The Best Audition Songs for Oklahoma (By Character)

When preparing for an audition for a beloved classic like Oklahoma!, choosing the right song is crucial to showcase your talents and capture the essence of the character you’re aiming to portray. While it might be tempting to sing directly from the show, casting directors often prefer to hear selections that demonstrate your fit for the role while highlighting your unique vocal and acting strengths. To help you stand out, I’ve curated a list of song recommendations that match the style, tone, and spirit of the main characters in Oklahoma!—without repeating what’s already in the score. Whether you’re aiming to capture Curly’s charm, Laurey’s independence, or Ado Annie’s flirtatious nature, these songs will keep you in character while bringing something fresh to the audition room.

Curly McLain

“The Highest Judge of All” – Carousel (similar dramatic baritone range and reflective nature)
“If Ever I Would Leave You” – Camelot (romantic and strong, showing off Curly’s charm)
“They Call the Wind Maria” – Paint Your Wagon (rugged, with a broad vocal line)
“Soliloquy” – Carousel (narrative-driven and shows Curly’s confident side)
“On the Street Where You Live” – My Fair Lady (expresses deep romantic yearning)
“The Impossible Dream” – Man of La Mancha (heroic, with a sense of ambition and passion)
“Lonely Room” – Carousel (matches Curly’s emotional depth)

Laurey Williams

“Much More” – The Fantasticks (captures innocence and longing for something greater)
“Simple Little Things” – 110 in the Shade (demonstrates a similar yearning and emotional core)
“My White Knight” – The Music Man (captures Laurey’s romantic ideals and independent spirit)
“If I Loved You” – Carousel (expresses complex feelings of love and uncertainty)
“Goodnight, My Someone” – The Music Man (sweet and reflective, similar to Laurey’s style)
“Will He Like Me?” – She Loves Me (expresses vulnerability and romantic anticipation)
“Far from the Home I Love” – Fiddler on the Roof (captures longing and introspection)

Jud Fry

“Stars” – Les Misérables (dark and intense, matching Jud’s brooding nature)
“Where is the Life That Late I Led?” – Kiss Me, Kate (showcases a conflicted, darker character)
“Ol’ Man River” – Show Boat (deep and reflective, capturing a somber tone)
“Epiphany” – Sweeney Todd (dark, dramatic, and intense, similar to Jud’s inner turmoil)
“C’est Moi” – Camelot (boasts confidence with an underlying darkness)
“If I Can’t Love Her” – Beauty and the Beast (emotional and intense, similar to Jud’s struggles)
“Where I Want to Be” – Chess (captures a sense of longing and darkness)

Aunt Eller Murphy

“I’m Still Here” – Follies (strong, reflective, and independent, like Aunt Eller)
“June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” – Carousel (upbeat and maternal energy)
“Climb Ev’ry Mountain” – The Sound of Music (encouraging, strong, and supportive)
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” – Carousel (offers wisdom and strength, similar to Aunt Eller’s role)
“Before the Parade Passes By” – Hello, Dolly! (optimistic and determined)
“Everything’s Coming Up Roses” – Gypsy (strong-willed and resilient)
“Fifty Percent” – Ballroom (captures maturity and depth of emotion)

Will Parker

“Kansas City” – State Fair (fun, upbeat, and similar in energy)
“Coffee Break” – How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (playful and comedic)
“The Other Side” – The Greatest Showman (energetic and fun, showing off Will’s charisma)
“I’ve Got the Sun in the Morning” – Annie Get Your Gun (upbeat and cheerful)
“All I Need is the Girl” – Gypsy (captures Will’s charm and dance skills)
“You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” – Annie (light-hearted and upbeat)
“Everybody Says Don’t” – Anyone Can Whistle (fun and carefree, matching Will’s spirit)

Ado Annie Carnes

“I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” – South Pacific (playful and independent)
“I Enjoy Being a Girl” – Flower Drum Song (flirtatious and bubbly)
“Adelaide’s Lament” – Guys and Dolls (comedic and flirtatious)
“I Cain’t Say No” – Crazy for You (captures a similar carefree, indecisive nature)
“The Girl I Mean to Be” – The Secret Garden (innocent but with a touch of humor)
“Always True to You in My Fashion” – Kiss Me, Kate (playful and a bit cheeky)
“Good Morning” – Singin’ in the Rain (light-hearted and playful)

