The Best Audition Songs for The Music Man (By Character)

Are you gearing up to audition for the timeless classic “The Music Man”? From Harold Hill’s smooth-talking charm to Marian Paroo’s insightful grace, there’s lots of fun characters in this show. So, we’ll explore an array of song choices for each character that resonates with their spirit! Let’s dive in and discover the melodies that will help you march into the hearts of your audience and directors alike! Get ready to find the best audition songs for the Music Man!

The Best Audition Songs for The Music Man

Harold Hill

1. “Luck Be a Lady” from “Guys and Dolls” – Captures Harold’s charm and smooth-talking nature.
2. “I’ve Got the World on a String” by Frank Sinatra – Reflects his confident and charismatic personality.
3. “Razzle Dazzle” from “Chicago” – Perfect for Harold’s flair for deception and showmanship.
4. “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from “Guys and Dolls” – Showcases his ability to command a crowd.
5. “Buddy’s Blues” from “Follies” – A comedic number that allows for a showy, confident performance.

Marian Paroo

1. “Someone to Watch Over Me” from “Oh, Kay!” – Reflects Marian’s romantic side and desire for love.
2. “I Could Have Danced All Night” from “My Fair Lady” – Captures her joy and transformation.
3. “Astonishing” from “Little Women” – Suits Marian’s strong-willed and independent character.
4. “Vanilla Ice Cream” from “She Loves Me” – Highlights her charming and whimsical nature.
5. “In My Life” from “Les Misérables” – A softer, romantic song that showcases vocal purity.

Mrs. Paroo

1. “Everything’s Coming up Roses” from “Gypsy” – For a strong, matriarchal character.
2. “He Plays the Violin” from “1776” – Captures her caring and supportive nature.
3. “By the Sea” from “Sweeney Todd” – A lighthearted, character-driven song.
4. “As Long As He Needs Me” from “Oliver!” – Reflects her devotion and maternal instincts.
5. “Send in the Clowns” from “A Little Night Music” – For a more reflective and emotional portrayal.

Winthrop Paroo

1. “Where is Love?” from “Oliver!” – Captures his innocence and longing.
2. “Electricity” from “Billy Elliot” – Reflects his youthful passion and discovery.
3. “Gary, Indiana” from “The Music Man” – A perfect fit if permitted, capturing Winthrop’s enthusiasm.
4. “When I Grow Up” from “Matilda The Musical” – Highlights his hopes and dreams.
5. “Consider Yourself” from “Oliver!” – A cheerful, upbeat song fitting for a younger character.

Mayor George Shinn

1. “Mr. Cellophane” from “Chicago” – Reflects his often comical and overlooked nature.
2. “The Very Next Man” from “Fiorello!” – A humorous take on a pompous character.
3. “Edelweiss” from “The Sound of Music” – For a softer, more dignified portrayal.
4. “If I Were a Rich Man” from “Fiddler on the Roof” – Showcases his comedic side and delusions of grandeur.
5. “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” from “Annie” – For a more light-hearted, comedic approach.

Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn

1. “Little Lamb” from “Gypsy” – Reflects her dramatic and sometimes comical nature.
2. “The Ladies Who Lunch” from “Company” – A sophisticated, slightly sardonic number.
3. “Diva’s Lament (Whatever Happened to My Part?)” from “Spamalot” – Perfect for a character with a flair for the dramatic.
4. “Miss Baltimore Crabs” from “Hairspray” – Showcases her sense of superiority and theatricality.
5. “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from “The Little Mermaid” – For a more villainous, comical portrayal.

Marcellus Washburn

1. “Friend Like Me” from “Aladdin” – Captures his lively, friendly character.
2. “With a Little Bit of Luck” from “My Fair Lady” – A fun and upbeat song reflecting his easy-going nature.
3. “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” from “Kiss Me, Kate” – A comedic number fitting for Marcellus’s personality.
4. “Consider Yourself” from “Oliver!” – Emphasizes his welcoming and sociable traits.
5. “Hakuna Matata” from “The Lion King” – Reflects his carefree attitude and sense of humor.

Charlie Cowell

1. “Stars” from “Les Misérables” – A serious, intense song fitting for his more antagonistic role.
2. “Javert’s Suicide” from “Les Misérables” – For a dramatic portrayal of his frustration and determination.
3. “The Kite (Charlie Brown’s Kite)” from “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” – For a lighter, character-driven choice.
4. “This World Will Remember Me” from “Bonnie & Clyde” – Showcases his ambition and cunning nature.
5. “Master of the House” from “Les Misérables” – A comical yet scheming character song.

