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Question:Hi!
I'll be auditioning for the 2008 season of a prestigious professional theatre company. The season includes the musicals "Sweeny Todd" and "Beauty and the Beast". Here are the audition pieces I've narrowed down--I'd like you all to help decide!
- "A New Life"- Jekyll and Hyde
- "Someone Like You"- Jekyll and Hyde
- "How Could I Know"- The Secret Garden

I am a master at both Eponine and Fontine's parts from Les Miserables, but feel they are overdone at auditions. What do you think?
Thanks!


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hi!
I'll be auditioning for the 2008 season of a prestigious professional theatre company. The season includes the musicals "Sweeny Todd" and "Beauty and the Beast". Here are the audition pieces I've narrowed down--I'd like you all to help decide!
- "A New Life"- Jekyll and Hyde
- "Someone Like You"- Jekyll and Hyde
- "How Could I Know"- The Secret Garden

I am a master at both Eponine and Fontine's parts from Les Miserables, but feel they are overdone at auditions. What do you think?
Thanks!

To answer this question I'll need to know a little more about your voice-type. "A New Life" and "Someone Like You" are both very strong mezzo-soprano pieces, where as "How Could I Know" is more of a lyrical soprano choice. Due to the fact that the heroines in both "Sweeny Todd" and "Beauty and the Beast" are mezzos, I would suggest cutting out "How Could I Know," although it is a great song. You want to show the casting directors that you have the voice quality that they want for the role.

Personally, I favor "Someone Like You." It has such power, and the songs meaning gives you the opportunity to also show off your acting skills. Might I suggest doing the section that includes the key change (the transition from chorus 2 to 3)? It truly is the climax of the piece, and will honestly be the section the casting directors are looking to hear.

I don't know if you would be comfortable singing a piece FROM the shows you are auditioning for. If you are, however, I would suggest "Home" from "Beauty and the Beast." Just like "Someone Like You" it gives you the ability to act.

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Suggestions from Other Musicals:

"As Long as He Needs Me" from "Oliver"
Another dramatic song, if done correctly, and you won't have to worry about it being over done.

"I Don't Know How to Love Him" from "Jesus Christ Superstar"
Although this song is normally portrayed in a very sweet, innocent way, I once saw an actress display incredible passion and even a touch of fury! It really spiced the song up and made it a real eye-opener!
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If you want to stick with the three you've selected, however, I would suggest "Someone Like You." I think it will help you get what you want in this particular audition.

Best of luck!

Have you considered doing something from "Rent" or "Wicked"? I would go with something from one of them because they are both fairly modern and have an excellent selection for any vocal range.

Good song choices- nice variety!

Do NOT audition with anything from Rent or Wicked. No auditioner wants to hear those, they're too overdone and you'd be setting yourself up for failure.

I vote for "How Could I Know" from The Secret Garden. It's a good musical that hasn't been too overdone (like the others) and would show your voice well. I do like the songs you picked from Jekyll and Hyde, but I would go for The Secret Garden.

i have to agree with jenna. Rent and Wicked are SO overdone. I like all of the songs and think they would all be great but I like a new life the most. break a leg at your auditions! :)

Go with the one you know and sing the best. That is the most important thing.