The Best Audition Songs for The Color Purple – By Character
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 to ensure it matches the show’s style.
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 type, decide whether to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Whatever you choose, try to stay open to other casting possibilities.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and style.
Audition Songs for The Color Purple
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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
✦ Curious which character type suits your personality? Take our free Character Archetype Quiz to discover whether you’re a villain, ingénue, hero, and more!
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:
• “A Place Like This” from George Washington Slept Here
• “Fatherhood” from Sunset Baby
• “Last Chance with Me” from Dreamgirls
• “Poor Relation” from George Washington Slept Here
• “To Be a Man” from This One Thing I Do
Step 5: Audition Prep
Choosing the right song is just the beginning! Strong preparation helps you walk into the room with confidence and ready to show what you can do.
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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! This 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
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.
