The Best Audition Songs for Xanadu – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Xanadu? Well unless you have specifically been asked to sing a song from the show that you’re auditioning for, it’s generally best not to. That said, you should still show off similar vocals and personality. So here’s our list of audition songs for Xanadu, by character.
Xanadu is a contemporary musical that’s set in the 1980s. Because of that, most of the songs below are either directly from the 1970s/1980s, or from musicals that are set in the 1970s/1980s.
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Step 1: Read your audition details
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: Get to know the show
In casting calls, they often ask for you to be “familiar with the show”. And even if it’s not requested, it’s generally assumed. One way to do this is to listen to the Xanadu cast album➝ while reading through the synopsis.
Step 3: Pick an audition song
Next, based on your personality and vocal type, decide whether you’d like to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Just keep in mind that if you audition for a specific character, you still might not be chosen for that particular role.
There’s usually a spot on the audition form asking if you are open to being in the ensemble or accepting a different role. I would suggest ticking that box and taking whatever you are offered. Every role is important, and you will earn valuable experience in a show.
And on that same note, even if you audition for the ensemble (rather than a specific character), there’s always a chance of being cast in a leading or supporting role!
To summarize, keep an open mind and try not to take the process too seriously. And when you’re ready, choose the song that you feel most comfortable with from the list below.
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
“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
“Through the Fire” – Chaka Khan [1980s/non-theatre]
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)
“Don’t Wish Too Hard” – The Boy From Oz
“Gloria” – Laura Branigan [1980s/non-theatre]
“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]
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
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:
• “A Girl’s Guide to Chaos” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Picture Show Video” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
• “Postcards” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Rooms” in Fantasy Monologues for Young Actors➝
Final Step: Prepare for your audition
After collecting your materials and getting familiar with the show, it’s time to move forward with the actual preparation. If you’re in need of some guidance on this step, you can always go through this FREE audition prep checklist!
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
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
Which of these audition songs for Xanadu did you choose?
And what role are you auditioning for? We would love to hear all about it in the comments! And in the meantime, you can check out our database of best audition songs for other musicals.
Need extra help? Just go through this free audition prep checklist!
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre, a TESOL drama certificate, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.