Auditioning for Merrily We Roll Along is a fantastic opportunity to explore some of Stephen Sondheim’s most complex and heartfelt characters. Whether you’re diving into the ambitious world of Franklin Shepard, the sharp wit of Mary Flynn, or the emotional depth of Beth Spencer, choosing the right audition song can help you capture the essence of the role. With the show’s mid-20th-century style and its mix of humor, drama, and introspection, it’s important to pick songs that match the tone while showing off your vocal and acting strengths.
Franklin Shepard
Frank is a composer whose ambition and compromises lead to conflict. His songs should reflect charm, ambition, and underlying emotional depth.
- “Finishing the Hat” (Sunday in the Park with George) – Passionate and introspective
- “Being Alive” (Company) – Reflective and emotional
- “Corner of the Sky” (Pippin) – Driven and optimistic
- “Something’s Coming” (West Side Story) – Energetic and forward-looking
- “All Good Gifts” (Godspell) – Warm and heartfelt
- “Beautiful City” (Godspell) – Reflective and hopeful
- “Johanna” (Sweeney Todd) – Tender and romantic
Mary Flynn
Mary is a witty, self-deprecating writer who struggles with unrequited love for Frank. Her songs should reflect her wit, heartbreak, and inner strength.
- “The Ladies Who Lunch” (Company) – Witty and biting
- “Losing My Mind” (Follies) – Haunting and introspective
- “What I Did for Love” (A Chorus Line) – Reflective and emotional
- “Anyone Can Whistle” (Anyone Can Whistle) – Vulnerable and wistful
- “Broadway Baby” (Follies) – Aspirational and bittersweet
- “Another Hundred People” (Company) – Sharp and thoughtful
- “If He Walked Into My Life” (Mame) – Reflective and poignant
Charley Kringas
Charley is Frank’s lyricist and best friend. He is principled, passionate, and frustrated by Frank’s compromises. His songs should be energetic, character-driven, and show his inner conflict.
- “Buddy’s Blues” (Follies) – Frustrated and humorous
- “Not While I’m Around” (Sweeney Todd) – Tender and protective
- “Everybody Says Don’t” (Anyone Can Whistle) – Determined and defiant
- “I’m Calm” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) – Frantic and comedic
- “The Road You Didn’t Take” (Follies) – Reflective and regretful
- “Something’s Coming” (West Side Story) – Hopeful and ambitious
- “Move On” (Sunday in the Park with George) – Hopeful and reflective
Gussie Carnegie
Gussie is an ambitious, glamorous actress who manipulates those around her to advance her career. Her songs should reflect her confidence, charm, and theatricality.
- “I’m the Greatest Star” (Funny Girl) – Showy and self-assured
- “All That Jazz” (Chicago) – Sultry and commanding
- “The Music That Makes Me Dance” (Funny Girl) – Theatrical and emotional
- “Could I Leave You?” (Follies) – Witty and cutting
- “The Story of Lucy and Jessie” (Follies) – Playful and reflective
- “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” (Gypsy) – Bold and determined
- “How Did We Come to This?” (The Wild Party) – Dramatic and intense
Joe Josephson
Joe is Gussie’s husband and a producer grappling with his failing marriage. His songs should reflect his weariness, frustration, and conflicted emotions.
- “Send in the Clowns” (A Little Night Music) – Bittersweet and poignant
- “Try to Remember” (The Fantasticks) – Gentle and nostalgic
- “Sorry-Grateful” (Company) – Reflective and complex
- “No More” (Into the Woods) – Frustrated and emotional
- “The Road You Didn’t Take” (Follies) – Regretful and introspective
- “If I Could Tell Her” (Dear Evan Hansen) – Honest and understated
- “I Am What I Am” (La Cage aux Folles) – Resilient and introspective
Beth Spencer
Beth is Frank’s first wife, a sweet and supportive woman who values stability. Her songs should reflect warmth, tenderness, and quiet strength.
- “Goodnight, My Someone” (The Music Man) – Sweet and sincere
- “The Light in the Piazza” (The Light in the Piazza) – Gentle and heartfelt
- “No One is Alone” (Into the Woods) – Comforting and emotional
- “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” (Jesus Christ Superstar) – Vulnerable and introspective
- “Far From the Home I Love” (Fiddler on the Roof) – Removed; Tevye’s connection noted
- “I Have Confidence” (The Sound of Music) – Optimistic and strong
- “The Glamorous Life” (A Little Night Music) – Gentle and reflective
Frank Jr.
Frank Jr. is Frank and Beth’s son, caught between his parents’ struggles. His songs should reflect innocence and emotional depth.
- “Castle on a Cloud” (Les Misérables) – Removed; tone mismatch
- “Do-Re-Mi” (The Sound of Music) – Playful and youthful
- “When You Wish Upon a Star” (Pinocchio) – Dreamy and hopeful
- “I’d Do Anything” (Oliver!) – Removed; tonal disconnect
- “Where is Love?” (Oliver!) – Removed; tone mismatch
- “Tomorrow” (Annie) – Removed; overly cheerful
- “Maybe” (Annie) – Emotional and innocent
The characters in Merrily We Roll Along are rich with nuance, and selecting a song that reflects their personality and emotional journey is key to making a memorable impression. Focus on finding a piece that resonates with you and allows you to connect with the material in a genuine way. Whether you’re channeling ambition, heartbreak, or humor, let your performance shine with authenticity and confidence. Break a leg at your audition!
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