Audition Songs for Barnum – By Character
Last Updated: January, 2026
When considering audition songs for Barnum, it’s fitting to choose an upbeat song from musical theatre repertoire that aligns with the tone of the show and suits your vocal type. Always refer to the audition notice for specific guidelines.
Because Barnum premiered in 1980, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1970s and 1990s. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed by a musical theatre professional to ensure fit and audition readiness.
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Step 1: Review Audition Info
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.
Step 2: Study the Show
Before auditioning, you should get familiar with the show, and listening to the cast album is a great way to do that. Here’s where you can learn more about Barnum.
Step 3: Pick an Audition Song
Before choosing a song, find your voice type and range using the Vocal Guide.
Based on your personality and vocal range, decide whether you’d prefer to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Even if you audition for a specific role, stay open to other casting possibilities.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and comfort level.
From Our Shop: Don’t forget to keep your rep book updated! To build a personalized audition binder for your specific vocal type, check out our collection of DIY Rep Books.
The Audition Songs
Charity Barnum
“Chief Cook and Bottle Washer” – The Rink
“I Belong Here” –The Grand Tour
“The Story Goes On” – Baby
“Unexpected Song” – Tell Me on a Sunday
Jenny Lind
“Melodie de Paris” – Phantom
“Nelson” – A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine
“My True Love” – Phantom
“One More Kiss” – Follies
Joice Heth
“Cleanin’ Women” – Working
“Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” – The Wiz
“I Got Love” – Purlie
“Twenty-Four Hours of Lovin’” – The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Phineas Taylor Barnum
“Buddy’s Blues” – Follies
“Hand for the Hog” – Big River [in your natural accent]
“Sennett Song” – Chaplin
“Yankee Boy” – Rags
Tom Thumb
“Big News!” – Parade
“I, Huckleberry, Me” – Big River
“I Can Do That” – A Chorus Line
“Pretty Music” – Parade
Ensemble (Altos)
“Dancing All the Time” – Big
“I Wrote the Book” – Woman of the Year
“We Can Make It” – The Rink
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Beautiful Girls” – Follies
“Look Over There” – La Cage aux Folles
“Razzle Dazzle” – Chicago
Ensemble (Basses)
“Lucky” – Lucky Stiff
“Marry Me” – The Rink
“Masculinity” – La Cage aux Folles
Ensemble (Contras)
“Chanson” – The Baker’s Wife
“No Man Is Worth It” – Dance a Little Closer
“Willing to Ride” – Steel Pier
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“Colored Lights” – The Rink
“Patterns” – Baby
“The Night It Had to End” – Romance/Romance
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Larger Than Life” – My Favorite Year
“My Daddy Always Taught Me to Share” – Grind
“Proud Lady” – The Baker’s Wife
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Barnum:
• “How Strange Everything Is➝” from The Three Sisters➝ (Vershinin)
• “I Don’t Want to Be an Actress➝” from Snakebit (Jenifer)
• “I Must Say” from The Importance of Being Earnest➝ (Lady Bracknell)
• “My Opinion” from Paul Pry➝ (Oldbutton)
• “Sherlock Holmes” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝
Final Step: Audition Prep
Once you’ve chosen your song, it’s time to start preparing! Grab your FREE Audition Prep Checklist and Stamp Cards to stay organized and motivated for your upcoming auditions!
Barnum Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Barnum, 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:
“There Is a Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute” – Barnum
“Thank God I’m Old” – Joice Heth, Ensemble
“The Colors of My Life (Part 1)” – Barnum
“The Colors of My Life (Part 2)” – Charity
“One Brick at a Time” – Charity, Barnum, Ensemble
“Museum Song” – Barnum
“I Like Your Style” – Barnum, Charity
“Bigger Isn’t Better” – Tom Thumb
“Love Makes Such Fools of Us All” – Jenny Lind
“Out There” – Barnum, Charity
Act 2:
“Come Follow the Band” – Ensemble
“Black and White” – Charity, Barnum, Ensemble
“The Colors of My Life (Reprise)” – Barnum, Charity
“The Prince of Humbug” – Barnum
“Join the Circus” – Barnum, Company
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also the creator of The Cast Album List. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