Ali Hakim

“Brush Up Your Shakespeare” – Kiss Me, Kate (light-hearted, comedic, with a smooth charm)
“Master of the House” – Les Misérables (comedic and slightly roguish)
“Friendship” – Anything Goes (light, comedic, and shows Ali’s charm)
“Those Canaan Days” – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (upbeat, with a humorous edge)
“Me” – Beauty and the Beast (over-the-top and comical, similar to Ali’s personality)
“Be Prepared” – The Lion King (sly and cunning, with a comedic touch)
“The Room Where It Happens” – Hamilton (dynamic, with a playful and smooth vibe)

Gertie Cummings

“Adelaide’s Lament” – Guys and Dolls (giggly, comedic, and slightly annoying—perfect for Gertie’s bubbly character)
“Popular” – Wicked (light, playful, and self-centered, showing off a bubbly personality)
“I Feel Pretty” – West Side Story (high-spirited, girlish, and a bit over-the-top)
“I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” – South Pacific (lighthearted and flirtatious)
“I Love to Cry at Weddings” – Sweet Charity (quirky, humorous, and a bit brash)
“I Enjoy Being a Girl” – Flower Drum Song (upbeat and frivolous, reflecting Gertie’s flirtatious side)
“Always True to You in My Fashion” – Kiss Me, Kate (flirty, light-hearted, and a bit cheeky)

Andrew Carnes

“The Old Red Hills of Home” – Parade (shows strong convictions and traditional values)
“You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” – South Pacific (reflects protective and cautious attitudes)
“No More” – Into the Woods (captures the weight of responsibility and stern nature)
“Soliloquy” – Carousel (intense, with strong fatherly overtones)
“Fathers and Sons” – Working (reflects protective and paternal instincts)
“If I Were a Rich Man” – Fiddler on the Roof (a mix of humor and traditionalism, with an authoritative stance)
“Bring Him Home” – Les Misérables (showcases a deep, caring side and protectiveness)

Ike Skidmore

“June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” – Carousel (community-focused, warm, and friendly)
“Mister Snow” – Carousel (light, friendly, and community-driven)
“Standing on the Corner” – The Most Happy Fella (easy-going and jovial)
“There is Nothin’ Like a Dame” – South Pacific (upbeat, fun, and a bit boisterous)
“I’ve Come to Wive It Wealthily in Padua” – Kiss Me, Kate (light-hearted and fun-loving)
“Good Old Reliable Nathan” – Guys and Dolls (friendly and shows a community-minded attitude)
“S’Wonderful” – Funny Face (warm, cheerful, and engaging)

Cord Elam

“Ol’ Man River” – Show Boat (deep, reflective, and with an authoritative presence)
“Stars” – Les Misérables (lawful, serious, and stern)
“Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” – Cinderella (authoritative but gentle)
“On the Street Where You Live” – My Fair Lady (respectable and with a touch of formality)
“How to Handle a Woman” – Camelot (calm, reflective, with a thoughtful approach)
“This is the Moment” – Jekyll & Hyde (shows determination and assertiveness)
“Lean on Me” – Ain’t Misbehavin’ (supportive, with a protective tone)

Fred

“Kansas City” – State Fair (fun and lively, matching Fred’s cowboy nature)
“The Farmer and the Cowman” – State Fair (high energy, country style)
“I’ve Got Plenty of Nothin’” – Porgy and Bess (carefree and easy-going)
“Razzle Dazzle” – Chicago (showy and charismatic)
“All I Need is the Girl” – Gypsy (playful and charming)
“I Got the Sun in the Morning” – Annie Get Your Gun (cheerful, carefree)
“There is Nothin’ Like a Dame” – South Pacific (boisterous and upbeat)

Slim

“Standing on the Corner” – The Most Happy Fella (easy-going, with a touch of humor)
“There is Nothin’ Like a Dame” – South Pacific (light-hearted and lively)
“The Surrey with the Fringe on Top” – State Fair (fun, charming, and light)
“Brush Up Your Shakespeare” – Kiss Me, Kate (comedic and playful)
“Luck Be a Lady” – Guys and Dolls (smooth, charming, and confident)
“Put on a Happy Face” – Bye Bye Birdie (upbeat, light, and carefree)
“S’Wonderful” – Funny Face (upbeat and positive)

Auditioning for a musical like Oklahoma! is all about embodying the timeless qualities of its characters while making them your own. By choosing songs that complement the show’s iconic style but aren’t directly from it, you demonstrate both your understanding of the role and your creativity as a performer. Whether you’re belting out a romantic ballad or delivering a comedic number, these song choices will help you shine and resonate with the spirit of Oklahoma!—proving that you’re ready to step into the spotlight in this classic piece of American musical theater. Break a leg!