Audition Songs for The Color Purple – By Character
Last Updated: January, 2026
When considering audition songs for The Color Purple, it’s fitting to choose a gospel, blues, or soul 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 The Color Purple premiered in 2005, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1990s and 2020s. 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 (something gospel, 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 The Color Purple.
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.
The Audition Songs
Celie
“Beautiful” – Marie Christine
“I Got Four Kids” – Caroline, or Change
“My Child Will Forgive Me” – Parade
“Your Daddy’s Son” – Ragtime
Mister
“Don’t Take Much” – The Life
“Patriotic” – Rocky
“That’s What He Said” – Parade
“The Bus” – Caroline, or Change
Nettie
“I Hate the Bus” – Caroline, or Change
“Something of My Own” – Dessa Rose
“The Human Heart” – Once on This Island
“Waiting for Life” – Once on This Island
Shug Avery
“Ain’t Nothin’ But a Kiss” – Memphis
“Colored Woman” – Memphis
“I Didn’t Plan It” – Waitress
“White Milk & Red Blood” – Dessa Rose
Sofia
“Are You a Believer?” – Ghost
“Tell Me” – Marie Christine
“The Oldest Profession” – The Life
“You Can’t Get to Heaven” – The Life
Ensemble (Altos)
“Dig a Little Deeper” – The Princess and the Frog [2000s film/non-theatre]
“Lot’s Wife” – Caroline, or Change
“Twelve Children” – Dessa Rose
Ensemble (Baritones/Basses)
“I’ll Be Here” – The Wild Party
“Ink” – Dessa Rose
“They Live in You” – The Lion King
Ensemble (Contras)
“Big Love” – Memphis
“Let It Sing” – Violet
“Shadowland” – The Lion King
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“I’m Leaving You” – The Life
“I’m Outta Here” – Ghost
“The Sea of Life” – The Pirate Queen
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Endless Night” – The Lion King
“Make Them Hear You” – Ragtime
“Say a Prayer” – Memphis
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for The Color Purple:
• “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Moon Man Walk” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝
• “Mother Moon➝” from Fading Joy➝ (Joy)
• “That’s All I Got➝” from Other Desert Cities (Trip)
• “The Colored Museum” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
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!
The Color Purple Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in The Color Purple, 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:
“Mysterious Ways” – Celie, Nettie, Sofia, Ensemble
“Somebody Gonna Love You” – Celie
“Our Prayer” – Nettie, Celie, Pa, Mister, Ensemble
“That Fine Mister” – Ensemble
“Big Dog” – Mister, Celie, Young Harpo, Ensemble
“Mister” / “Nettie & Lily of the Field” – Celie, Nettie, Mister
“Dear God – Sofia” – Celie
“A Tree Named Sofia” – Doris, Darlene, Jarene
“Hell No!” – Sofia, Celie, Ensemble
“Brown Betty” – Harpo, Squeak, Celie, Ensemble
“Shug Avery Comin’ to Town” – Mister, Celie, Ensemble
“All We Got to Say” – Celie, Mister, Doris, Darlene, Jarene
“Dear God – Shug” – Celie, Shug
“Too Beautiful for Words” – Shug
“Push Da Button” – Shug, Harpo, Ensemble
“Uh-Oh” – Sofia, Celie, Mister, Harpo, Buster, Squeak, Ensemble
“What About Love?” – Celie, Shug
Act 2:
“African Homeland” – Nettie, Celie, Ensemble
“The Color Purple” – Shug, Celie
“Church Ladies’ Easter” – Doris, Darlene, Jarene
“Celie’s Curse” – Celie, Mister
“Mister’s Song – Celie’s Curse” – Mister
“Miss Celie’s Pants” – Celie, Shug, Sofia, Ensemble
“Any Little Thing” – Harpo, Sofia
“What About Love? (Reprise)” – Celie, Shug
“I’m Here” – Celie
“The Color Purple (Reprise)” – Celie, Company
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
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.
