The 12 Best Audition Songs From 1950s Musicals
If you are looking for the perfect song to sing for an upcoming audition or if you are building your audition book for future efforts, you should definitely consider a song from the musical theater of the 1950s, known as “The Golden Age.”
Why the 1950s Musical is Classic
A song from this period of American musical theater is often required by casting directors, as the style showcases the “legit” singing style that requires an even vibrato and smooth transitions. It also includes the resonance, projection, freedom, and flexibility found in classical singing. These songs also necessitate a connection with the character and the ability to emote while maintaining proper vocal control.
How to Build Your Audition Book
If you are preparing for a specific audition, be sure to read the audition details carefully for specifications of specific songs or song types. If you are building your audition book, focus on establishing a long-term repertoire of songs you can perform exceedingly well. Include a variety of genres, styles, and time periods to enable you to show your versatility. Including a song from The Golden Age is the perfect way to demonstrate your ability to nail the classical style that made musical theater popular.
The Best 50s Audition Songs
There are numerous musicals from the 1950s that broke records and maintain popularity even to this day. The musical theater dynamic duo of Rodgers and Hammerstein started their incredible run of hits in the 1940s, but experienced their heyday in the 1950s. Lerner and Loew also collaborated on multiple hits during this time period, and other big names like Bernstein, Laurents, and Sondheim added their brand of spectacular to the stage. Here are some of the best choices from that period to add to your audition book, categorized by vocal category.
Best Songs From 50s Musicals For Altos
These songs are optimal for a vocal range from a G3 to E5.
“I’m Not At All In Love“
This song is from the 1954 Broadway production The Pajama Game with music and lyrics from George Abbot and Richard Bissell. The song was made popular by Doris Day in the musical’s 1957 film version.
“Hello Young Lovers“
You need a song from Rodgers and Hammerstein, and this gem from The King and I is not overdone.
Best Songs From 50s Musicals For Basses
These songs sit squarely in the E2 to C4 range.
“My Time of Day“
This song by Frank Loesser is from the 1950 award-winning Guys and Dolls showcases strong vocal range and allows for character interpretation.
“Some Enchanted Evening“
This is a classic from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterpiece South Pacific. Although it technically premiered in 1949, its long run places it with Golden Age musicals of the 1950s.
Best Songs From 50s Musicals For Mezzos
If your voice falls in the A3-F5 range, these choices are for you.
“Little Lamb“
From the 1959 Broadway production Gypsy, this is a great choice by Styne and Sondheim.
“Love, Look Away“
This song is a great choice from the 1958 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song.
Best Songs From 50s Musicals For Baritones
These song choices are perfect for vocal ranges from G2 to E4.
“I Met a Girl“
From the 1956 musical Bells Are Ringing, this song with lyrics by Dean Martin is perfect to infuse some comedy in your audition.
“The Man I Used to Be“
To include the requisite Rodgers and Hammerstein piece, this song from the 1955 Pipe Dream fits the bill.
Best Songs From 50s Musicals For Sopranos
These choices fit vocal ranges between C4 and A5.
“A Little Bit in Love“
This song with music and lyrics by Bernstein, Comden and Green is from the 1953 musical comedy Wonderful Town.
“No Other Love“
From the 1953 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Me and Juliet, this appropriate choice is based on a woman practicing for an audition.
Best Songs From 50s Musicals For Tenors
These songs are great choices for tenors in the range between B2 and G4.
“All I Need is the Girl“
This song is a great choice from the 1959 musical Gypsy with music and lyrics by Styne and Sondheim.
“Like a God“
A great choice from Rodgers and Hammerstein, this song is from the 1958 musical Flower Drum Song.
Songs to Avoid in Creating Your Audition Book
Just as there are great songs to choose for an audition, there are songs to avoid. Here are some rules of thumb when building your audition book.
Avoid Inappropriate Songs
This may go without saying, but avoid songs with excess profanity or sexual innuendo, unless the director asks for it or it matches the one of the musical. Also, avoid choices that place you on a pedestal or say “Look at me!”
Avoid Overdone Songs
Put yourself in the shoes of a casting director for an upcoming show. Imagine hearing the same song performed over and over again, all day long, and imagine the reaction you have to the next performer as the opening notes of that song play yet again. One of the worst things you can do when you audition is to perform an overdone song.
Avoid Signature Songs
No one wants their voice to be compared to a vocal icon. When you choose certain songs, the listener’s ear automatically tunes to the original, which you are unlikely to live up to. Avoid signature songs that don’t allow you to make them your own.
Avoid Songs You Don’t Understand
Nailing a song includes connecting to the lyrics and conveying the emotion. To do this, you have to understand the song first. Do some homework when choosing your songs and avoid any pieces where you don’t connect to the meaning, background, character, story, or history.
Whether you’re just here to appreciate the history of musical theater or are wanting to learn some new audition songs, we hope this is a great starting point for your musical journey.
Published on November 7, 2022