The Best Audition Songs for Pippin (By Character)

Auditioning for Pippin provides a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of characters, each with their own distinct personality, style, and musical demands. Whether you’re stepping into the shoes of the introspective Pippin, the charismatic Leading Player, or the spirited Berthe, selecting the perfect audition song is essential to showcase your talent and understanding of the role. To stand out, it’s important to choose songs that capture the essence of the character without pulling directly from the musical itself. Below, you’ll find tailored song suggestions from Godspell, other Stephen Schwartz works, and similar shows that will help you embody these vibrant roles and impress the casting team.

Pippin

1. “All Good Gifts” – Godspell (reflects gratitude and a search for purpose)
2. “Beautiful City” – Godspell (expresses hope and a desire to make a positive impact)
3. “Lost in the Wilderness” – Children of Eden (captures the search for one’s path and purpose)
4. “Stranger to the Rain” – Children of Eden (reflects resilience and introspection)
5. “Out There” – The Hunchback of Notre Dame (expresses a longing for freedom and adventure)
6. “Wondering” – The Baker’s Wife (yearning for something more, fitting Pippin’s reflective nature)
7. “Dancing Through Life” – Wicked (carefree and questioning, similar to Pippin’s early mindset)

Leading Player

1. “Turn Back, O Man” – Godspell (charismatic, commanding, and with a playful edge)
2. “Simple Joys” – Godspell (enticing, energetic, and captures the Leading Player’s showmanship)
3. “Magic to Do” – Godspell (dynamic, engaging, similar vibe without being from Pippin)
4. “Popular” – Wicked (showcases charisma and command over the stage)
5. “No Good Deed” – Wicked (dramatic and powerful, with a touch of manipulation)
6. “Le Jazz Hot” – Victor/Victoria (flamboyant and dynamic)
7. “Razzle Dazzle” – Chicago (entertaining with an edge of control and manipulation)

Catherine

1. “Day by Day” – Godspell (gentle, sincere, and hopeful)
2. “By My Side” – Godspell (reflects loyalty and tenderness, fitting Catherine’s role)
3. “Meadowlark” – The Baker’s Wife (storytelling, hopeful, and yearning)
4. “As Long as He Needs Me” – Oliver! (shows deep emotional commitment and vulnerability)
5. “With You” – Ghost: The Musical (expresses love and longing)
6. “The Light in the Piazza” – The Light in the Piazza (captures Catherine’s optimism and emotion)
7. “In My Own Little Corner” – Cinderella (captures innocence and self-reflection)

Charlemagne (Charles)

1. “No Matter What” – Whistle Down the Wind (shows fatherly concern and authority)
2. “Reviewing the Situation” – Oliver! (humorous and reflective, showcasing wisdom and wit)
3. “I, Don Quixote” – Man of La Mancha (grand and self-assured)
4. “Stars” – Les Misérables (strong, authoritative presence)
5. “If I Were a Rich Man” – Fiddler on the Roof (authoritative with a comedic edge)
6. “Impossible Dream” – Man of La Mancha (captures Charles’s idealism)
7. “How to Handle a Woman” – Camelot (reflects a more thoughtful and tender side)

Fastrada

1. “Turn Back, O Man” – Godspell (seductive and manipulative, with flair)
2. “When You’re Good to Mama” – Chicago (captures a cunning, confident personality)
3. “Popular” – Wicked (playful and charismatic, with a manipulative edge)
4. “Always True to You in My Fashion” – Kiss Me, Kate (flirtatious and clever)
5. “Mein Herr” – Cabaret (seductive and commanding)
6. “Life of the Party” – The Wild Party (bold, entertaining, and dynamic)
7. “Roxie” – Chicago (playful, with a sense of ambition and self-promotion)

Berthe

1. “It’s Never Too Late” – The Boy from Oz (upbeat, with a message of seizing life)
2. “I’m Still Here” – Follies (reflects resilience, wit, and a life well-lived)
3. “No Time at All” – Godspell (joyful and encouraging others to live life fully)
4. “Broadway Baby” – Follies (captures a spunky, optimistic attitude)
5. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” – Funny Girl (bold, commanding, and full of life)
6. “Gooch’s Song” – Mame (comedic, lively, and full of personality)
7. “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” – Gypsy (showcases a playful, experienced attitude)

Lewis

1. “Gaston” – Beauty and the Beast (boastful, strong, and comedic)
2. “Agony” – Into the Woods (dramatic, over-the-top, and humorous)
3. “Greased Lightnin’” – Grease (high-energy and showcases bravado)
4. “C’est Moi” – Camelot (boastful and showcases a sense of pride)
5. “I Can Do That” – A Chorus Line (upbeat and energetic, showcasing physicality)
6. “Be Prepared” – The Lion King (commanding and slightly villainous)
7. “I Am Aldolpho” – The Drowsy Chaperone (over-the-top and humorous)

Theo

1. “Where is Love?” – Oliver! (sweet and innocent, capturing Theo’s vulnerability)
2. “Gary, Indiana” – The Music Man (playful, light, and showcases a youthful character)
3. “Castle on a Cloud” – Les Misérables (reflective, gentle, and hopeful)
4. “The Girl I Mean to Be” – The Secret Garden (captures innocence and a sense of wonder)
5. “I Know Things Now” – Into the Woods (youthful with a sense of learning and growth)
6. “When I Grow Up” – Matilda (hopeful and captures youthful aspirations)
7. “Little People” – Les Misérables (cheeky and shows resilience)

Choosing the right audition song can make all the difference in showcasing your potential to play one of the iconic roles in Pippin. By selecting songs that align with the musical style and character traits of the show, but come from other works, you’ll demonstrate both your versatility and your deep understanding of the character you’re aiming to portray. Whether you’re highlighting Pippin’s search for meaning, the Leading Player’s magnetic presence, or Berthe’s zest for life, these song suggestions will help you deliver a memorable and impactful audition. Break a leg, and let your unique talents shine on stage!