The Best Audition Songs for An American in Paris – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for An American in Paris? 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 An American in Paris, broken down by character.
Since An American in Paris is a contemporary musical featuring songs from the 1920s/1930s, most of the following songs are from or in the style of that time period as well.
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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. Also, as you’re picking out a song, these links may be helpful:
• Backing Tracks for the Songs Below
• “An American in Paris Audition Songs” Spotify Playlist
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 listen to the An American in Paris cast album➝ while reading through the synopsis. Or you can watch the live recording of An American in Paris➝.
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 (and not a specific character), there’s always a chance you might get chosen for a leading/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.
Jerry Mulligan
“Grand Knowing You” – She Loves Me
“Little Jazz Bird” – Lady, Be Good
“She Loves Me” – She Loves Me
“You’re Too Far Away” – Nymph Errant
Lise Dassin
“How Long Has This Been Going On?” – Rosalie
“Once You Lose Your Heart” – Me and My Girl
“The Man I Love” – Lady, Be Good
“You Are My Lucky Star” – Singin’ in the Rain
Milo Davenport
“Better Luck Next Time” – Top Hat
“I Get a Kick Out of You” – Anything Goes
“Nobody Makes a Pass at Me” – Pins and Needles
“Ten Cents a Dance” – Simple Simon
Ensemble (Altos)
“My Funny Valentine” – Babes in Arms
“Please Don’t Make Me Be Good” – The New Yorkers
“The Physician” – The New Yorkers
Ensemble (Baritones)
“A Kiss for Cinderella” – Of Thee I Sing
“Just One of Those Things” – High Society
“Nice Work If You Can Get It” – Nice Work If You Can Get It
Ensemble (Basses)
“Leaning on a Lamp Post” – Me and My Girl
“Oh, Lady Be Good!” – Lady, Be Good
“Treat Me Rough” – Girl Crazy
Ensemble (Contras)
“Anything Goes” – Anything Goes
“Boy! What Love Has Done to Me” – Girl Crazy
“The Lady is a Tramp” – Babes in Arms
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos)
“Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye” – Anything Goes
“I’m Just Wild About Harry” – Shuffle Along
“Jimmy” – Thoroughly Modern Millie
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“All the Things You Are” – Very Warm for May
“Dear Friend” – She Loves Me
“Would You?” – Singin’ in the Rain
Ensemble (Tenors)
“All I Need is the Girl” – Gypsy
“Broadway Baby” – Dames at Sea
“I Turned the Corner” – Thoroughly Modern Millie
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for An American in Paris:
• “In a Minute” from The Anniversary➝ (Tatiana)
• “Marriage” from Sweet and Twenty➝ (The Agent)
• “The Ideal Man!” from A Woman of No Importance➝ (Mrs. Allonby)
• “You’re Quite a Girl➝” from 42nd Street (Julian)
• “You’ve Got to Come Back a Star➝” from 42nd Street (Julian)
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!
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
An American in Paris Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in An American in Paris, 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.
Act 1:
“I Got Rhythm” – Henri, Adam, Jerry, Company
“I’ve Got Beginner’s Luck” – Jerry
“The Man I Love” – Lise
“Liza” – Jerry
“‘S Wonderful” – Adam, Henri, Jerry, Company
“Shall We Dance?” – Milo
Act 2:
“Fidgety Feet” – Jerry, Company
“Who Cares?” – Milo, Adam, Henri
“For You, For Me, For Evermore” – Lise, Henri, Jerry, Milo
“But Not for Me” – Adam, Milo
“I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise” – Henri, Adam, Company
“An American in Paris” – Company
“They Can’t Take That Away from Me” – Adam, Jerry, Henri
Which of these audition songs for An American in Paris 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.
Need extra help? Just go through this free audition prep checklist!
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 has a TESOL drama certificate, a BA in theatre, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.