The Best Audition Songs for Mamma Mia! – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Mamma Mia!? 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 Mamma Mia!, broken down by character.
Since Mamma Mia! is a 1990s musical, the following songs are from between the 1970s – 1990s. There are also lots of pop/rock selections below to match the musical’s style.
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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 pop song, something upbeat, 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 Mamma Mia!
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.
Bill Austin
“Into the Mystic” – Van Morrison [1970s/non-theatre]
“Go West” – Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
“Without You” – Disaster!
“Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton [1970s/non-theatre]
Donna Sheridan
“Dear Tom” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
“Fernando” – ABBA [1970s/non-theatre]
“Lonely Lady” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
“Old Friend” – I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road
“Strong Woman Number” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
Harry Bright
“Captain Jack” – Movin’ Out
“Making Love Out of Nothing At All” – Air Supply [1980s/non-theatre]
“Nikita” – Elton John [1980s/non-theatre]
“The Lives of Me” – The Boy From Oz
Rosie
“Gloria” – Laura Branigan [1980s/non-theatre]
“I Still Believe in Love” – They’re Playing Our Song
“Solitaire” – Laura Branigan [1980s/non-theatre]
“Don’t Wish Too Hard” – The Boy From Oz
Sam Carmichael
“Fallin’” – They’re Playing Our Song
“Forever” – Kenny Loggins [1980s/non-theatre]
“Heaven” – Bryan Adams [1980s/non-theatre]
“Once Before I Go” – The Boy From Oz
Sky
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” – Jersey Boys
“Hello It’s Me” – Todd Rundgren [1960s/non-theatre]
“Morning Glow” – Pippin
“Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
Sophie Sheridan
“A Little More Love” – Olivia Newton-John [1970s/non-theatre]
“Angelo” – Brotherhood of Man [1970s/non-theatre]
“Once You See” – Carrie
“Ring, Ring” – ABBA [1970s/non-theatre]
“Sam” – Olivia Newton-John [1960s/non-theatre]
Tanya
“Bad Girls” – Donna Summer [1970s/non-theatre]
“Beautiful” – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
“It’s Raining Men” – The Weather Girls [1980s/non-theatre]
“Put in a Package and Sold” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
Ensemble (Altos)
“Eternal Flame” – The Bangles [1980s/non-theatre]
“Miss America” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
“The Way of Love” – The Cher Show
Ensemble (Baritones)
“I Still Call Australia Home” – The Boy From Oz
“Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
“Words He Doesn’t Say” – Romance/Romance
Ensemble (Basses)
“Always on My Mind” – Elvis [1970s/non-theatre]
“Quiet Please, There’s a Lady on Stage” – The Boy From Oz
“Your Song” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Contras)
“Broken Wings” – Mr. Mister [1980s/non-theatre]
“Child of Mine” – Carole King [1970s/non-theatre]
“Someone Else’s Story” – Chess
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“Happy Birthday” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
“Holding Out For a Hero” – Footloose
“There She Goes! / Fame” – Fame
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Dance With Me” – Orleans [1970s/non-theatre]
“The Stranger” – Movin’ Out
“Mellow” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Mamma Mia!:
• “Bridge Partners” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
• “Green Pepper➝” from Cocktails at Pam’s (Estelle)
• “Johnny Talks Kids➝” from Frankie and Johnny… (Johnny)
• “Picture Show Video” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
• “We Both Are➝” from Footloose (Ren)
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!
Mamma Mia! Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Mamma Mia, 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:
“I Have a Dream” – Sophie
“Honey, Honey” – Sophie, Ali, Lisa
“Money, Money, Money” – Donna, Company
“Thank You for the Music” – Sophie, Harry, Bill, Sam
“Mamma Mia” – Donna
“Chiquitita” – Rosie, Tanya, Donna
“Dancing Queen” – Rosie, Tanya, Donna
“Lay All Your Love on Me” – Sky, Sophie, Ensemble
“Super Trouper” – Donna, Tanya, Rosie
“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” – Company
“The Name of the Game” – Sophie
“Voulez-Vous” – Company
Act 2:
“Under Attack” – Sophie, Ensemble
“One of Us” – Donna
“S.O.S.” – Sam, Donna
“Does Your Mother Know” – Tanya, Pepper, Ensemble
“Knowing Me, Knowing You” – Sam
“Our Last Summer” – Harry, Donna
“Slipping Through My Fingers” – Donna
“The Winner Takes It All” – Donna
“Take a Chance on Me” – Rosie
“I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do” – Company
“I Have a Dream” – Sophie, Company
Which of these audition songs for Mamma Mia! 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.
What a great resource. Thank you so much.
So glad that it’s been helpful!
Hi Stacy:
I’m auditioning for Rosie soon. Am curious why all the songs except one that you recommend for her are slow ones? Is it because they are in her vocal range?
Hi April! I’m so glad that you pointed this out, because so many Mamma Mia auditions do call for an uptempo song. Because of this, I’ve just gone through and added a few more energetic choices for Rosie. I hope you connect with one of them! But if you’re still not feeling any of the choices, feel free to let me know and I’ll take another look for ya. And in the meantime, I’ll keep an ear out for anything else that might be a good fit for her character. 🙂