5 Best Audition Songs From 90s Musicals You Need

Few things can become as nerve-wracking as an upcoming audition. One of the best ways to keep calm is to be prepared. Finding a great song that you can sing impeccably and that will show off your talents can make a difference in your confidence. 90s musicals offer plenty of great song choices, so here are a few standouts.

Standout Songs from 90s Musicals

Musical theater has evolved a lot over the years and hit a distinctive style in the 1990s. This era was full of productions that integrated more rock and pop music and used lyrics in new ways to tell stories on stage. Epic dramas shared the decade with Disney adaptations, creating a musical theater experience that offered something for everyone.

With such a wide variety of styles of shows, it makes sense that you can find a wide range of 90s audition songs from your favorite shows. If you are in need of inspiration for the perfect song to impress a casting director, take a stroll down memory lane and listen to some 90s theater. There are several songs that will likely stand out.

1. “Home” from Beauty and the Beast

“Home” is a number that was created especially for the Beauty and the Beast stage adaptation so some Disney fans may not be as familiar with it. It marks a moment of mourning for the lead character as she’s unable to say goodbye to her father while she remains captive. The song offers singers a chance to show a range of emotions, including sorrow, anger and determination.

Vocally, the range of the song stretches from G3 to E5. Because it is an emotional song performed in a sadder moment in the musical, it has a slower tempo of 99 BPM and should be sung in an audition where you are aiming to combine your singing and acting.

2. “Take Me or Leave Me” from Rent

Rent is one of the most prominent shows of all 90s musicals so it is sure to offer a few great audition songs. One of those is “Take Me or Leave Me.” This number is technically a duet between two characters having a relationship quarrel. To change it to an audition piece for a single singer, you will want to choose a single character’s voice and perform your best section.

With a faster tempo of about 175, this song is a great option to show how you handle an energetic performance. It is in an F major key but can be adjusted to G minor. If you perform this song, be ready to truly act out the frustration and self-determination of the lyrics.

3. “Endless Night” from The Lion King

Another great choice among 90s audition songs is “Endless Night.” This number from The Lion King stage adaptation offers men a great piece to belt out a song heavy with emotion. The ballad is an addition to the stage play and isn’t present in the animated film. It shows the lead character grieving the death of his father, so you can be sure that it is full of opportunities to emote and act.

The vocal range spans from a D4 to A5, offering baritones and tenors the best chance to make their mark with this tune. It is a mid-tempo song so any performer will have to make sure to bring strong energy and passion to the material so it leaves a lasting impression on your casting directors.

4. “The Winner Takes It All” from Mamma Mia!

“The Winner Takes It All” is a unique song from the 90s musicals scene. Mamma Mia! just sneaks into the 90s category with an initial release date in 1999, while the song got a new life after its original release by the group ABBA in the 80s. As we mentioned, 90s musicals found a special way of integrating pop into the scores and this is the perfect example of that practice.

This song is a discussion about the end of a relationship and requires the performer to display introspection and a bit of sadness to convey the emotions that are carried in the lyrics. It is in the key of G major and has a lower tempo of 112 BPM. The slower nature of the song allows the singer to connect with the lyrics and offer a deeper display of feeling on stage.

5. “One Song Glory” from Rent

With another entry, Rent offers “One Song Glory” as another choice for male singers to display their chops, both with vocals and acting. The song is a bit moody and reflective as the character works to fulfill his creative missions while dealing with a devastating illness. The feeling is heavy and the singer must carry that emotion throughout the performance.

A tenor would do well with this song with its D3 to A4 range. It’s a dramatic pop-rock ballad that offers a singer an opportunity to display powerful emotion and evoke a moving response from anyone listening.

Choosing Audition Songs

So how do you know what kind of song to pick? With so many 90s audition songs to choose from, don’t limit yourself. It’s likely you will need several types of pieces ready for different callbacks or for different parts.

Start by studying the character you plan to audition for and see if there is a song that works well with that profile. You should also make sure any song you perform is one you can perfect. You want every note to be exemplary for the best chance to make the cast. If you can, use a song that you know well and are comfortable with.

Get Inspired by 90s Musicals

As you look for the perfect song that will help you land your dream role, exploring 90s audition songs is a great idea. You can find different genres, moods and ranges that will suit your performance style and needs. To get more advice and tips as you navigate the world of musical theater, check out the great info Musicnotes has to offer.

Published on January 04, 2023