Male Audition Songs

tom<3avenueq · 11-02-2007, 10:57 PM

Question for songs, can you let me know if there over-used?

Up-Tempo
-Kansas City
-King Herold's Song
-Mistor Choir and Madame G

Ballad
-Love I hear
-On the Street
-Why
-Why God Why

Are these good options?

Thanks! I dont know US over-usage!

Tranquil · 11-02-2007, 11:20 PM

First, thanks to everyone on this site for all the wonderful and useful information you provide. It is extremely helpful to me as I shepherd my son through this process. I hope I can return the help at some point. My son is a baritone/bass and his coach has suggested songs from "Guys and Dolls." My son is concerned that this play is often done by high schools and therefore its songs might be overused in college auditions. Any thoughts?
Thank you.

CoachC · 11-03-2007, 12:44 AM

Almost all GUYS AND DOLLS songs are overdone, but some are wonderful choices in spite of this, depending on the singer's overall physical and acting type. It sounds from your post that both of you son's songs are from G&D? That's not advisable, if so - they should definitely be from 2 different shows.

Tranquil · 11-03-2007, 09:21 AM

Thanks, Coach. I'll pass your thoughts along.

onstage · 11-03-2007, 10:11 AM

tom<3: "On the Street Where You Live" is definitely on the overdone list -- not sure about the others. I'd be careful, however, with King Herod's song -- some colleges request that you stay away from ALW songs.

Alfieism · 11-03-2007, 04:36 PM

Mister Choi-- I love that song, mostly because of UrInTown on YouTube. Therefore, I don't think it has ever been "overdone" but I could actually see it become popular this year. But then again I'm not sure how many people are as addicted to YouTube as me.

On the Street I would shy away from and "why, god why" is another VERY popular audition song.

However, don't pay attention to any of this, really. I mean, I'd say go in with something you love, and better yet, are GREAT at.

srw · 11-03-2007, 04:39 PM

I know that G&D can be over done, although my S used a song from it and got accepted...? I think I read on this forum earlier that a guy who was auditioning was using On The Street for one of his songs and the 6 guys in front of him also used that song! Why God Why is a great song, so it is probably over used. But, like what is always said, unless is it on a "don't sing" list or is very hard to play and you can sing the heck out of it, go for it.

freedom_fri911 · 11-04-2007, 12:27 AM

Sometimes not only is a particular song overused in auditions, but auditors also sometimes frown upon particular shows as a whole, ie: Jekyll and Hyde, Guys and Dolls, Les Miserables, etc... And certain composers, ie: Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown, etc... (usually because the songs are hard for the accompanist to play.

Of course, you don't HAVE to abide by the rules. If you sing that song really well and you think that you can sing it better than the 4 guys in front of you singing the same song, use it to your advantage.

On average, though, I would say that Why (I'm assuming from The Last 5 Years) is moderately overdone. Why God Why is also on the overdone side as well as On The Street. Herold's song, again, is listed under the ALW category, so be wary about that. All of the others should be alright.

Just keep in mind: You're auditioning for a spot in "a four-year production". For your audition songs, ask yourself "as of right now, could I be cast in this role?" If the answer is No, then try another song/monologue, if it is Yes then use it!

onstage · 11-04-2007, 08:41 PM

OK -- I have to admit, I don't know of a song called "Why" from The Last Five Years. Could this song be from another show? Other than that, I agree with all of freedom's comments.

Just a side note -- if you insist on calling it "King Herold's" song you're going to get laughed out of the audition room!

BruceWayne5148 · 11-04-2007, 09:14 PM

Are you talking about "Why" from Tick, Tick...Boom? I don't think that is overdone...

freedom_fri911 · 11-04-2007, 10:28 PM

^ I meant that. For some reason I always get those 2 shows mixed up...

I'm not quite sure if that's overdone, I would bet it is though

Alfieism · 11-04-2007, 10:38 PM

If you guys are talking about "Louder than Words" than I would say it isn't overused, but if you were to use a song like that, I would highly suggest finding a more "classic" musical theatre piece to balance off your audition. Jonathan Larson is THE "rock musical" composer because of Rent, and I would say a general trend with schools now (and maybe musicals?) is to have a more trained, well-rounded singing/student.

If that made sense.

BruceWayne5148 · 11-04-2007, 10:56 PM

There is a song from Tick, Tick...Boom called "Why" that is different than "Louder than Words."

DramaStudentMax · 07-22-2012, 08:25 AM

Songs aren't overdone, if you keep bringing in songs that are too obscure you can't be judged as a performer and a singer properly as they will be thinking about the song or the pianist might find it tricky to play as some audition pianists aren't great.

Just make sure you pick contrasting ones (maybe one pre 1960 and a contemporary one)

For example "just one of those things" from CAN-CAN
And "I've been" from NEXT TO NORMAL. For example

Hope that helps

Max (from London drama school)

soozievt · 07-22-2012, 09:32 AM

^^^Max, you are responding to posts that are nearly five years old.