39 Best Musical Theater Audition Songs For Baritones
Contents
14. “This Nearly Was Mine” from South Pacific
Song Year: 1949
Another South Pacific song sung by Emile, “This Nearly Was Mine” is a sad song full of heartbreak. This maybe isn’t the best choice if you’re auditioning for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, but for a heavier show, the emotional requirements of this song can take you far in the audition process.
15. “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story
Song Year: 1957
Tony, excited about the future, is full of anticipation. Like our other West Side Story entry, this one requires some high notes, since the role of Tony isn’t written for a baritone. Still, it’s a great audition song— it’s well-known, it gives the actor a chance to sing the stars down, and it gives the singer the chance to act in addition to just belting out notes.
16. “I Don’t Remember Christmas” from Starting Here, Starting Now
Song Year: 1977
The musical revue Starting Here, Starting Now gives us “I Don’t Remember Christmas,” sung by an amnesiac man trying to piece together his past and regain his memories. A baritone can portray vulnerability and confusion with this one.
An upside to this one is its relative obscurity. It’s not a complete unknown, but there’s a good chance you’ll be the only person at a given audition singing this one.
17. “Corner of the Sky” from Pippin
Song Year: 1972
Pippin tells the story of a young prince searching for meaning and purpose in his life. Pippin sings “Corner of the Sky” as he dreams of learning his place in the world. This is a good audition choice for a baritone because it lets the actor show optimism and hope.
Be prepared for some higher notes with this one. Got them? Great. Don’t? Choose a different song.
18. “My Funny Valentine” from Babes in Arms
Song Year: 1937
“My Funny Valentine” is that rare Broadway song that came into its own apart from the show and is now a standard in the American songbook.
Just about any singer will benefit from knowing this song, even if they have no intention of doing theater. Sing this at a nightclub gig to score some points, or at any other singing job you book.
In an audition, put on an air of romance (convincingly, since you’re an actor) and dig into the emotional lyrics. Babes in Arms isn’t performed often these days, but this song is a classic.
19. “I Believe” from The Book of Mormon
Song Year: 2011
The Book of Mormon comes from the guys who gave the world South Park. Keep that in mind— songs from this show won’t go over well if you’re auditioning for your church’s summer musical production of Meet Me in St. Louis.
Other than that, though, Elder Price sings this song about his faith in a song from a rather profane show. Bring big energy and enthusiasm to a performance of this song.
20. “Why God Why?” from Miss Saigon
Song Year: 1989
The Vietnam War was a difficult chapter in American history, and Miss Saigon, set during that conflict, is fraught with heartache that reflects the zeitgeist of the era. American soldier Chris, in love with a Vietnamese woman named Kim, sings “Why God Why?” as he’s wracked with emotional turmoil and conflicted feelings.
Acting are necessary for baritones choosing this one. There’s genuine pain in Chris’ delivery.
21. “Once in Love with Amy” from Where's Charley?
Song Year: 1948
Where’s Charley? doesn’t get its due very often. It’s based on a 19th-century play (Charley’s Aunt, by Brandon Thomas), and both the play and the musical are riotously funny farces.
So a song from Where’s Charley?— in this case, “Once in Love with Amy”— requires comedic acting ability and great comic timing. You’ll be telling a story through song, so know more than just the lyrics.
22. “Luck Be a Lady” from Guys and Dolls
Song Year: 1950
Guys and Dolls is one of those shows people love very much or really despise. Either way, it’s got something to evoke such strong feelings.
It’s a piece of musical theater history whether you like the show or think it belongs only on high school stages. “Luck Be A Lady” has found a place in the repertoire of crooners outside musical theater, so you’ll be singing a popular song. Bring your swagger to this one.
23. “Where Is the Life That Late I Led?” from Kiss Me, Kate
Song Year: 1948
Count on Cole Porter for clever lyrics, wordplay, and smart, smart songs (and lots of lyrics to remember). Fred sings “Where Is the Life That Late I Led?” as a fun and lively song that shows off his larger-than-life personality and love of adventure.
It’s a great choice for a baritone who can handle its fast-paced lyrics and high energy.
24. “Mack the Knife” from The Threepenny Opera
Song Year: 1928
Frank Sinatra and others made “Mack the Knife” a hit, introducing to droves of people who have never heard of The Threepenny Opera. So it’s a familiar piece, which makes it perhaps easier to learn, but also may complicate your ability to perform it memorably at an audition.
But, if you can nail the song’s very dark undertones and balance Macheath's charm with his darker, more menacing side, you might walk away with the role you’re auditioning for.
25. “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from Guys and Dolls
Song Year: 1950
Guys and Dolls spawns another audition choice because the show is a ubiquitous classic. So is “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Nicely-Nicely sings this showstopper, and a talented actor must bring personality to this song.
26. “The Lady Is a Tramp” from Babes in Arms
Song Year: 1937
It may seem like many songs on this list have become hits outside of the theater world, but the percentage of those songs remains small. Still, “The Lady Is a Tramp” is another song that most people in the audition room already know.
That can be good or bad, depending on lots of factors. It’s a playful song that can let an actor show confidence in his audition.