The Best Audition Songs for Sweet Charity – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Sweet Charity? 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 Sweet Charity, broken down by character.
Since Sweet Charity is a 1960s musical, the following songs are from shows between the 1940s – 1960s. There are also lots of classic selections below to match the musical’s style.
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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: 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 Sweet Charity.
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.
Charity Hope Valentine
“A Little Girl from Little Rock” – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
“On the Other Side of the Tracks” – Little Me
“Poor Little Hollywood Star” – Little Me
“Satin and Silk” – Silk Stockings
Helene
“A Quiet Thing” – Flora, the Red Menace
“Go Home, Train!” – Fade Out – Fade In
“Hurry! It’s Lovely Up Here” – On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
“I’ve Got What You Want” – The Apple Tree
Nicki
“If He Walked Into My Life” – Mame
“Nobody Does It Like Me” – Seesaw
“Sing Happy” – Flora, the Red Menace
“Wall Street” – Dames at Sea
Oscar Lindquist
“If I Ruled the World” – Pickwick
“She Wasn’t You” – On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
“Wanting Things” – Promises Promises
“Why Should I Wake Up?” – Cabaret
Vittorio Vidal
“Ilona” – She Loves Me
“In My Own Lifetime” – The Rothschilds
“Stay” – Do I Hear a Waltz?
“Take the Moment” – Do I Hear a Waltz?
Ensemble (Altos)
“The Usher from the Mezzanine” – Fade Out – Fade In
“What Did I Have That I Don’t Have?” – On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
“What Is a Woman?” – I Do! I Do!
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Come Back to Me” – On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
“She’s My Love” – Carnival!
“There’s No Reason in the World” – Milk and Honey
Ensemble (Basses)
“Heart” – Damn Yankees
“I Love My Wife” – I Do! I Do!
“Real Live Girl” – Little Me
Ensemble (Contras)
“An Occasional Flight of Fancy” – Skyscraper
“Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
“Why Do The Wrong People Travel?” – Sail Away
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)
“I’m the First Girl in the Second Row” – Look Ma, I’m Dancin’!
“Secret Love” – Calamity Jane
“Star Tar” – Dames at Sea
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Love Makes the World Go ‘Round” – Carnival
“Something You Never Had Before” – The Gay Life
“Yes, My Heart” – Carnival!
Ensemble (Tenors)
“I Will Follow You” – Milk and Honey
“I’ve Just Seen Her” – All American
“Wondrin’” – Anne of Green Gables
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Sweet Charity:
• “Green Pepper➝” from Cocktails at Pam’s (Estelle)
• “It’s Never One Thing➝” from Shows for Days (Irene)
• “Where Is He?➝” from The Father Clock➝ (Flub)
• “Wholeheartedly in Love” from Overruled➝
• “You Won’t Misunderstand Me” from The Goal➝ (Sir Stephen)
Final Step: Audition Prep
Once you’ve gathered your materials and studied the show, it’s time to focus on the preparation. Need guidance? Download this FREE audition prep checklist to stay on track!
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
Sweet Charity Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Sweet Charity, 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:
“You Should See Yourself” – Charity
“Big Spender” – Ensemble
“Charity’s Soliloquy” – Charity
“If My Friends Could See Me Now” – Charity
“Too Many Tomorrows” – Vittorio
“There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This” – Nickie, Helene, Charity
“I’m The Bravest Individual” – Charity, Oscar
Act 2:
“The Rhythm Of Life” – Daddy Brubeck, Ensemble
“Baby, Dream Your Dream” – Nickie, Helene
“Sweet Charity” – Oscar
“Where Am I Going?” – Charity
“I’m A Brass Band” – Charity, Ensemble
“I Love To Cry At Weddings” – Herman, Rosie, Nickie, Helene, Ensemble
Which of these audition songs for Sweet Charity 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 and a TESOL drama certificate, with experience working and interning in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.