Audition Songs by Musical

The Best Audition Songs for Cry-Baby – By Character

When considering audition songs for Cry-Baby, it’s fitting to choose a pop/rock song from musical theatre or non-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 Cry-Baby is set in the 1950s, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals that are set around that same era. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed to ensure it matches the show’s style.


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 Cry-Baby.


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 type, decide whether to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Whatever you choose, try to stay open to other casting possibilities.

When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and style.



✨ Want audition material that gets you noticed? Explore monologues, songs, and guidance on finding your casting lane inside The Theatre Trip Archive on Patreon!


Allison Vernon-Williams

All I Need Is an Angel” – Grease Live!

Fools Fall in Love” – All Shook Up

Hopelessly Devoted to You” – Grease

Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee (Reprise)” – Grease


Baldwin Blandish

Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” – Jersey Boys

Fallen Angel” – Jersey Boys

Mooning” – Grease

Rhythm of the Rain” – The Cascades [1960s/non-theatre]


Dupree W. Dupree

Greased Lightnin’” – Grease

Jailhouse Rock” – All Shook Up

Pills” – Bo Diddley [1950s/non-theatre]

Serve Yourself” – Pump Boys and Dinettes


Lenora Frigid

Easy to Say” – Zombie Prom

Freddy My Love” – Grease

It’s Raining on Prom Night” – Grease

One Night With You” – All Shook Up


Mrs. Cordelia Vernon-Williams

I Wrote the Book” – Woman of the Year

It’s a Business” – Curtains

Rookie in the Ring” – My Favorite Year

Teaching Third Grade” – Ruthless!


Wade ‘Cry-Baby’ Walker

Alone at the Drive-In Movie” – Grease

How Can I Say Goodbye?” – Zombie Prom

Maybe (Baby)” – Grease Live!

Sandy” – Grease


❓ Curious which character type suits your personality? Take our free Character Archetype Quiz to find out if you’re a villain, ingénue, hero, romantic, or something even more unique!


Ensemble (Altos)

Be Anything” – Connie Francis [1950s/non-theatre]

There Are Worse Things I Could Do” – Grease

There’s Always Me” – All Shook Up


Ensemble (Baritones)

Little Sister” – Elvis Presley [1960s/non-theatre]

Magic Moments” – Perry Como [1950s/non-theatre]

You’re the Devil in Disguise” – Elvis [1960s/non-theatre]


Ensemble (Basses)

Don’t Be Cruel” – All Shook Up

Heartbeat” – Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story

True Love Ways” – Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story


Ensemble (Contras)

Judy’s Turn to Cry” – Lesley Gore [1960s/non-theatre]

Radio” – Memphis

Those Magic Changes” – Grease


Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)

Ain’t Nothin’ But a Kiss” – Memphis

I’m Ready for Love” – Martha and the Vandellas [1960s/non-theatre]

Someday” – Memphis


Ensemble (Tenors)

Beauty School Dropout” – Grease

I Don’t Want To” – All Shook Up

I’m a Man” – Bo Diddley [1950s/non-theatre]


Step 4: Select a Monologue

If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Cry-Baby:

• “Dancing Shoes” from Grease

• “Harvey and I” from Harvey

• “On Stage” from A Life in the Theatre

• “Paper Route” from Born Yesterday

• “Pineapple Chunks” from The Real Thing


Step 5: Audition Prep

Choosing the right song is just the beginning! Strong preparation helps you walk into the room with confidence and ready to show what you can do.

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Cry-Baby Song List

Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Cry-Baby, 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! This is more intended to be used for character research purposes.


Act 1:

“The Anti-Polio Picnic” – Cordelia, Allison, Baldwin, Ensemble

“Watch Your Ass” – Pepper, Wanda, Hatchet-Face, Dupree, Cry-Baby, Ensemble

“I’m Infected” – Allison, Cry-Baby, Ensemble

“Squeaky Clean” – Baldwin, Allison, Ensemble

“Nobody Gets Me” – Cry-Baby, Pepper, Wanda, Hatchet-Face, Ensemble

“Nobody Gets Me (Reprise)” – Allison

“Jukebox Jamboree” – Dupree

“A Whole Lot Worse” – Pepper, Wanda, Hatchet-Face

“Screw Loose” – Lenora

“Baby Baby Baby Baby Baby (Baby Baby)” – Cry-Baby, Allison, Ensemble

“Girl, Can I Kiss You With Tongue?” – Cry-Baby, Allison, Ensemble

“I’m Infected (Reprise)” – Allison

“You Can’t Beat the System” – Company


Act 2:

“Misery, Agony, Helplessness…” – Allison, Cry-Baby, Dupree, Pepper, Wanda, Hatchet-Face, Ensemble

“Misery, Agony, Helplessness… (Reprise)” – Cordelia

“All in My Head” – Baldwin, Lenora, Ensemble

“Jailyard Jubilee” – Dupree, Ensemble

“A Little Upset” – Cry-Baby, Dupree, Ensemble

“I Did Something Wrong, Once” – Cordelia

“Thanks for the Nifty Country” – Baldwin, Ensemble

“This Amazing Offer” – Baldwin, Ensemble

“Do That Again” – Cry-Baby

“Nothing Bad’s Ever Gonna Happen Again” – 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 ListHer background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.

Photo of Stacy Karyn