Audition Songs for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert? 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 Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, broken down by character.
Since Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a jukebox musical featuring songs from the 1960s-1980s, the following list contains both musical and non-musical theatre songs from or in the style of the 60s-80s as well. In addition, there are lots of pop and disco vibes 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 read through the synopsis while listening to the Priscilla, Queen of the Desert➝ 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.
Adam / Felicia
“Making Love Out of Nothing At All” – Air Supply [1980s/non-theatre]
“Without You” – Disaster!
“We Gotta Get Out of this Place” – Beautiful
Benji
“I’ll Be There” – The Jackson 5 [1970s/non-theatre]
“Never Can Say Goodbye” – The Jackson 5 [1970s/non-theatre]
“When I Get My Name in Lights” – The Boy from Oz
Bernadette
“Forever” – Kenny Loggins [1980s/non-theatre]
“Here I Am” – Air Supply [1980s/non-theatre]
“Wig in a Box” – Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Bob
“Look Over There” – La Cage aux Folles
“Song on the Sand” – La Cage aux Folles
“Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton [1970s/non-theatre]
Miss Understanding
“Don’t Wish Too Hard” – The Boy from Oz
“Knowing Me, Knowing You” – Mamma Mia!
“Mamma Mia” – Mamma Mia!
Mitzi / Tick
“I Am What I Am” – La Cage aux Folles
“I Still Call Australia Home” – The Boy from Oz
“Once Before I Go” – The Boy from Oz
Ensemble (Altos)
“All Through the Night” – Cyndi Lauper [1980s/non-theatre]
“Last Dance” – Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
“The Winner Takes It All” – Mamma Mia!
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Midnight Radio” – Hedwig and the Angry Inch
“Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
“The Origin of Love” – Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Ensemble (Basses)
“Nikita” – Elton John [1980s/non-theatre]
“Wicked Little Town” – Hedwig and the Angry Inch
“Your Song” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Contras)
“Fernando” – ABBA [1970s/non-theatre]
“Purple Rain” – Prince [1980s/non-theatre]
“Solitaire” – Laura Branigan [1980s/non-theatre]
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“Bad Girls” – Donna Summer [1970s/non-theatre]
“I’m Every Woman” – Chaka Khan [1970s/non-theatre]
“She Works Hard for the Money” – Donna Summer [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Lost in Love” – Air Supply [1980s/non-theatre]
“Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
“The Stranger” – Movin’ Out
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert:
• “Album” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Hear That Song?➝” from Ohio (Cat)
• “It’s Never One Thing➝” from Shows for Days (Irene)
• “That’s All I Got➝” from Other Desert Cities (Trip)
• “Well, We Were Doing This➝” from A Chorus Line (Paul)
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!
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, 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:
“It’s Raining Men” – The Divas, Tick, Ensemble
“What’s Love Got to Do with It?” – Miss Understanding
“Don’t Leave Me This Way” – Bernadette, Tick, Company
“Material Girl” – Felicia, Ensemble
“Go West” – Bernadette, Tick, Adam, Company
“I Say a Little Prayer” – Tick, The Divas
“I Love the Nightlife” – Shirley, Bernadette, Mitzi, Felicia, Company
“True Colors” – Bernadette, Mitzi, Felicia
“Color My World” – Adam, Tick, Bernadette, Company
“I Will Survive” – Bernadette, Felicia, Mitzi, Jimmy, Company
Act 2:
“A Fine Romance” – Young Bernadette, Ensemble
“Shake Your Groove Thing” – Mitzi, Bernadette, Felicia, The Divas
“Pop Muzik” – Cynthia, Company
“A Fine Romance (Reprise)” – Bob
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” – Adam, The Divas
“Hot Stuff” – Felicia, Bernadette, The Divas
“MacArthur Park” – Bernadette, Tick, The Divas
“Always on My Mind / I Say a Little Prayer” – Tick, Benji
“Like a Prayer” – Felicia, Company
“We Belong” – Felicia, Mitzi, Bernadette, Company
“Finale” – Company
Which of these audition songs for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert 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 has a TESOL drama certificate, a BA in theatre, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.