The Best Audition Songs for Gypsy – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Gypsy? 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 Gypsy, by character.
Since Gypsy came out towards the end of the golden age, the songs below are also from musicals between the 1950s – 1970s. In addition, there are lots of youthful, high-energy, and classic 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 upbeat, etc.). Make sure to select a song that’s appropriate for your specific casting call.
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 Gypsy➝ while listening to the Gypsy cast album➝.
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.
Baby June
“I Gotta Crow” – Peter Pan
“I Won’t Grow Up” – Peter Pan
“In My Own Little Corner” – Cinderella
“Shy” – Once Upon a Mattress
Herbie
“More I Cannot Wish You” – Guys and Dolls
“My Time of Day” – Guys and Dolls
“Something Was Missing” – Annie
“The Man I Used to Be” – Pipe Dream
June
“Be Kind to Your Parents” – Fanny
“Go Home, Train!” – Fade Out – Fade In
“Sweet Thursday” – Pipe Dream
“The Next Time it Happens” – Pipe Dream
Louise
“Everybody’s Got a Home But Me” – Pipe Dream
“Love, Look Away” – Flower Drum Song
“Never Never Land” – Peter Pan
“Who Are You Now?” – Funny Girl
Rose
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” – Funny Girl
“Losing My Mind” – Follies
“The Beast in You” – Goldilocks
“The Music That Makes Me Dance” – Funny Girl
Tulsa
“Broadway Baby” – Dames at Sea
“Grand Knowing You” – She Loves Me
“Shall I Take My Heart” – Goldilocks
“Singin’ in the Rain” – Singin’ in the Rain
Ensemble (Altos)
“It’s a Perfect Relationship” – Bells Are Ringing
“One Hundred Easy Ways” – Wonderful Town
“On the Other Side of the Tracks” – Little Me
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Rosie” – Bye Bye Birdie
“If I Ruled the World” – Pickwick
“Young and Foolish” – Plain and Fancy
Ensemble (Basses)
“Just in Time” – Bells are Ringing
“Not Mine” – Hallelujah, Baby!
“Why Should I Wake Up?” – Cabaret
Ensemble (Contras)
“A Little Brains, A Little Talent” – Damn Yankees
“I Never Know When” – Goldilocks
“If You Hadn’t But You Did” – Two on the Aisle
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos)
“I’ll Show Him” – Plain and Fancy
“I’m Going Back” – Bells are Ringing
“Satin and Silk” – Silk Stockings
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“A Little Bit in Love” – Wonderful Town
“How Lovely to Be a Woman” – Bye Bye Birdie
“Mr. Wonderful” – Mr. Wonderful
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Goodbye, Old Girl” – Damn Yankees
“Like a God” – Flower Drum Song
“That’s the Way It Happens” – Me and Juliet
Ensemble (Trebles/Children)
“Gary, Indiana” – The Music Man
“My Best Girl” – Mame
“Where is Love?” – Oliver!
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Gypsy:
• “In a Minute” from The Anniversary➝ (Tatiana)
• “Mother Moon➝” from Fading Joy➝ (Joy)
• “Where Is He?➝” from The Father Clock➝ (Flub)
• “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!
Gypsy Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Gypsy 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:
“May We Entertain You?” – Baby June, Baby Louise, Rose
“Some People” – Rose
“Some People (Reprise)” – Rose, Ensemble
“Small World” – Rose, Herbie
“Baby June and Her Newsboys / Let Me Entertain You” – Baby June, Ensemble
“Mr. Goldstone” – Rose, Herbie, Ensemble
“Little Lamb” – Louise
“You’ll Never Get Away From Me” – Rose, Herbie
“Dainty June and Her Farmboys” – June, Louise, Ensemble
“If Momma Was Married” – June, Louise
“All I Need Is the Girl” – Tulsa
“Everything’s Coming up Roses” – Rose
Act 2:
“Toreadorables” – Louise, Rose, Ensemble
“Together Wherever We Go” – Rose, Herbie, Louise
“You Gotta Get a Gimmick” – Ensemble
“Let Me Entertain You” – Louise
“Rose’s Turn” – Rose
Which of these audition songs for Gypsy 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 holds a BA in theatre, a TESOL drama certificate, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.