The Best Audition Songs for Hello, Dolly! – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Hello, Dolly!? 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 Hello, Dolly!, by character.
Since Hello, Dolly! is a post-golden age musical, most of the below songs are from post-golden age musicals as well. In addition, there is a classic/energetic vibe to many of the following 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. Also, as you’re picking out a song, these links may be helpful:
• Backing Tracks for the Songs Below
• The “Hello, Dolly 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 Hello, Dolly 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.
Cornelius Hackl
“Broadway Baby” – Dames at Sea
“Grand Knowing You” – She Loves Me
“Miracle of Miracles” – Fiddler on the Roof
“Too Many Tomorrows” – Sweet Charity
Dolly Gallagher Levi
“Go Home, Train!” – Fade Out – Fade In
“If My Friends Could See Me Now” – Sweet Charity
“I’m a Brass Band” – Sweet Charity
“Sing Happy” – Flora, the Red Menace
Horace Vandergelder
“Come Back to Me” – On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
“Real Live Girl” – Little Me
“That Man Over There” – Here’s Love
“This is a Great Country” – Mr. President
Irene Molloy
“I’ve Never Said I Love You” – Dear World
“Secret Love” – Calamity Jane
“Who Are You Now?” – Funny Girl
“You Don’t Know” – Here’s Love
Ensemble (Altos)
“Hurry! It’s Lovely Up Here” – On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
“The Usher from the Mezzanine” – Fade Out – Fade In
“What Did I Have That I Don’t Have?” – On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
Ensemble (Baritones)
“If I Be Your Best Chance” – Walking Happy
“She Loves Me” – She Loves Me
“What Makes it Happen?” – Walking Happy
Ensemble (Basses)
“Her Face” – Carnival!
“I’ll Never Say No” – The Unsinkable Molly Brown
“Not Mine” – Hallelujah, Baby!
Ensemble (Contras)
“A Parade in Town” – Anyone Can Whistle
“Before I Kiss the World Goodbye” – Jennie
“Hey, Look Me Over” – Wildcat
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos)
“A Quiet Thing” – Flora, the Red Menace
“Open the Window” – Anne of Green Gables
“Now’s the Time” – Hallelujah, Baby!
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Dear Friend” – She Loves Me
“Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm” – How to Succeed in Business
“Love, Don’t Turn Away” – 110 in the Shade
Ensemble (Tenors)
“I Will Follow You” – Milk and Honey
“I’ve Just Seen Her” – All American
“She Touched Me” – Drat! The Cat!
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Hello, Dolly!:
• “I Shall Go Mad!” from Fourteen➝
• “Tommy Has Proposed” from An Ideal Husband➝ (Mabel)
• “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!
Hello, Dolly! Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Hello, Dolly!, 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:
“Call On Dolly” – Ensemble
“I Put My Hand In” – Dolly
“It Takes A Woman” – Cornelius, Barnaby, Horace, Ensemble
“It Takes A Woman (Reprise)” – Horace, Dolly
“World, Take Me Back” – Dolly
“Put On Your Sunday Clothes” – Cornelius, Barnaby, Dolly, Ensemble
“Ribbons Down My Back” – Irene
“Ribbons Down My Back (Reprise)” – Irene
“Motherhood” – Dolly, Irene, Minnie
“Dancing” – Dolly, Cornelius, Barnaby, Irene
“Before The Parade Passes By” – Dolly, Ensemble
“Finale: Act I” – Dolly
Act 2:
“Elegance” – Cornelius, Barnaby, Irene, Minnie
“Hello, Dolly!” – Dolly, Ensemble
“Hello, Dolly! (Reprise)” – Ensemble
“It Only Takes a Moment” – Cornelius
“So Long Dearie” – Dolly
“Finale Ultimo” – Company
Which of these audition songs for Hello, Dolly! 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.
