Audition Songs for The Music Man – By Character
Last Updated: January, 2026
When considering audition songs for The Music Man, it’s fitting to choose an upbeat 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 Music Man premiered in 1957, 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 Music Man.
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.
From Our Shop: Don’t forget to keep your rep book updated! To build a personalized audition binder for your specific vocal type, check out our collection of DIY Rep Books.
The Audition Songs
Amaryllis
“Do-Re-Mi” – The Sound of Music
“Scales and Arpeggios” – The Aristocats [1970s film/non-theatre]
“Truly Scrumptious” – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Harold Hill
“Heart” – Damn Yankees
“I Can’t Be in Love” – Goldilocks
“I Met a Girl” – Bells Are Ringing
“Those Were The Good Old Days” – Damn Yankees
“What a Waste” – Wonderful Town
Marcellus Washburn
“Brush Up Your Shakespeare” – Kiss Me, Kate
“Make ‘Em Laugh” – Singin’ in the Rain
“Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” – Guys and Dolls
“There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame” – South Pacific
Marian Paroo
“A Little Bit In Love” – Wonderful Town
“Somebody, Somewhere” – The Most Happy Fella
“Warm All Over” – The Most Happy Fella
“What’s the Use of Wond’rin’?” – Carousel
Mrs. Paroo
“Hey, Look Me Over” – Wildcat
“Small World” – Gypsy
“The Beast In You” – Goldilocks
“Who’s Been Sitting in My Chair?” – Goldilocks
Winthrop Paroo
“Dites-Moi” – South Pacific
“I’d Do Anything” – Oliver!
“My Best Girl” – Mame
Ensemble (Altos)
“Be Kind to Your Parents” – Fanny
“Everybody’s Got a Home But Me” – Pipe Dream
“The Next Time It Happens” – Pipe Dream
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Rosie” – Bye Bye Birdie
“Shall I Take My Heart” – Goldilocks
“That Man Over There” – Miracle on 34th Street
Ensemble (Basses)
“Not Mine” – Hallelujah, Baby!
“Once in Love with Amy” – Where’s Charley?
“There Never Was a Woman” – Goldilocks
Ensemble (Contras)
“Erbie Fitch’s Twitch” – Redhead
“I Never Know When” – Goldilocks
“Nobody’s Heart” – By Jupiter
Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)
“I Ain’t Down Yet” – The Unsinkable Molly Brown
“Shopping Around” – Wish You Were Here
“You Don’t Know” – Here’s Love
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Love Makes the World Go ‘Round” – Carnival
“So in Love” – Kiss Me, Kate
“Wonderful, Wonderful Day” – Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Ensemble (Tenors)
“I Wanna Be Rich” – Stop the World – I Want to Get Off
“I’ve Just Seen Her” – All American
“Old Devil Moon” – Finian’s Rainbow
Ensemble (Trebles/Children)
“I Won’t Grow Up” – Peter Pan
“So Long, Farewell” – The Sound of Music
“Where Is Love?” – Oliver!
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for The Music Man:
• “I Shall Go Mad!” from Fourteen➝
• “My Favorite Name➝” from Harvey➝ (Elwood)
• “Nothing But Misfortune” from Poor John➝ (John)
• “The Ideal Man!” from A Woman of No Importance➝ (Mrs. Allonby)
• “You Won’t Misunderstand Me” from The Goal➝ (Sir Stephen)
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 Music Man Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in The Music Man, 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:
“Rock Island” – Charlie, Ensemble
“Iowa Stubborn” – Ensemble
“Ya Got Trouble” – Harold, Ensemble
“Piano Lesson” – Marian, Mrs. Paroo
“Goodnight My Someone” – Marian
“Seventy-Six Trombones” – Harold
“Sincere” – Olin, Oliver, Ewart, Jacey
“The Sadder-But-Wiser Girl” – Harold
“Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little” – Alma, Maud, Ethel, Mrs. Squires, Eulalie, Ensemble
“Goodnight, Ladies” – Olin, Oliver, Ewart, Jacey
“Marian The Librarian” – Harold
“My White Knight” – Marian
“The Wells Fargo Wagon” – Winthrop, Ensemble
Act 2:
“It’s You” – Olin, Oliver, Ewart, Jacey, Alma, Maud, Ethel, Mrs. Squires, Eulalie
“Shipoopi” – Marcellus, Ensemble
“Lida Rose” – Olin, Oliver, Ewart, Jacey
“Will I Ever Tell You” – Marian
“Gary, Indiana” – Winthrop
“Till There Was You” – Marian, Harold
“Seventy-Six Trombones” / “Goodnight, My Someone (Reprise)” – Harold, Marian
“Till There Was You (Reprise)” – Harold
“Finale” – 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.
