The Best Audition Songs for Man of La Mancha – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Man of La Mancha? 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 Man of La Mancha, broken down by character.
Since Man of La Mancha is a post-golden age musical set in the 17th century, most of the songs below are from golden/post-golden age musicals. Some of these songs are also from musicals that are set in or earlier than the 17th century 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 uptempo, 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 libretto for Man of La Mancha➝ while listening to the Man of La Mancha 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.
Aldonza
“Ladies” – Destry Rides Again
“Simple Little Things” – 110 in the Shade
“That Dirty Old Man” – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
“That’ll Show Him” – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Don Quixote
“Bring Me My Bride” – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
“C’est Moi” – Camelot
“In My Own Lifetime” – The Rothschilds
“Molasses to Rum” – 1776
Sancho Panza
“A Wonderful Day Like Today” – The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd
“Comedy Tonight” – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
“Everybody Says Don’t” – Anyone Can Whistle
“I’m Calm” – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Ensemble (Altos)
“And I Was Beautiful” – Dear World
“I’ve Never Said I Love You” – Dear World
“Only Love” – Zorba
Ensemble (Baritones)
“If Ever I Would Leave You” – Camelot
“Love, I Hear” – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
“The Seven Deadly Virtues” – Camelot
Ensemble (Basses)
“Camelot” – Camelot
“Edelweiss” – The Sound of Music
“How to Handle a Woman” – Camelot
Ensemble (Contras)
“Before I Kiss the World Goodbye” – Jennie
“I Don’t Want to Know” – Dear World
“Kiss Her Now” – Dear World
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos)
“Cry Like the Wind” – Do Re Mi
“How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” – Finian’s Rainbow
“What Makes Me Love Him?” – The Apple Tree
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Follow Me” – Camelot
“I Love You” – Song of Norway
“Mira” – Carnival!
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Fanny” – Fanny
“If I Be Your Best Chance” – Walking Happy
“I’ve Just Seen Her” – All American
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Man of La Mancha:
• “Aguinaldo: Mark Twain in Purgatory” in Audition Arsenal for Men in Their 20s➝
• “Do You Know➝” from The Cradle Song➝
• “Going Mad➝” from Always Ridiculous➝
• “Personal➝” from Always Ridiculous➝
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!
Man of La Mancha Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Man of La Mancha, 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.
“Man of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote)” – Don Quixote, Sancho
“It’s All the Same” – Aldonza
“Dulcinea” – Don Quixote, Ensemble
“I’m Only Thinking of Him” – Antonia, Padre, Housekeeper
“We’re Only Thinking of Him” – Antonia, Carrasco, Padre, Housekeeper
“The Missive” – Sancho
“I Really Like Him” – Sancho
“What Does He Want of Me?” – Aldonza
“Little Bird, Little Bird” – Ensemble
“Barber’s Song / Golden Helmet” – Barber, Don Quixote, Sancho
“To Each His Dulcinea” – Padre
“The Impossible Dream” – Don Quixote
“Knight of the Woeful Countenance” – Innkeeper, Aldonza, Sancho
“The Abduction” – Muleteers
“Aldonza” – Aldonza
“A Little Gossip” – Sancho
“Dulcinea/Impossible Dream/Man of La Mancha (Reprise)” – Aldonza, Don Quixote, Sancho
“Finale: The Impossible Dream (Reprise)” – Company
Which of these audition songs for Man of La Mancha 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.