Help with a combined Millie and Urinetown audition

[dollwithamission]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 11:13pm

So, this audition won't be until June or so, but I figure it can't hurt to be prepared.

I've just heard that Thoroughly Modern Millie and Urinetown are going to be the two shows that the community high school summer theatre program I usually participate in is doing. I'm very familiar with and love Urinetown, and I also enjoy the few songs I've heard from Millie. My problem is I’ll only be able to choose one song to audition for both shows.
So, to help you make suggestions, a little about me…I’m a soprano. I do not have a strong belt (which I know isn’t so great considering these shows), but I hope to get that kind of training in the future. I’ve never taken dance classes, so as far as TMM’s concerned, I know a few tap steps from other shows, but I’m not experienced. I’m 5’8.” If I was going to be typecast for anything physically, it probably wouldn’t be Millie or Hope.

At school, I often play old women. Last year for this program I played an Urchin in Little Shop and Ensemble in The Music Man. The year before that they only did one show, and I was Mimi, the Hot Box Dancer, in Guys and Dolls. If I were to get a lead role in one show, I’d probably get ensemble in the other, because this is a student community program and they want to spread the love around. This is my senior year and last opportunity to be in this program, so I’m hoping for a lead role to get some more real experience before college. If I were to choose I would prefer to get a lead in Urinetown. (Pennywise is a favorite role of mine, and I CAN sing her songs, but I don’t think I have the training to safely belt those parts every day. )

Our school musical did not turn out so well for me this year, and I’m really hoping to show our school director what she missed when she comes to see the shows this summer. Any advice, comments, or song suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 3/9/08 at 12:40am

The only soprano role in Millie is Dorothy, but you could probably pull off Mrs. Meers or Muzzy without belting.

I'm not familiar with Urinetown.

[tinkerscanne]

Posted: 3/14/08 at 9:02pm

For Pennywise, she belts a high g - you've GOT to be careful with that if you don't have the training. Hope is a legit soprano with a pop belt/mix plus she has to be able to sing some low, bluesy notes at the end with "I See a River." Why do you think you'd be typed out as Hope? Just curious...

Millie (as per the recording with Sutton Foster) seems to use a lot of mixed voice, so you may be able to get away with something there.

As for an audition piece, you could do "There's A Fine, Fine Line" from Avenue Q. That shows a bit of both soprano and whatever mix/belt you're comfy with. It's also contemporary musical theatre - which would suit what you're auditioning for. I hope this is a good starting point for you.

Break a leg!

[dollwithamission]

Posted: 3/14/08 at 11:59pm

Thanks so much for the replies guys!
-It's funny you suggest "It's a Fine, Fine Line," because I used that for my audition last year with this program! So, I love the song, but I don't think I should use it again.
-As for not being typed for Hope or Millie, I'll just say that I've always been too tall or not slender enough to be considered for those types of roles. I'm not overweight, but I guess I look more womanly than girly. I've kind of accepted that, though it stinks when my voice is probably best for those two parts. (Though the dancing factor would take me out of the running for Millie anyway)

I say I'm a soprano, but the mezzo part of my voice is my favorite to sing in. I think I have a decent mix. If anyone has any song suggestions like, "It's a Fine, Fine Line," please let me know!