The Best Audition Songs for South Pacific – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for South Pacific? 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 South Pacific, broken down by character.
Since South Pacific is a golden age musical, most of the following songs are from golden age/post-golden age musicals as well. In addition, there is a classic/timeless vibe to many of the following 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 or libretto for South Pacific➝ while listening to the South Pacific 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.
Bloody Mary
“Any Place I Hang My Hat is Home” – St. Louis Woman
“Cry Like the Wind” – Do Re Mi
“I Never Has Seen Snow” – House of Flowers
“Lazy Afternoon” – The Golden Apple
Emile de Becque
“A Fellow Needs a Girl” – Allegro
“I’ll Never Say No” – The Unsinkable Molly Brown
“She’s My Love” – Carnival!
“The Highest Judge of All” – Carousel
Jerome/Ngana
* Since these two only speak French, it would be beneficial to sing one of the following in French!
“The Perfect Nanny” – Mary Poppins French Version | French Lyrics
“Truly Scrumptious” – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang French Version
“Where is Love?” – Oliver! French Version
Lt. Joseph Cable
“Her Face” – Carnival!
“Restless Heart” – Fanny
“You Are Never Away” – Allegro
“Young and Foolish” – Plain and Fancy
Nellie Forbush
“A Little Bit in Love” – Wonderful Town
“How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” – Finian’s Rainbow
“Sweet Thursday” – Pipe Dream
“The Gentleman is a Dope” – Allegro
Ensemble (Altos)
“Everybody’s Got a Home But Me” – Pipe Dream
“I Enjoy Being a Girl” – Flower Drum Song
“It’s a Lovely Day Tomorrow” – Louisiana Purchase
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Hey There” – The Pajama Game
“That’s For Me” – State Fair
“The Big Black Giant” – Me and Juliet
Ensemble (Basses)
“My Time of Day” – Guys and Dolls
“On the Street Where You Live” – My Fair Lady
“Welcome Home” – Fanny
Ensemble (Contras)
“How Can I Wait?” – Paint Your Wagon
“I’ve Still Got My Health” – Panama Hattie
“Nobody’s Heart” – By Jupiter
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos)
“I Gotta Crow” – Peter Pan
“Love, Look Away” – Flower Drum Song
“Something Wonderful” – The King and I
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Come Home” – Allegro
“So Far” – Allegro
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” – Carousel
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Geraniums in the Winder” – Carousel
“Old Devil Moon” – Finian’s Rainbow
“Shall I Take My Heart” – Goldilocks
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for South Pacific:
• “Nothing But Misfortune” from Poor John➝ (John)
• “Play Memory” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Very Well➝” from Enemies➝ (She)
• “Wilderness of Mirrors” in Audition Arsenal for Men in Their 20s➝
• “You Won’t Misunderstand Me” from The Goal➝ (Sir Stephen)
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!
South Pacific Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in South Pacific, 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:
“Dites-Moi” – Ngana, Jerome
“A Cockeyed Optimist” – Nellie
“Twin Soliloquies” – Nellie, Emile
“Some Enchanted Evening” – Emile
“Bloody Mary” – Ensemble
“There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame” – Billis, Ensemble
“Bali Hai” – Bloody Mary
“I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” – Nellie, Ensemble
“Some Enchanted Evening (Reprise)” – Emile, Nellie
“A Wonderful Guy” – Nellie, Ensemble
“Bali Ha’i (Reprise)” – Ensemble
“Younger Than Springtime” – Cable
“A Wonderful Guy (Reprise) / This is How it Feels” – Nellie, Emile
Act 2:
“Happy Talk” – Bloody Mary
“Honey Bun” – Nellie, Billis, Ensemble
“You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” – Cable
“This Nearly Was Mine” – Emile
“Some Enchanted Evening (Reprise)” – Nellie
“Honey Bun (Reprise)” – Company
“Finale” – Nellie, Ngana, Jerome, Emile
Which of these audition songs for South Pacific 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.