Audition Help: Black Maria for Sound of Music

[_chanteuse_]

Posted: 2/26/08 at 2:25pm

Alright, so after being encouraged to try for it, I have an audition for a production in The Sound of Music as Maria. I'm a mezzo - soprano with classical and belt training and I'm looking for a Broadway style song that will allow me to show alot of my vocal range. I'm not sure of whether ir should be an upbeat tune or something more somber or even angry since I'm figuring a African-American Maria is going to have plenty of crap to deal with.

My friend told me to take the contemporary route and do "No Good Deeds" from Wicked or "So Much Better" from Legally Blonde because she's sure the director won't expect to hear it. What are your thoughts and suggestions?
[rawr] Myspace

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 2/26/08 at 2:38pm

Sing something by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

I vaguely remember reading an article in the Times about a black Maria, and it gave her a rave review. I'm sure you can track it down somewhere.

Break three legs!

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 2/26/08 at 2:46pm

It might have been about this production:
Talkin' Broadway review of this regional production

[Juliash]

Posted: 2/26/08 at 3:32pm

No, if you're going for Maria you really need to sing in your legit voice. I definitely agree with bwaylvsong about rodgers and hammerstein...maybe Out of My Dreams from Oklahoma?

[dramatothemax]

Posted: 2/26/08 at 6:38pm

I think you're friend is 100% wrong. Never sing either of those for an audition EVER. If the show is classical, you sing a classical song. If you're auditioning for a contemporary show sing a contemporary song...just never those 2 she suggested.


Even if you're a belter, you don't want to sing a belty song for this audition. If you want Maria you need a song like If I Loved You from Carousel or A Quiet Thing from Flora the Red Menace.

[flicker_]

Posted: 2/26/08 at 7:10pm

I agree with all replies. You want to sing something in the style of the show. Try a classic song with a lot of spirit and happy tone. It's Maria, after all. I wish you luck! Maria is such a fun and empowering part.

[dramatothemax]

Posted: 2/26/08 at 10:59pm

How can you look at Julie Andrews and not see pure joy, spirit and happiness? hahahaha break a leg girl!

[_chanteuse_]

Posted: 2/27/08 at 5:31pm

That article was awesome!

Thanks so much you guys for the help. You ever get that deer in headlights feeling? Yeah...I was totally feeling that.

[chinto1984]

Posted: 2/27/08 at 6:56pm

Love, Look Away - Flower Drum Song