Are you wondering what song to choose for your “Chicago” audition? Below are a few general guidelines that I think are important (I’ve given some of these tips for previous shows, and they’re still worthwhile).
“Chicago” opened on Broadway in 1975, and its revival, which opened in 1996, is the second longest-running show on Broadway. Much of the music was written in the style of a vaudeville show, and most of the musical’s characters are based on actual performers. In addition, the music mines American jazz of the 1920s.
1) First and foremost, an audition song should help the creative team see the strengths in the performer that are appropriate for the show. Consider what part you’re trying out for, the nature of the character and of that character’s songs in “Chicago.”
Choose a song from a musical, or appropriate song that’s not from a musical, that shows off your talent as well as possible — in relation to the character’s traits, musical style, vocal range, and vocal quality.
In other words, the song you choose is emphasizing something—maybe a quiet introspective nature, or a loud brassy voice, or the ability to be a romantic lead, or the ability to do comedy. Choose a song that’s connected to the target character. So, if you’re trying out for Mama Rose in “Gypsy”, you wouldn’t audition with “In My Own Little Corner” from “Cinderella”; but “Don’t Rain on My Parade” might work.
2) Confidence! Choose a song with which you feel comfortable!
3) We hope to hear lots of songs being auditioned, so decide whether a song from “Chicago” is the best way to show us your talent — we’re probably going to be hearing a lot of those songs, and you do want to stand out! But if the best song for you is from “Chicago”, go for it.
4) You should prepare the song in its entirety, but know that we will most likely stop you once we feel we have understood your vocal ability. Bring music if you can, either sheet music or (even better) a karaoke track. I don’t feel that having background music is absolutely essential, but it does sometimes help a singer feel more comfortable and/or sing better.
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Looking forward to seeing you there!
–Jeff Rosenschein, Musical Director
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Auditions for Chicago are Tuesday Oct 29th, Wednesday Oct 30th, and Thursday Oct 31st 18:00-21:30 at the Jerusalem Arts High School – Yitzhak Elhanan Street (Behind the Inbal Hotel and Gan Hapaamon). For more info visit our facebook event.