The Best Audition Songs for Merrily We Roll Along – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Merrily We Roll Along? 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 Merrily We Roll Along, broken down by character.
Since Merrily We Roll Along is a pre-contemporary musical, most of the following songs are from the 1970s -1990s as well. In addition there are lots of Sondheim songs marked below 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 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 listen to the Merrily We Roll Along 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.
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: 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!
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
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.
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.