My Top 7 favorite Musical Theater Pieces (that I have or will perform)

Keep in mind these are in no order I just really like these pieces. These pieces range from things I sang in high school when I was taking voice lessons to things that I am preparing for my voice recital. I also included things I really love about each piece, things found challenging about each piece and whether I would use them as an audition piece in the future. Why 7? Because ten was too many and five was not enough.

From my high schools production of HONK! I played Lowbutt the chicken and Penny the swan

1) Steps of the Palace from Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods

Who doesn’t love Sondheim!? His attention to detail is impeccable! Anyone who has put in the work to perform a Sondheim piece knows that the time and dedication is well worth it. It should 100% be a staple/goal for anyone pursing musical theater. As mentioned before, it does take time and determination to really nail all of his quirky intervals and fast paced text. This one would make a super impressive audition piece but making cuts would be extremely difficult.

2) In my Dreams from Anastasia

I have loved the movie since I was little now that there is a staged version, I am itching to play Anya. The piece is also very expressive and helps to really tell Anya’s story. The underlying accompaniment has a rolling feel that just continues to build and swell towards the end making it great for improving pacing through a piece. Because this piece is so new, and overshadowed by Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, I think if it suits the role you are auditioning for then it is a great piece for an audition.

3) Poor Wand’ring One from Pirates of Penzance ( I know it’s from an Operetta but I love it so here it is )

This piece is so fun! Mabel is such a ditzy girly character. It’s also extremely fun to play the flirty side of the character. I love the challenge that this piece provides with the short bouncy notes on the word “heart”. It totally challenged and helped me grow as a singer and this piece will always be special to me. I’m honestly not sure if this would be a good pick for a musical theater audition but I will keep you updated.

4) The Light in the Piazza from The Light in the Piazza

It’s a classic need I say more? Its expressive and impressive just like Sondheim. When done right it can be an absolute show stopper. But similarly, to Sondheim it comes with a reputation which means you really must sell the piece and use the best parts of your voice to their fullest. I wouldn’t use this for an audition particularly because it is so well known and occasionally overdone.

5) The Finer Things from Jane Eyre the musical

I love this because it is one of the lesser known pieces that I will have performed. The character, Blanche Ingram, is also atypical from my voice type which makes the piece a fun challenge. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it. Usually the Soprano sings the “princess” roles. Blanche is far from a princess she is a queen and antagonist and really believes that she is the finest thing this world has to offer. This would be a great audition piece if you have the right cut and it is not one that people will have heard a million times.

6) Pulled from The Adams Family

This song is great because of the wide range of acting that is required. Wednesday Adams describes being “pulled in a new direction” by love. It starts off moody and closed off but gradually shifts. Wednesdays Adams goes through every emotion possible for teenage girl in love in just one song. This song was challenging for me because of the gradual build and making sure I had enough left to finish strong and really have the song reach its peak. This would be a great audition piece for any musical that has a similar style or character.

7) It Might as Well be Spring from Carousel

This song is adorable! I have a special place in my heart because this is the first piece I ever performed in college and it was a very memorable experience. The song is very upbeat and repetitive making it easy to learn and memorize the test. The possible challenges in this piece are the occasional weird intervals and the repeated melody with different text. I have never considered using this for an audition for a show but I think it is well worth considering especially for younger singers.

Honorable Mentions

The Simple Joys of Maidenhood from Camelot

Show Me from My Fair Lady

I would love to hear from you guys please comment below your favorite musical theater pieces you have sang!!!