The Best Audition Songs for Jersey Boys – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Jersey Boys? 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 Jersey Boys, broken down by character.
Since Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical with songs from around the 1960s, the following songs are from the late 1950s – early 1970s (or musicals set around that time period). There are also lots of non-musical theatre pop songs below in case your audition calls for that.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through one of the following links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. See our disclosure for more info.
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 listen to the Jersey Boys 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 (rather than a specific character), there’s always a chance of being cast in a leading or 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.
Bob Gaudio
“Baby Now That I’ve Found You” – The Foundations [1960s/non-theatre]
“I Wish It Would Rain” – Ain’t Too Proud
“Rhythm of the Rain” – The Cascades [1960s/non-theatre]
Frankie Valli
“Just My Imagination” – Ain’t Too Proud
“Mooning” – Grease
“Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers [1960s/non-theatre]
Nick Massi
“It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” – Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
“One Pair of Hands” – Glen Campbell [1970s/non-theatre]
“True Love Ways” – Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
Tommy DeVito
“Build Me Up Buttercup” – The Foundations [1960s/non-theatre]
“Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat” – Herman’s Hermits [1960s/non-theatre]
“The Way You Do The Things You Do” – Ain’t Too Proud
Ensemble (Altos)
“A House Is Not a Home” – Promises, Promises
“Downtown” – Petula Clark [1960s/non-theatre]
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” – Beautiful
Ensemble (Basses/Baritones)
“Baby Don’t Go” – The Cher Show
“Multiplication” – Bobby Darin [1960s/non-theatre]
“Nicky Machiavelli” – A Bronx Tale
Ensemble (Contras)
“Mama Said” – The Shirelles [1960s/non-theatre]
“My Girl” – Ain’t Too Proud
“You Can’t Hurry Love” – Ain’t Too Proud
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“I’m Ready for Love” – Martha and the Vandellas [1960s/non-theatre]
“Knowing When to Leave” – Promises, Promises
“Sincerely” – The McGuire Sisters [1950s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Tenors)
“I Don’t Want To” – All Shook Up
“I’m Into Something Good” – Herman’s Hermits [1960s/non-theatre]
“It Takes Two” – Hairspray
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Jersey Boys:
• “Album” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Green Pepper➝” from Cocktails at Pam’s (Estelle)
• “Harvey and I➝” from Harvey➝ (Elwood)
• “Hear That Song?➝” from Ohio (Cat)
• “Johnny Talks Kids➝” from Frankie and Johnny… (Johnny)
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!
Jersey Boys Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Jersey Boys, 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.
Act 1:
“Ces Soirees-La” – Ensemble
“Silhouettes” – Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi, Nick DeVito, Frankie Valli
“You’re the Apple of My Eye” – Tommy, Nick, Ensemble
“I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” – Frankie
“Earth Angel” – Tommy, Ensemble
“A Sunday Kind of Love” – Frankie, Tommy, Nick, Ensemble
“My Mother’s Eyes” – Frankie
“Short Shorts” – Ensemble
“I’m in the Mood for Love” – Frankie
“Cry for Me” – Bob, Frankie, Tommy, Nick
“Backup Sessions” – Ensemble
“Sherry” – Frankie, Bob, Nick, Tommy
“Big Girls Don’t Cry” – Frankie, Bob, Nick, Tommy
“Walk Like a Man” – Frankie, Bob, Nick, Tommy
“December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” – Bob, Company
“My Boyfriend’s Back” – Ensemble
“My Eyes Adored You” – Frankie, Mary, Bob, Nick, Tommy
“Dawn (Go Away)” – Frankie, Bob, Nick, Tommy
“Walk Like a Man (Reprise)” – Company
Act 2:
“Big Man in Town” – Bob, Frankie, Nick, Tommy
“Beggin'” – Frankie, Bob, Nick, Tommy
“Stay” – Bob, Frankie, Nick
“Let’s Hang On!” – Bob, Frankie
“Opus 17 (Don’t You Worry ‘Bout Me)” – Bob, Frankie, Ensemble
“Bye Bye Baby” – Frankie, Bob, Nick, Tommy
“C’mon Marianne” – Frankie, Bob, Nick, Tommy
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” – Frankie
“Working My Way Back to You” – Frankie, Bob, Nick, Tommy
“Fallen Angel” – Frankie
“Rag Doll” – Frankie, Bob, Nick, Tommy
“Who Loves You” – Frankie, Bob, Nick, Tommy, Company
“December, 1963 (Reprise)” – Frankie, Bob, Nick, Tommy, Company
Which of these audition songs for Jersey Boys 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.