29 Best Musical Theatre Audition Songs For Sopranos

“Pulled” by Krysta Rodriguez

Song Year: 2010

If you prefer songs with a faster tempo and comedic tone over slower romantic ones, “Pulled” from The Addams Family is a contemporary tune that’s worth performing. It explores Wednesday Addams’ romantic feelings for a guy, nervous that his lifestyle will conflict with her family's. The vocals are expressive and comedically light-hearted.

“Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” by Sarah Brightman

Song Year: 1986

As one of the most iconic musicals of all time, Phantom of the Opera has plenty of instantly recognizable pieces. However, “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” offers something a little different for an audition, as it doesn’t have the same profile as signature tunes like “The Phantom of the Opera” or the “The Music of the Night.”

The song has a slow and melancholy tone that becomes triumphant and hopeful near the end. Christine Daaé, the singer of this number, visits her father's grave, expressing how she wishes he was with her to guide her. She realizes she can’t move forward if she dwells on the past.

“So In Love” by Patricia Morison

Song Year: 1949

“So In Love” from Kiss Me, Kate is another with the kind of love-centric themes often found in musicals, but this one has hints of dramatic irony. Its lyrics reveal how Lilli Vanessi still loves her ex-husband, Fred Graham, believing he sent her a bouquet, unaware it's for another actress he fancies.

The slower tempo and gradual build-up from low-range to high-range notes encourage singers to flex their vocal skills with this classic music number.

“Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye” by Laura Osnes

Song Year: 2011

Heartbreaking songs during a musical’s second act typically emphasize rising stakes, and “Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye” from Anything Goes is a perfect example of that. In this number, Hope Harcourt sings about how her chances of love have fallen after Billy Crocker gets arrested. The song has a consistent, subdued, and solemn tone and a slow tempo.

“When There’s No One” by Marin Mazzie

Song Year: 2012

“When There’s No One” from Carrie has an unconventional tragic kick that makes it stand out from other ballads. Sung during the show’s second act, Margaret White contemplates killing Carrie, her daughter, believing it will save her. Despite its dark context, the dynamic lyrics perfectly capture the character’s internal struggles.

“A Call from the Vatican” by Anita Morris

Song Year: 1982

Originating from the musical Nine, “A Call from the Vatican” is a song overflowing with confident and flirtatious energy. Its lyrics depict Carla Albanese, mistress of Guido Contini, calling him to show how much she wants all – all while he talks to his wife. The song starts out slow yet sultry before transitioning to flexible sections suitable for dynamic belting.

“Many a New Day” by Joan Roberts

Song Year: 1943

The lyrics for this uptempo classic from Oklahoma! are simple yet effective, making it easy to memorize. It has a comfortable higher range that singers can reach without sounding too operatic.

“Many a New Day” describes Laury denying that she isn't upset about Curly dating someone else, although she does feel sad about it. Instead of opening up, she uses her confidence in moving on as a mask for her true feelings.

“Look at All the People” by Christiane Noll

Song Year: 2012

This opening number from Chaplin: The Musical is as passionate as it is heartwarming. In this light-hearted song, Hannah Chaplin tells her son, a young Charlie Chaplin, that everyone has more than one side to them, acting one way to hide their true nature, emphasizing her empathetic and motherly traits.

“If I Were A Bell” by Isabel Bigley

Song Year: 1950

“If I Were A Bell” from Guys and Dolls is a classic uptempo tune best suited for singers looking for something in their range that lets them flex their comedic side and belting abilities. During this song, Sister Sarah Brown, while drunk, expresses how happy she feels about Sky Masterson, comparing her joy to several things after growing close to him.

“This Is All Very New To Me” by Barbara Cook

Song Year: 1955

Like many classic soprano ballads, “This Is All Very New To Me” from Plain and Fancy starts soft and isolated before building gradually. The lyrics describe young Amish woman Hilda Miller experiencing romantic feelings for the first time, a staple in musical theatre. Tone-wise, it’s charming and whimsical.