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 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 Xanadu.
Step 3: Pick an Audition Song
Based on your personality and vocal type, decide whether you’d like to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Just know that if you audition for a specific character, you still might not be chosen for that particular role.
Be sure to indicate that you’re open to the ensemble or other roles. You’ll gain valuable experience no matter where you’re placed. And remember, even if you audition for the ensemble, you could still be cast in a leading or supporting role.
To summarize, keep an open mind and have fun with this! And when you’re ready, choose the song that you feel most comfortable with from the list below.
The Audition Songs
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]
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: 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!
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
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.
