The Best Audition Songs for Merrily We Roll Along – By Character
If you’re looking for audition songs for Merrily We Roll Along, it’s best to choose a song in the style of Sondheim from musical theatre repertoire that matches the show’s tone and suits your vocal type. Be sure to check your audition notice for any specific song guidelines.
Because Merrily We Roll Along premiered in 1981, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1970s and 1990s. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed by a musical theatre professional to ensure fit and audition readiness.
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Step 1: Review Audition Info
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: 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 Merrily We Roll Along.
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.
Charley Kringas
“If You Can Find Me I’m Here” – Evening Primrose [Sondheim]
“It Wasn’t Meant to Happen” – Marry Me a Little [Sondheim]
“Multitudes of Amys” – Company [Sondheim]
“Need to Know” – Weird Romance
Franklin Shepard
“Finishing the Hat” – Sunday in the Park with George [Sondheim]
“Lesson #8” – Sunday in the Park with George [Sondheim]
“Marry Me a Little” – Company [Sondheim]
“Someone Is Waiting” – Company [Sondheim]
Mary Flynn
“And I Was Beautiful” – Dear World
“Losing My Mind” – Follies [Sondheim]
“Time Heals Everything” – Mack & Mabel
“Where Is the Warmth?” – The Baker’s Wife
Ensemble (Altos)
“Children and Art” – Sunday in the Park with George [Sondheim]
“In Buddy’s Eyes” – Follies [Sondheim]
“We Can Make It” – The Rink
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Easier to Love” – Baby
“Just One Person” – Snoopy!!!
“The Kid Inside” – Is There Life After High School?
Ensemble (Basses)
“Fear No More” – The Frogs [Sondheim]
“Live Alone and Like It” – Putting It Together [Sondheim]
“Marry Me” – The Rink
Ensemble (Contras)
“Gifts of Love” – The Baker’s Wife
“I Don’t Want to Know” – Dear World
“I’m Still Here” – Follies [Sondheim]
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“Another Hundred People” – Company [Sondheim]
“Colored Lights” – The Rink
“Take Me to the World” – Evening Primrose [Sondheim]
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Being Alive” – Company [Sondheim]
“I Chose Right” – Baby
“I Want to Make Magic” – Fame
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Merrily We Roll Along:
• “It’s Best➝” from Elsewhere➝
• “Johnny Talks Kids➝” from Frankie and Johnny… (Johnny)
• “Right Place, Right Time #2” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝
• “Rooms” in Fantasy Monologues for Young Actors➝
• “That’s All I Got➝” from Other Desert Cities (Trip)
Final Step: Audition Prep
Once you’ve chosen your song, it’s time to start preparing! Grab your FREE Audition Prep Checklist and Stamp Cards to stay organized and motivated for your upcoming auditions!
Merrily We Roll Along Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Merrily We Roll Along, 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:
“Merrily We Roll Along” – Company
“That Frank” – Franklin, Ensemble
“Like It Was” – Mary
“Franklin Shepard, Inc.” – Charley
“Old Friends” – Franklin, Charley, Mary
“Not a Day Goes By” – Franklin
“Now You Know” – Mary, Company
Act 2:
“It’s a Hit!” – Joe, Franklin, Mary, Charley
“Merrily We Roll Along (Reprise)” – Company
“Good Thing Going” – Charley, Franklin
“Bobby and Jackie and Jack” – Charley, Beth, Franklin, Ted
“Not a Day Goes By (Reprise)” – Franklin, Mary
“Opening Doors” – Franklin, Charley, Mary, Joe, Beth
“Our Time” – Franklin, Charley, Mary, Company
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
Which of these audition songs for Merrily We Roll Along 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.
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 and a TESOL drama certificate, with experience working and interning in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
