Audition Songs for The King and I – By Character
Last Updated: January, 2026
When considering audition songs for The King and I, it’s fitting to choose a song from classic 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 King and I premiered in 1951, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1940s and 1960s. 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 The King and I.
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
Anna Leonowens
“Before I Gaze at You Again” – Camelot
“I Have Confidence” – The Sound of Music
“I Loved You Once in Silence” – Camelot
“The Lusty Month of May” – Camelot
Lady Thiang
“The Simple Joys of Maidenhood” – Camelot
“There’s Music in You” – Cinderella
“What Good Would the Moon Be?” – Street Scene
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” – Carousel
Lun Tha
“Geraniums in the Winder” – Carousel
“Like a God” – Flower Drum Song
“Younger Than Springtime” – South Pacific
“You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” – South Pacific
The King of Siam
“Camelot” – Camelot
“Edelweiss” – The Sound of Music
“I Wonder What the King Is Doing Tonight” – Camelot
“Welcome Home” – Fanny
Tuptim
“Follow Me” – Camelot
“Goodnight My Someone” – The Music Man
“No Other Love” – Me and Juliet
“Somebody, Somewhere” – The Most Happy Fella
Ensemble (Altos)
“Distant Melody” – Peter Pan
“I Got Lost in His Arms” – Annie Get Your Gun
“I Enjoy Being a Girl” – Flower Drum Song
Ensemble (Baritones)
“If Ever I Would Leave You” – Camelot
“Never Will I Marry” – Greenwillow
“You Are Never Away” – Allegro
Ensemble (Basses)
“How to Handle a Woman” – Camelot
“I’m an Ordinary Man” – My Fair Lady
“Why Can’t the English?” – My Fair Lady
Ensemble (Contras)
“Never Never Land” – Peter Pan
“Nobody’s Heart” – By Jupiter
“The Love of My Life” – Brigadoon
Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)
“Cry Like the Wind” – Do Re Mi
“How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” – Finian’s Rainbow
“Love, Look Away” – Flower Drum Song
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“I Could Have Danced All Night” – My Fair Lady
“Out of My Dreams” – Oklahoma!
“The Sound of Music” – The Sound of Music
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Come to Me, Bend to Me” – Brigadoon
“Many Moons Ago” – Once Upon a Mattress
“You Are Beautiful” – Flower Drum Song
Ensemble (Trebles/Children)
“Be Kind to Your Parents” – Fanny
“Dites-Moi” – South Pacific
“My Best Girl” – Mame
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for The King and I:
• “Do You Know➝” from The Cradle Song➝
• “Good Heavens!➝” from The Pretentious Young Ladies➝ (Madelon)
• “How Strange Everything Is➝” from The Three Sisters➝ (Vershinin)
• “My Opinion” from Paul Pry➝ (Oldbutton)
• “The Ideal Man!” from A Woman of No Importance➝ (Mrs. Allonby)
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 King and I Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in The King and I, 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:
“I Whistle a Happy Tune” – Anna, Louis
“My Lord and Master” – Tuptim
“Hello, Young Lovers” – Anna
“A Puzzlement” – King
“The Royal Bangkok Academy” – Anna, Children, Ensemble
“Getting to Know You” – Anna, Children, Ensemble
“We Kiss in a Shadow” – Tuptim, Lun Tha
“A Puzzlement (Reprise)” – Louis, Prince Chulalongkorn
“Shall I Tell You What I Think of You?” – Anna
“Something Wonderful” – Lady Thiang
“Buddhist Prayer” – King, Company
Act 2:
“Western People Funny” – Lady Thiang, Ensemble
“I Have Dreamed” – Tuptim, Lun Tha
“Hello, Young Lovers (Reprise)” – Anna
“The Small House of Uncle Thomas” – Tuptim, Ensemble
“Song of the King” – King, Anna
“Shall We Dance?” – Anna, King
“I Whistle a Happy Tune (Reprise)” / “Finale” – Anna
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.
