Audition Songs for Show Boat – By Character
Last Updated: January, 2026
When considering audition songs for Show Boat, it’s fitting to choose an operatic song from musical theatre repertoire that aligns with the tone of the show and suits your vocal type. Always refer to the audition notice for specific guidelines.
Because Show Boat premiered in 1927, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1920s and 1940s. 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 Show Boat.
Step 3: Pick an Audition Song
Before choosing a song, find your voice type and range using the Vocal Guide.
Based on your personality and vocal range, decide whether you’d prefer to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Even if you audition for a specific role, stay open to other casting possibilities.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and comfort level.
From Our Shop: Don’t forget to keep your rep book updated! To build a personalized audition binder for your specific vocal type, check out our collection of DIY Rep Books.
The Audition Songs
Ellie
“Buddie Beware” – Anything Goes
“Chain Store Daisy” – Pins and Needles
“Nobody Makes a Pass at Me” – Pins and Needles
Gaylord Ravenal
“One Alone” – The Desert Song
“Treat Me Rough” – Girl Crazy
“You’re Too Far Away” – Nymph Errant
Joe
“I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’” – Porgy and Bess
“It Take a Long Pull to Get There” – Porgy and Bess
“Thousands of Miles” – Lost in the Stars
Julie La Verne
“Better Luck Next Time” – Top Hat
“It Never Was You” – Knickerbocker Holiday
“Please Don’t Make Me Be Good” – The New Yorkers
Magnolia Hawkes
“Falling in Love With Love” – The Boys from Syracuse
“Once You Lose Your Heart” – Me and My Girl
“What Good Is Love?” – Pins and Needles
Ensemble (Altos)
“Can This Be Love?” – Fine and Dandy
“Happy Talk” – South Pacific
“Who’ll Buy?” – Lost in the Stars
Ensemble (Baritones)
“A Kiss for Cinderella” – Of Thee I Sing
“O Tixo, Tixo Help Me!” – Lost in the Stars
“September Song” – Knickerbocker Holiday
Ensemble (Basses)
“Ballad of the Robbers” – Knickerbocker Holiday
“The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” – Jumbo
“When I Grow Up (The G-Man Song)” – Pins and Needles
Ensemble (Contras)
“Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home” – St. Louis Woman
“Bali Hai” – South Pacific
“Little Girl Blue” – Jumbo
Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)
“Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye” – Anything Goes
“How Could We Be Wrong?” – Nymph Errant
“Supper Time” – As Thousands Cheer
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Glad to Be Unhappy” – On Your Toes
“Just Imagine” – Good News!
“The Man I Love” – Strike Up the Band
Ensemble (Tenors)
“A Red-Headed Woman” – Porgy and Bess
“It Ain’t Necessarily So” – Porgy and Bess
“The Eagle and Me” – Bloomer Girl
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Show Boat.
• “In a Minute” from The Anniversary➝ (Tatiana)
• “Marriage” from Sweet and Twenty➝ (The Agent)
• “Nothing But Misfortune” from Poor John➝ (John)
• “You Won’t Misunderstand Me” from The Goal➝ (Sir Stephen)
• “Very Well➝” from Enemies➝ (She)
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!
Show Boat Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Show Boat, 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:
“Cotton Blossom” – Ensemble
“Where’s the Mate for Me?” – Gaylord Ravenal
“Make Believe” – Gaylord, Magnolia
“Ol’ Man River” – Joe, Ensemble
“Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” – Julie, Queenie, Magnolia, Ensemble
“Life Upon the Wicked Stage” – Ellie, Ensemble
“Till Good Luck Comes My Way” – Gaylord, Pete, Frank, Ensemble
“You Are Love” – Gaylord, Magnolia
“The Wedding” – Magnolia, Gaylord, Cap’n Andy, Ensemble
Act 2:
“Why Do I Love You?” – Magnolia, Gaylord, Cap’n Andy, Ann Hawks, Ensemble
“Bill” – Julie
“Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man (Reprise)” – Magnolia
“Goodbye, My Lady Love” – Frank, Ellie
“After the Ball” – Magnolia, Ensemble
“Ol’ Man River (Reprise)” – Joe
“You Are Love (Reprise)” – Gaylord
“Act II Finale (Ol’ Man River)” – Joe, Ensemble
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also the creator of The Cast Album List. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
