The Best Audition Songs for Waitress the Musical (By Character)

Auditioning for Waitress the Musical requires a keen understanding of its unique blend of pop, country, and folk influences, as well as the distinct personalities of its characters. From Jenna’s heartfelt resilience to Ogie’s quirky charm, each role offers performers the chance to showcase their range, emotion, and connection to real, relatable human experiences. Choosing the right audition song is key to capturing the essence of these beloved characters without using songs from the show itself. Below, you’ll find carefully curated song suggestions for each character that reflect the style and spirit of Waitress, drawing from similar musical influences and ensuring your audition shines.

Jenna Hunterson

1. “I Can Do Better Than That” – The Last Five Years (reflective, conversational, and captures Jenna’s longing for a better life)
2. “Used to Be Mine” – Sara Bareilles (outside of the musical, this captures Jenna’s reflective nature)
3. “A Way Back to Then” – [title of show] (nostalgic and personal, reflecting Jenna’s inner journey)
4. “Hands” – Jewel (gentle, introspective, and resonant with Jenna’s struggle)
5. “Not for the Life of Me” – Thoroughly Modern Millie (upbeat but captures the yearning for independence)
6. “Brave” – Sara Bareilles (empowering and stylistically fits Jenna’s voice)
7. “The Life I Never Led” – Sister Act (captures the sense of wanting more from life)

Dr. Jim Pomatter

1. “When I Was Your Man” – Bruno Mars (emotionally honest and fits Jim’s introspective nature)
2. “Falling Slowly” – Once (gentle, introspective, and resonates with Jim’s quieter, reflective side)
3. “Beautiful Mess” – Jason Mraz (captures the blend of charm and vulnerability)
4. “You Matter to Me” – Sara Bareilles (if not used in the show, fits Jim’s tender and sincere personality)
5. “Unwell” – Matchbox Twenty (captures Jim’s conflicting emotions in a more contemporary style)
6. “Half of My Heart” – John Mayer (shows Jim’s conflicted yet romantic side)
7. “Leave Your Lover” – Sam Smith (emotional and reflective, fitting Jim’s inner conflict)

Earl Hunterson

1. “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele (captures the intensity and roughness of Earl’s character)
2. “Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood (upbeat with a rebellious, angry tone fitting Earl’s persona)
3. “Renegade” – Styx (captures Earl’s rebellious, self-centered attitude)
4. “I Want It All” – We Will Rock You (bold and reflects Earl’s demanding nature)
5. “Hard to Handle” – The Black Crowes (captures Earl’s brash, self-assured attitude)
6. “Wanted Dead or Alive” – Bon Jovi (fits Earl’s rebellious, controlling persona)
7. “Jealous” – Labrinth (captures the possessive and troubled nature of Earl)

Dawn Louise Pinkett

1. “Christmas Lullaby” – Songs for a New World (captures Dawn’s innocent hopefulness and growth)
2. “Watch What Happens” – Newsies (captures Dawn’s quirky and optimistic nature)
3. “Not That Girl” – Wicked (fits Dawn’s initial shyness and insecurity)
4. “The Girl I Mean to Be” – The Secret Garden (hopeful and captures Dawn’s desire to be loved)
5. “Part of Your World” – The Little Mermaid (captures Dawn’s longing and sense of wonder)
6. “Pulled” – The Addams Family (playful, showing Dawn’s quirky transformation)
7. “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran (simple and sweet, fitting Dawn’s romantic and hopeful side)

Becky

1. “I’m a Woman” – LeAnn Rimes (bold, sassy, and matches Becky’s strong personality)
2. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin (empowering, capturing Becky’s assertive and confident side)
3. “Love You I Do” – Dreamgirls (upbeat, soulful, and captures Becky’s vibrant personality)
4. “Piece of My Heart” – Janis Joplin (captures Becky’s boldness and strength)
5. “One Night Only” – Dreamgirls (bold, powerful, and full of energy, fitting Becky’s style)
6. “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele (fits Becky’s powerful vocal style and no-nonsense attitude)
7. “Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson (upbeat and fits Becky’s assertiveness)

Ogie Herbert Eincorn

1. “The Time Warp” – The Rocky Horror Show (energetic, quirky, and fitting Ogie’s eccentricity)
2. “Go the Distance” – Hercules (earnest and captures Ogie’s enthusiasm and determination)
3. “I’m Not That Smart” – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (quirky, humorous, and fitting Ogie’s character)
4. “Hey, Soul Sister” – Train (light-hearted, upbeat, and fitting Ogie’s charm)
5. “I Wanna Be Like You” – The Jungle Book (playful, energetic, and fitting Ogie’s persistent charm)
6. “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves (upbeat and captures Ogie’s cheerful optimism)
7. “Geek in the Pink” – Jason Mraz (playful, quirky, and showcases Ogie’s unique personality)