Amaryllis

1. “Castle on a Cloud” from “Les Misérables” – Suitable for her innocence and youth.
2. “Maybe” from “Annie” – Reflects her hopeful, dreamy nature.
3. “I Know Things Now” from “Into the Woods” – For a young character experiencing growth.
4. “Quiet” from “Matilda The Musical” – Captures a sense of introspection and wonder.
5. “Tomorrow” from “Annie” – An optimistic, iconic song for a child character.

Tommy Djilas

1. “Giants in the Sky” from “Into the Woods” – Perfect for a young, adventurous character.
2. “Go the Distance” from “Hercules” – Reflects his aspiration and journey.
3. “Dancing Through Life” from “Wicked” – Captures his carefree, youthful spirit.
4. “Lost in the Wilderness” from “Children of Eden” – Emphasizes a longing for something more.
5. “Santa Fe” from “Newsies” – A song about dreams and seeking a better life.

Zaneeta Shinn

1. “Good Morning Baltimore” from “Hairspray” – Reflects her youthful enthusiasm.
2. “Matchmaker” from “Fiddler on the Roof” – For a playful, youthful character.
3. “I Feel Pretty” from “West Side Story” – Captures her innocence and joy.
4. “Popular” from “Wicked” – Perfect for her perky, social character.
5. “A Lovely Night” from “Cinderella” – A romantic, lighthearted song fitting her character.

Barbershop Quartet (Olin Britt, Oliver Hix, Ewart Dunlop, Jacey Squires)

1. “Hello, Mary Lou” by Ricky Nelson – A classic barbershop quartet song, great for showcasing harmonies.
2. “Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight” by The Spaniels – Another excellent choice for harmony and blending.
3. “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra – While not a traditional quartet song, it can be adapted for a group to showcase style and charm.
4. “In the Still of the Night” by The Five Satins – A doo-wop song that would allow for vocal harmonies.
5. “It’s All Right” from “The Kids Are Alright” (Barbershop Quartet) – A modern twist on the barbershop style, suitable for a contemporary group.

Lulu Warnicker

1. “Send in the Clowns” from “A Little Night Music” – Reflects her maturity and sense of introspection.
2. “Just You Wait” from “My Fair Lady” – For a character-driven, slightly comedic performance.
3. “Ladies Who Lunch” from “Company” – A sophisticated song that can be interpreted in a more humorous way.
4. “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” from “Show Boat” – Showcases depth and emotional resonance.
5. “Someone to Watch Over Me” from “Oh, Kay!” – A beautiful, classic song fitting for an older character.

Wes Warnicker

1. “If I Were a Rich Man” from “Fiddler on the Roof” – A characterful song that suits a fatherly figure.
2. “Edelweiss” from “The Sound of Music” – A gentle, reflective song suitable for an older character.
3. “Try to Remember” from “The Fantasticks” – Captures nostalgia and wisdom.
4. “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from “Les Misérables” – For a more dramatic and emotional performance.
5. “Sunrise, Sunset” from “Fiddler on the Roof” – Reflects on the passage of time and familial relationships.

Coach Dunbar

1. “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” from “Annie” – A light-hearted, upbeat song.
2. “The Impossible Dream” from “Man of La Mancha” – Ideal for an authoritative yet inspirational figure.
3. “I’ve Gotta Be Me” by Sammy Davis Jr. – A song that emphasizes individuality and character.
4. “Heart” from “Damn Yankees” – Perfect for a coach or mentor figure.
5. “Put on a Happy Face” from “Bye Bye Birdie” – A cheerful, uplifting number.

And there we have it – a repertoire as diverse and vibrant as the citizens of River City! 🌟🎼 Choosing your audition piece is more than just picking a song; it’s about embodying a character, telling their story, and connecting with your audience. As you prepare to bring the enchanting world of “The Music Man” to life, remember to infuse each note with your unique interpretation and charisma. Let your performance reflect not just the character’s journey, but also your passion and flair for the stage. Break a leg, and may your audition be as memorable and engaging as a parade down Main Street in River City! 🎺🚂

Photo by Alena Jarrett on Unsplash