The Best Audition Songs for 1776 – by Character

Do you have an upcoming audition for 1776? Well unless you have specifically been asked to sing a song from the show that you’re auditioning for, it’s generally best not to. That said, you should still show off similar vocals and personality. So here’s our list of audition songs for 1776, broken down by character.

Since 1776 is a post-golden age musical, most the following songs are from the 1950s-1970s as well. In addition, there are lots of classic musical theatre and light country vibes below in order to match the style of the show.

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Step 1: Read your audition details

Please read your audition details carefully, as they sometimes specify the type of song they’d like to hear (a ballad, something uptempo, etc.). Make sure to select a song that’s appropriate for your specific casting call.

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Step 2: Get to know the show

In casting calls, they often ask for you to be “familiar with the show”. And even if it’s not requested, it’s generally assumed. One way to do this is to read through the synopsis or libretto for 1776➝ while listening to the 1776 cast album➝.

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Step 3: Pick an audition song

Next, based on your personality and vocal type, decide whether you’d like to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Just keep in mind that if you audition for a specific character, you still might not be chosen for that particular role.

There’s usually a spot on the audition form asking if you are open to being in the ensemble or accepting a different role. I would suggest ticking that box and taking whatever you are offered. Every role is important, and you will earn valuable experience in a show.

And on that same note, even if you audition for the ensemble (rather than a specific character), there’s always a chance of being cast in a leading or supporting role!

To summarize, keep an open mind and try not to take the process too seriously. And when you’re ready, choose the song that you feel most comfortable with from the list below.

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Abigail Adams

“Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor” – Miss Liberty

“Is It Really Me?” – 110 in the Shade

“Mira” – Carnival!

“Something You Never Had Before” – The Gay Life

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John Adams

“I Promise You a Happy Ending” – Mack & Mabel

“In My Own Lifetime” – The Rothschilds

“Let’s Not Waste a Moment” – Milk and Honey

“This Is a Great Country” – Mr. President

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Ensemble (Altos)

“Being Good Isn’t Good Enough” – Hallelujah, Baby!

“Doatsy Mae” – The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

“Ladies” – Destry Rides Again

“What is a Woman?” – I Do! I Do!

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Ensemble (Baritones)

“Come Back to Me” – On a Clear Day You Can See Forever

“Dulcinea” – Man of La Mancha

“Marianne” – The Grand Tour

“Words He Doesn’t Say” – Romance/Romance

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Ensemble (Basses)

“Big Fish, Little Fish” – Purlie

“I Love My Wife” – I Do! I Do!

“If I Have to Live Alone” – The Baker’s Wife

“The Sidestep” – The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

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Ensemble (Contras)

“Before I Kiss the World Goodbye” – Jennie

“Chanson” – The Baker’s Wife

“I Don’t Want to Know” – Dear World

“Kiss Her Now” – Dear World

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Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!

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Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)

“I Belong Here” – The Grand Tour

“The Earth and Other Minor Things” – Gigi

“The Secret Service” – Mr. President

“What Makes Me Love Him?” – The Apple Tree

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Ensemble (Sopranos)

“Love, Don’t Turn Away” – 110 in the Shade

“Repent” – On the Twentieth Century

“Simple Little Things” – 110 in the Shade

“Yes, My Heart” – Carnival!

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Ensemble (Tenors)

“I Will Follow You” – Milk and Honey

“The Only Home I Know” – Shenandoah

“Too Many Tomorrows” – Sweet Charity

“Wondrin’” – Anne of Green Gables

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Step 4: Select a monologue

If requested, here are a few audition monologues for 1776:

• “Goin’ North” in Audition Arsenal for Men in Their 20s➝

• “Little Victories” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝

• “Nasty Scoundrels” from The Fourteenth of July➝

• “Something Like This” from Call of the Revolution➝

• “Wilderness of Mirrors” in Audition Arsenal for Men in Their 20s➝

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Final Step: Prepare for your audition

After collecting your materials and getting familiar with the show, it’s time to move forward with the actual preparation. If you’re in need of some guidance on this step, you can always go through this FREE audition prep checklist!

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Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!

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1776 Song List

Here’s a list of the musical numbers in 1776, along with which characters sing in each of them. Unless you have been asked to, do not choose from the below songs for your audition! The following is more intended to be used for character research purposes.

* That said, if you’ve specifically been asked to sing a song from the show, you can find the sheet music for the best possible audition songs below.

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Act 1:

“Sit Down, John” – Adams, Ensemble

“Piddle, Twiddle and Resolve” – Adams

“Till Then” – Adams, Abigail

“The Lees of Old Virginia” – Lee, Franklin, Adams

“But, Mr. Adams” – Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Ensemble

“Yours, Yours, Yours” – Adams, Abigail

“He Plays the Violin” – Martha, Franklin, Adams

“Cool, Cool, Considerate Men” – Dickinson, Ensemble

“Mama, Look Sharp” – Courier, Ensemble

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Act 2:

“The Egg” – Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Ensemble

“Molasses to Rum” – Rutledge

“Compliments” – Abigail

“Is Anybody There?” – Adams, Thomson

“Finale” – Company

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Which of these audition songs for 1776 did you choose?

And what role are you auditioning for? We would love to hear all about it in the comments! And in the meantime, you can check out our database of best audition songs for other musicals.

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Need extra help? Just go through this free audition prep checklist!

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Author: Stacy Karyn

Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre, a TESOL drama certificate, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.

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