Audition Songs for The Pirates of Penzance – By Character
Last Updated: January, 2026
When considering audition songs for The Pirates of Penzance, it’s fitting to choose an operatic 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 Pirates of Penzance is an opera from the late 1800s, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals before the 1960. 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 comedic, 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 about The Pirates of Penzance.
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
Frederic
“Make Our Garden Grow” – Candide
“One Alone” – The Desert Song
“Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise” – The New Moon
Mabel
“I Love You” – Song of Norway
“It Never Was You” – Knickerbocker Holiday
“Romance” – The Desert Song
Major-General
“I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” – My Fair Lady
“The Scars” – Knickerbocker Holiday
“When I Grow Up (The G-Man Song)” – Pins and Needles
Ensemble (Altos)
“Can This Be Love?” – Fine and Dandy
“Once You Lose Your Heart” – Me and My Girl
“Solomon Song” – The Threepenny Opera
Ensemble (Baritones)
“O Tixo, Tixo Help Me!” – Lost in the Stars
“September Song” – Knickerbocker Holiday
“There’s Nowhere to Go But Up” – Knickerbocker Holiday
Ensemble (Basses)
“Ballad of the Robbers” – Knickerbocker Holiday
“Restless Heart” – Fanny
“When the Children Are Asleep” – Carousel
Ensemble (Contras)
“Lonely House” – Street Scene
“Pirate Jenny” – The Threepenny Opera
“Solomon” – Nymph Errant
Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)
“How Could We Be Wrong?” – Nymph Errant
“Supper Time” – As Thousands Cheer
“When Did I Fall in Love?” – Fiorello!
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Glitter and Be Gay” – Candide
“The Princess of Pure Delight” – Lady in the Dark
“Trouble Man” – Lost in the Stars
Ensemble (Tenors)
“A Red-Headed Woman” – Porgy and Bess
“Captain Hook’s Waltz” – Peter Pan
“Fanny” – Fanny
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for The Pirates of Penzance:
• “Good Heavens!➝” from The Pretentious Young Ladies➝ (Madelon)
• “I Must Say” from The Importance of Being Earnest➝ (Lady Bracknell)
• “I Trust No Man➝” from Danton➝ (Robespierre)
• “Ladylike” from Quality Street➝ (Phoebe)
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 Pirates of Penzance Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in The Pirates of Penzance 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.
Act I:
“Pour, O Pour The Pirate Sherry” – Samuel, Ensemble
“When Frederic Was A Little Lad” – Ruth
“Oh, Better Far To Live And Die” – Pirate King, Ensemble
“Oh, False One, You Have Deceived Me” – Frederic, Ruth
“Climbing Over Rocky Mountain” – Ensemble
“Stop, Ladies, Pray!” – Edith, Kate, Frederic, Ensemble
“Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast?” – Frederic, Ensemble
“Poor Wandering One” – Mabel, Ensemble
“What Ought We To Do?” – Edith, Kate, Ensemble
“How Beautifully Blue The Sky” – Mabel, Frederic, Ensemble
“Stay, We Must Not Lose Our Senses”- Frederic, Ensemble
“Hold Monsters” – Mabel, Major-General, Samuel, Ensemble
“I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General” – Major-General, Ensemble
“Finale Act I” – Company
Act II:
“Oh, Dry The Glistening Tear” – Mabel, Ensemble
“Then, Frederic, Let Your Escort Lion-Hearted” – Frederic, Major-General
“When The Foeman Bares His Steel” – Mabel, Edith, Sergeant, Ensemble
“Now For The Pirates’ Lair!” – Frederic, Ruth, Pirate King
“When You Had Left Our Pirate Fold” – Ruth, Frederic, Pirate King
“Away, Away! My Heart’s On Fire!” – Ruth, Frederic, Pirate King
“All Is Prepared” – Mabel, Frederic
“Stay, Frederick, Stay!” – Mabel, Frederic
“No, I’ll Be Brave” – Mabel, Sergeant, Ensemble
“When A Felon’s Not Engaged In His Employment” – Sergeant, Ensemble
“A Rollicking Band Of Pirates We” – Sergeant, Ensemble
“With Cat-Like Tread, Upon Our Prey We Steal” – Samuel, Ensemble
“Hush, Hush! Not A Word” – Frederic, Pirate King, Major-General, Ensemble
“Finale, Act II” – 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.
