The Best Audition Songs for Xanadu – By Character
When considering audition songs for Xanadu, it’s fitting to choose a pop/rock 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 Xanadu is set in the 1980s, the audition songs below also have a 1970s/1980s feel to them. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed to ensure it matches the show’s style.
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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 Xanadu.
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 Xanadu
✨ Want audition material that gets you noticed? Explore monologues, songs, and guidance on finding your casting lane inside The Theatre Trip Archive on Patreon!
Danny Maguire
“Don’t Take Much” – The Life
“I Cannot Hear the City” – Sweet Smell of Success
“I Want to Make Magic” – Fame
“Look Over There” – La Cage aux Folles
“Song on the Sand” – La Cage aux Folles
Kira (Clio)
“A Little More Love” – Olivia Newton-John [1970s/non-theatre]
“Disneyland” – Smile
“Hopelessly Devoted to You” – Grease
“I Honestly Love You” – Olivia Newton John [1970s/non-theatre]
“Sam” – Olivia Newton-John [1960s/non-theatre]
Melpomene and Calliope
“Bad Girls” – Donna Summer [1970s/non-theatre]
“Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” – The Wiz
“I’m Every Woman” – Chaka Khan [1970s/non-theatre]
“Magic to Do” – Pippin
“Simple Joys” – Pippin
Sonny Malone
“All Out of Love” – Air Supply [1980s/non-theatre]
“Broken Wings” – Mr. Mister [1980s/non-theatre]
“Charlie’s Soliloquy” – Kinky Boots
“Starlight Express” – Starlight Express
“The Search Is Over” – Survivor [1980s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Altos)
“Gloria” – Laura Branigan [1980s/non-theatre]
“I Have a Dream” – Mamma Mia!
“The Story Goes On” – Baby
Ensemble (Baritones)
“I Still Call Australia Home” – The Boy From Oz
“Once Before I Go” – The Boy From Oz
“The Lives of Me” – The Boy From Oz
Ensemble (Basses)
“Fallin’” – They’re Playing Our Song
“Marry Me” – The Rink
“Your Song” – Elton John [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Contras)
“Fernando” – ABBA [1970s/non-theatre]
“Solitaire” – Laura Branigan [1980s/non-theatre]
“You Light Up My Life” – Debby Boone [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“Out Here On My Own” – Fame
“Someday” – The Wedding Singer
“These Dreams” – Heart [1980s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Knowing Me, Knowing You” – Mamma Mia!
“Making Love Out of Nothing At All” – Air Supply [1980s/non-theatre]
“Waiting for a Girl Like You” – Foreigner [1980s/non-theatre]
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Xanadu:
• “Mystery Man” from The Muckle Man
• “Picture Show Video” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
• “Rooms” in Fantasy Monologues for Young Actors➝
• “The Whales” from Danny and the Deep Blue Sea
• “Voice of the River” from Jasper in Deadland
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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Xanadu Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Xanadu 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.
“I’m Alive” – Kira, Ensemble
“Magic” – Kira
“Evil Woman” – Melpomene, Calliope, Ensemble
“Suddenly” – Kira, Sonny
“Whenever You’re Away From Me” – Danny, Kira
“Dancin’” – Ensemble
“Strange Magic” – Melpomene, Calliope, Kira
“All Over the World” – Sonny, Danny, Ensemble
“Don’t Walk Away” – Sonny, Danny, Ensemble
“Fool” – Kira, Ensemble
“The Fall” – Sonny, Kira, Ensemble
“Suspended in Time” – Kira, Sonny
“Have You Never Been Mellow?” – Kira, Ensemble
“Xanadu” – Kira, Sonny, Danny, Ensemble
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.