Joe

1. “Time After Time” – Cyndi Lauper (gentle, reflective, and fits Joe’s nostalgic side)
2. “My Way” – Frank Sinatra (classic, reflective, fitting Joe’s self-assured yet reflective nature)
3. “Still Crazy After All These Years” – Paul Simon (captures Joe’s introspective and slightly weary outlook)
4. “You’ve Got a Friend” – James Taylor (gentle and caring, capturing Joe’s support for Jenna)
5. “Fire and Rain” – James Taylor (reflective, tender, and fits Joe’s wise persona)
6. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley (gentle, timeless, and reflects Joe’s sentimental side)
7. “Lean on Me” – Bill Withers (warm, supportive, and captures Joe’s caring nature)

Cal

1. “Hard to Be the Bard” – Something Rotten! (captures Cal’s slightly sarcastic and frustrated demeanor with humor)
2. “One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)” – Frank Sinatra (reflective and fits Cal’s world-weary, bartender vibe)
3. “One Last Shot” – Hamilton (captures a slightly gritty, determined attitude)
4. “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” – Jim Croce (captures a confident, slightly rough-around-the-edges style)
5. “Ring of Fire” – Johnny Cash (upbeat, country style that fits Cal’s no-nonsense character)
6. “Taking Care of Business” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive (reflects Cal’s straightforward, working-class nature)
7. “Beer for My Horses” – Toby Keith & Willie Nelson (captures a down-to-earth, straightforward vibe)

Nurse Norma

1. “Take Me or Leave Me” – Rent (sassy, assertive, and reflects Norma’s straightforward personality)
2. “Big Blonde and Beautiful” – Hairspray (bold, confident, and fitting Norma’s larger-than-life attitude)
3. “When You’re Good to Mama” – Chicago (sassy, assertive, with a touch of humor)
4. “Tell Me Something Good” – Rufus & Chaka Khan (bold, funky, with a touch of sass fitting Norma)
5. “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor (upbeat, empowering, capturing Norma’s confidence)
6. “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves” – Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin (assertive, fitting Norma’s take-charge attitude)
7. “Valerie” – Amy Winehouse (upbeat, bold, and matches Norma’s confident personality)

Francine Pomatter

1. “My Funny Valentine” – Rodgers & Hart (gentle, loving, and reflective of Francine’s caring nature)
2. “Someone Like You” – Adele (emotional, introspective, and fits Francine’s softer side)
3. “Not That Girl” – Wicked (captures the sense of unrequited love and introspection)
4. “Hopelessly Devoted to You” – Grease (reflects Francine’s loving and devoted nature)
5. “Natural Woman” – Aretha Franklin (captures Francine’s warm, loving persona)
6. “The Way I Am” – Ingrid Michaelson (simple, sweet, and captures Francine’s sincerity)
7. “Stay” – Rihanna (emotional and introspective, fitting Francine’s reflective side)

Lulu Hunterson

1. “Castle on a Cloud” – Les Misérables (gentle, innocent, capturing Lulu’s sweet nature)
2. “The Girl I Mean to Be” – The Secret Garden (captures innocence and a sense of wonder)
3. “Naughty” – Matilda (playful, showcasing a child’s sense of independence)
4. “When I Grow Up” – Matilda (hopeful and captures a child’s aspirations)
5. “Tomorrow” – Annie (classic, upbeat, and fitting for a young character)
6. “I Know Things Now” – Into the Woods (shows youthful wisdom and curiosity)
7. “Good Morning Baltimore” (Reprise) – Hairspray (short, sweet, and age-appropriate)

Selecting the perfect audition song is crucial for standing out in the audition room and embodying the characters of Waitress the Musical. By choosing songs that align with the show’s blend of pop, country, and folk tones, you can highlight your vocal abilities and connect deeply with the characters’ emotional journeys. Whether you’re channeling Jenna’s introspective strength, Dawn’s quirky optimism, or Joe’s sage wisdom, these song suggestions are designed to help you resonate with the heart of Waitress. Go into your audition with confidence, authenticity, and a song that truly speaks to the character you aim to portray. Break a leg!