Sondheim Audition Songs

[ChristineDaae87]

Posted: 7/8/07 at 9:12pm

I need to find a song by Sondheim that will show off my range. I have an extremely extensive range so please give me any suggestion you can think of that will show it off.
Thanks!

[ceemarie913]

Posted: 7/11/07 at 10:19am

No One Is Alone-Into the Woods
Send In The Clowns-A Little Night Music(fairly low but if transposed would work)
I Know Things Now-Into the Woods

[[e-mail]]

Posted: 7/11/07 at 11:25pm

Generally people say avoid Sondheim in auditions. I can't remember the particular reason why, but there is one.

[scott68]

Posted: 7/12/07 at 12:07am

"Green Finch and Linnet Bird" from Sweeney Todd covers a fairly wide range.

[theatrejock310]

Posted: 7/12/07 at 3:28am

I heard somewhere that because its harder on accompianist...
But Im not sure about that myself.

[jaesdare]

Posted: 7/12/07 at 11:43am

People say not to do Sondheim because generally they're all mature songs for mature people (i.e.: can't tell you how many people i've seen sing broadway baby or ladies who lunch and think it was appropriate for them). Ofcourse there are a few exceptions.
The accompanist factor is not so much a big deal as Jason Robert Brown stuff. There is still alot of Sondheim music that is really hard for an accompanist, but not as much.
In that case, I also suggest "Green Finch and Linnet Bird".

[pianodude]

Posted: 7/12/07 at 12:40pm

I would rather sight-read a JRB song that has chord symbols than play a Sondheim piece with none at all. Also, Sondheim's material is more diverse and it's more likely a pianist hasn't played everything by him.

[AHoffman]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 3:38pm

I have actually been told that it is good to bring a Sodhiem song to an audition. If you pick right, it can be very inpressive.

[Weez]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 3:46pm

I guess it depends. I'm seriously considering auditioning for drama school with a Sondheim song, because 1) it marks me out as a bit more serious than someone who's chosen Andrew Lloyd Webber, and 2) if they're providing me an accompanist, then... y'know, it's *drama* school. For training musical theatre professionals of the future. I'd be disappointed if they couldn't cope with Sondheim. Same goes for major West End/Broadway productions. Also, I'm aware that Sondheim songs should not be chosen lightly, and I would certainly look hard at the pianist part and obscurity of any piece I wanted to do. (Also, if I have to sing a capella, the complexities of the accompaniment won't matter. ^_^)

I think what I'd do would be to prepare my Sondheim song of choice, but also a back-up by a less intimidating composer. Then at the audition, I'd say "I've prepared a couple of pieces; I'd like to sing [yadda yadda] by Sondheim, but if you'd prefer, I also have [blah blah] by Someone Else". That way, I'm Super Sondheim Girl, but I'm also flexible, kind, and extra-prepared. ;D

Updated On: 7/15/07 at 03:46 PM

[AHoffman]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 4:02pm

Thats a good idea. I totally agree with everything you say. You really have to pick out the right one, you can't just say I think that I will do this some. You really have to be sure of everything thats goes into it. Bleh. I am rambling.

[dramaboy27]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 7:32pm

One of my fav. Sondheim songs that is done done to much or heard very often is So Many People from (I think) Saturday Night...it is beautiful!!

[AHoffman]

Posted: 7/17/07 at 12:12am

There are only two songs that I will do from Sodhiem at this moment. I will do Giants In The Sky and Ballad Of Czolgosz.

[bingbong]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 3:22pm

i take it your a sop?

half cheating, you could find something from west side story - i'm sure that doesn't count tho, lol

i agree with 'green finch...'

'I remember' from Evening Primrose - tho it doesn't go all that high

if you have your own pianist then 'on the steps of the pallace' from 'into the woods'

i can't think of any age appropriate stuff that goes all that high...

have fun in looking xx

[musicman_17082]

Posted: 7/25/07 at 9:07pm

What do you all think of "Being Alive" as an audition piece for school next year?

I'm absolutely in love with the song and felt it was "the one" since the moment I first hear it on the Tony's. Sounds nerdy... but its like I feel a connection with it. (Okay fine... that might be slightly dictated by the incredible-ness of Raul's performance)...

But do you think it is risky to perform something that was just done top-notch @ the Tony's which every auditoner will have assuredly seen?

I've gotten it transposed slightly lower and it fits my range perfectly...


Thoughts?

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 7/25/07 at 9:13pm

If the school asks for a song from an "age/type appropriate" character, no. Otherwise, it should be fine.