The Best Audition Songs for Anything Goes – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Anything Goes? 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 Anything Goes, broken down by character.
Since Anything Goes came out in the 1930s, the suggested pieces below either come from 1920s/1930s musicals or musicals that are set in the 1920s/1930s.
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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 upbeat, 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
• The “Anything Goes 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 Anything Goes cast album➝ while reading through the synopsis.
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.
Billy Crocker
“Broadway Baby” – Dames at Sea
“Grand Knowing You” – She Loves Me
“I Turned the Corner” – Thoroughly Modern Millie
“What Do I Need With Love?” – Thoroughly Modern Millie
Elisha Whitney
“I Don’t Understand the Poor” – A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
“I Waltz Alone” – Grand Hotel
“Second Chance” – Steel Pier
“Treat Me Rough” – Girl Crazy
Erma
“Boy! What Love Has Done to Me” – Girl Crazy
“Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
“My Funny Valentine” – Babes in Arms
“That Mister Man of Mine” – Dames at Sea
Hope Harcourt
“A Little Bit in Love” – Wonderful Town
“But Not For Me” – Girl Crazy
“Delishious” – Nice Work If You Can Get It
“Someone to Watch Over Me” – Crazy for You
Lord Evelyn Oakleigh
“A Kiss for Cinderella” – Of Thee I Sing
“Grand Parade” – Grand Hotel
“If I Were King of the Forest” – The Wizard of Oz
“Love Can’t Happen” – Grand Hotel
Moonface Martin
“Beautiful Girl” – Singin’ in the Rain
“If I Only Had the Nerve” – The Wizard of Oz
“Moses Supposes” – Singin’ in the Rain
“My Daddy Always Taught Me to Share” – Grind
Reno Sweeney
“Forty-Second Street” – 42nd Street
“Take It on the Chin” – Me and My Girl
“The Lady is a Tramp” – Babes in Arms
“You’re Getting to Be a Habit With Me” – 42nd Street
Ensemble (Altos)
“Can This Be Love?” – Fine and Dandy
“Everybody’s Girl” – Steel Pier
“The Physician” – The New Yorkers
Ensemble (Baritones)
“I Happen to Like New York” – The New Yorkers
“The Call of the Sea” – No, No, Nanette
“What Do I Care for a Dame?” – Pal Joey
Ensemble (Basses)
“Oh, Lady Be Good!” – Lady, Be Good
“What a Waste” – Wonderful Town
“Why Should I Wake Up?” – Cabaret
Ensemble (Contras)
“Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” – George White’s Scandals
“The Sailor of My Dreams” – Dames at Sea
“Willing to Ride” – Steel Pier
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos)
“Johnny One-Note” – Babes in Arms
“Solomon” – Nymph Errant
“Wall Street” – Dames at Sea
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Glad to Be Unhappy” – On Your Toes
“The Man I Love” – Strike Up the Band
“Would You?” – Singin’ in the Rain
Ensemble (Tenors)
“All I Need is the Girl” – Gypsy
“Little Jazz Bird” – Lady, Be Good
“Singin’ in the Rain” – Singin’ in the Rain
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Anything Goes:
• “In a Minute” from The Anniversary➝ (Tatiana)
• “The Ideal Man!” from A Woman of No Importance➝ (Mrs. Allonby)
• “You Won’t Misunderstand Me” from The Goal➝ (Sir Stephen)
• “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!
Anything Goes Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Anything Goes, 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.
Act 1:
“I Get a Kick Out of You” – Reno Sweeney
“There’s No Cure Like Travel / Bon Voyage” – Captain, Ensemble
“You’re the Top” – Reno, Billy Crocker
“Easy to Love” – Billy
“Easy to Love (Reprise)” – Hope
“The Crew Song” – Elisha J. Whitney
“There’ll Always Be a Lady Fair” – Ensemble
“Friendship” – Reno, Moonface Martin
“It’s De-Lovely” – Billy, Hope
“Anything Goes” – Reno, Company
Act 2:
“Public Enemy Number One” – Captain, Purser, Ensemble
“Blow, Gabriel, Blow” – Reno, Company
“Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye” – Hope
“Be Like the Bluebird” – Moonface Martin
“All Through the Night” – Billy, Hope, Ensemble
“The Gypsy in Me” – Evelyn
“Buddie, Beware” – Erma, Ensemble
“Finale / It’s De-lovely” – Company
Which of these audition songs for Anything Goes 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.
