley?” – Highlights Bert’s playful and loveable character.
6. “I’m Sitting on Top of the World” from “Sunset Boulevard” – Captures Bert’s joyous and carefree attitude towards life.
7. “With a Little Bit of Luck” from “My Fair Lady” – Reflects Bert’s easy-going nature and how he breezes through life’s challenges.

George Banks

1. “Soliloquy” from “Carousel” – Captures George’s internal struggle and growth as a father and husband.
2. “Why God Why?” from “Miss Saigon” – While from a later period, it can reflect his questioning of life’s path and his responsibilities.
3. “Edelweiss” from “The Sound of Music” – A gentle reflection of George’s deeper love for his family and his ultimate desire for their happiness.
4. “Lost in the Stars” from “Lost in the Stars” – Offers a contemplative look at George’s place in the world and his moral dilemmas.
5. “A Man of No Importance” from “A Man of No Importance” – Reflects on George’s realization of what truly matters in life.
6. “The Impossible Dream” from “Man of La Mancha” – Embodies George’s journey towards finding a greater purpose beyond his work.
7. “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from “Les Misérables” – Highlights George’s reflections on his past and the changes he wishes to make.

Winifred Banks

1. “What’s the Use of Wond’rin’” from “Carousel” – Reflects Winifred’s contemplations on her marriage and her role within it.
2. “How Lovely to Be a Woman” from “Bye Bye Birdie” – Captures the societal expectations Winifred faces and her internal conflict.
3. “Shall We Dance?” from “The King and I” – Represents Winifred’s desire for connection and joy within her life and marriage.
4. “Send in the Clowns” from “A Little Night Music” – A poignant look at Winifred’s realizations about her life choices and desires.
5. “As Long As He Needs Me” from “Oliver!” – Showcases her dedication to her family despite her personal aspirations.
6. “Hello, Young Lovers” from “The King and I” – Reflects on Winifred’s romantic side and her memories of younger love.
7. “I Could Have Danced All Night” from “My Fair Lady” – While typically a song of elation, it can also highlight Winifred’s longing for more in life.

Jane and Michael Banks

Because they are children, songs chosen for them should reflect their youth and character growth throughout the story:

1. “I Whistle a Happy Tune” from “The King and I” – Captures their initial bravery in facing the world.
2. “Getting to Know You” from “The King and I” – Reflects their journey of getting to know Mary Poppins and learning about themselves.
3. “Where Is Love?” from “Oliver!” – Highlights their desire for affection and understanding within their family.
4. “The Lonely Goatherd” from “The Sound of Music” – A playful and imaginative song suitable for their adventurous spirits.
5. “My Best Girl (My Best Beau)” from “Mame” – Represents their growing understanding and appreciation for those around them.
6. “Gary, Indiana” from “The Music Man” – A song of youthful exuberance and pride, fitting for Michael’s character.
7. “Tomorrow” from “Annie” – Captures their optimism and hope for the future.

Admiral Boom

1. “A British Tar” from “H.M.S. Pinafore” – Reflects his naval background and love for the sea, suitable for his disciplined, orderly nature.
2. “Sir Robin’s Song” from “Spamalot” – Offers a humorous take that could play well with Admiral Boom’s more eccentric qualities.
3. “The Life I Lead” from “Mary Poppins” – Ideally captures his structured lifestyle and military precision.
4. “I Am the Very Model” from “The Pirates of Penzance” – A Gilbert and Sullivan piece that emphasizes his proud, somewhat pompous demeanor.
5. “When I Was a Lad” from “H.M.S. Pinafore” – Another Gilbert and Sullivan song that can highlight his background and rise in ranks.
6. “Tit-Willow” from “The Mikado” – Though more melancholic, it could offer a different, softer side of a character like Admiral Boom.
7. “Ruler of the Queen’s Navy” from “H.M.S. Pinafore” – Perfect for showcasing his pride in his naval career and his authoritative nature.

Miss Andrew

1. “The Worst Pies in London” from “Sweeney Todd” – While more macabre, it fits her stern and unyielding personality.
2. “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from “The Sound of Music” – Offers a more inspirational take, contrasting with her usual harsh demeanor.
3. “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from “The Little Mermaid” – Captures her manipulative and formidable nature.
4. “Last Midnight” from “Into the Woods” – Reflects her role as a sort of antagonist with a powerful presence.
5. “By the Sea” from “Sweeney Todd” – Can be interpreted to show a different, perhaps hidden side of her character.
6. “Little Girls” from “Annie” – Matches her dissatisfaction with children and her strict approach to discipline.
7. “Rose’s Turn” from “Gypsy” – While traditionally about a different kind of frustration, it could be adapted to showcase Miss Andrew’s own grievances and strict nature.

Mrs. Brill

1. “The Servants’ Chorus” from “The Merry Widow” – Reflects her role within the household and her constant busyness.
2. “Stepsister’s Lament” from “Cinderella” – Provides a humorous, slightly bitter take on her situation.
3. “Turn Back, O Man” from “Godspell” – Offers a chance to showcase a more reflective, advisory side.
4. “Alone in the Universe” from “Seussical” – While more whimsical, it speaks to moments of solitude amidst chaos.
5. “I’m Not At All in Love” from “The Pajama Game” – A song that allows for a bit of sass and denial of any softer feelings.
6. “A Cockeyed Optimist” from “South Pacific” – Reflects her attempts to stay positive in a sometimes thankless job.
7. “Ladies Who Lunch” from “Company” – An opportunity to explore Mrs. Brill’s more cynical side regarding social obligations.

Robertson Ay

1. “Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir” from “Sweeney Todd” – Matches his comedic, slightly bumbling nature.
2. “When I’m Sixty-Four” from “The Beatles (not a musical but fitting for auditions)” – Reflects his laid-back, carefree attitude.
3. “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” from “Kiss Me, Kate” – Provides a humorous reflection on trying to impress and often not quite succeeding.
4. “The Gasman Cometh” from “Flanders and Swann” – Not from a musical, but its humorous take on domestic mishaps fits Robertson Ay’s character.
5. “I’m a Fool to Want You” from “Billie Holiday (adapted for character context)” – Can be interpreted to showcase his more sentimental, naive side.
6. “The Lambeth Walk” from “Me and My Girl” – Offers a cheerful, working-class pride that could suit Robertson Ay.
7. “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from “Guys and Dolls” – A chance to highlight his comedic timing within a group setting.

Bird Woman

1. “Stay With Me” from “Into the Woods” – Reflects the Bird Woman’s plea for compassion and understanding, similar to the Witch’s plea to Rapunzel.
2. “Tell Me It’s Not True” from “Blood Brothers” – Captures the sadness and depth of her character.
3. “On My Own” from “Les Misérables” – A song that conveys longing and solitude, fitting for the Bird Woman’s solitary life.
4. “By My Side” from “Godspell” – Highlights the theme of support and companionship in the face of loneliness.
5. “The Hill” from “Once” – A beautiful, melancholic song that could reflect her introspective nature.
6. “Times Are Hard for Dreamers” from “Amélie” – Showcases a hopeful outlook despite difficulties, resonating with her simple joy of feeding the birds.
7. “No One Is Alone” from “Into the Woods” – A poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all people, fitting for the Bird Woman’s brief yet impactful presence.

Mrs. Corry

1. “When You’re Good to Mama” from “Chicago” – Though more brassy and bold, it could be fun to adapt for Mrs. Corry’s strong personality.
2. “Everybody’s Got a Home But Me” from “Pipe Dream” – Captures a sense of yearning and belonging, which could underpin Mrs. Corry’s character.
3. “Magic to Do” from “Pippin” – Reflects the magical and somewhat mysterious nature of her character.
4. “Our Little Secret” from “The Secret Garden” – Highlights the magical and secretive aspects of Mrs. Corry’s personality.
5. “Tea for Two” from “No, No, Nanette” – A light-hearted song that could reflect Mrs. Corry’s whimsical side.
6. “The Wizard and I” from “Wicked” – Despite avoiding modern musicals, this song’s theme of magical potential could suit Mrs. Corry’s character well.
7. “Turn Back, O Man” from “Godspell” – Offers a playful yet reflective look at life and choices, suitable for Mrs. Corry’s wise and mysterious nature.

In preparing for your audition, let these songs inspire you to connect deeply with the characters’ stories, allowing you to bring your own magic to the stage. Embrace the opportunity to tell their tales through your performance, and may your audition be the key that unlocks the door to not just a role, but a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Break a leg, and may your journey be “practically perfect” in every way!

Photo by Gabriele Stravinskaite on Unsplash