I have no sense about Nunsense...!

September 29, 2009 6:02 PM

[Musical Theatre Filter] I've been out of the musical theatre world for a few years while I was in college. I'm thinking about audition for a production of "Nunsense: The Mega Musical" but don't know what to sing. I will be auditioning acapella, typically sing alto or mezzo, am 21, and can't dance! So what should I sing?

Suggestions that are similar stylistically to Nunsense would be the most helpful (in terms of the musical sound, the theme, or the character...)

I'm not super familiar with the show, so any suggestions would be helpful. I only found out about the audition an hour ago, so I've only just started looking into it.

And I am not looking for pop music - just showtunes, please!

And if you don't know the show either but have a killer audition song, then recommend that, too! :)

Thanks for your help, mefites!

posted by firei to Media & Arts (6 answers total)

For theme, you could look at Godspell, Children of Eden, or Joseph.. but don't go too crazy trying to hit theme or character. If this is an amateur production, I think the most important thing is singing something that shows what you do best without going too far outside the bounds of the show (wouldn't suggest a "sexy" song for this show).
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:11 PM on September 29, 2009

Nunsense is a fun show, good range of songs -- there's a country number, a gospel number, a few vaudeville-style schmaltzy ones. It depends on your range, but it's primarily a comedy and a number of the songs are funny -- if you can do a fun song you'd probably hit the right tone. Think "Miss Adelaide's Lament," from Guys & Dolls or maybe something from Avenue Q, although some of those might be a tad raunchy. "Look at Me I'm Sandra Dee" from Grease is about right in tone also. I'd stay away from heavy stuff like Les Mis.

I've been away from that scene a long time myself, I don't even know what songs are done at auditions anymore. As may be evident from the choices I listed above. The last time I auditioned for a musical, everyone did "I Dreamed a Dream."
posted by stennieville at 7:03 PM on September 29, 2009

You could sing "Long as I'm Here With You", or "Only in New York", both from Thoroughly Modern Millie.

I'd don't really have much audition experience, but both of those songs should fit your voice.
posted by kylej at 7:31 PM on September 29, 2009

I do opera auditions, not so much musicals, so I don't have much in the way of specific rep. However, since you have been out of this for a while, I would recommend choosing something that sits well in your voice and is vocally less challenging. Avoid extreme ranges and belting. If you've been out of practice for a while, trying to belt can actually hurt your voice. Maybe "Somewhere that's Green" from Little Shop of Horrors if it's not to high, Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair from South Pacific, and I totally agree that Adelaide's lament is great. It's not too hard vocally, and allows you to show a lot of character.

Good Luck!
posted by firemonkey at 10:32 PM on September 29, 2009

As a producer of musical theatre, I second firemonkey's advice. There's no need to pick a song that's too challenging; instead choose a song that you can sing comfortably and competently. I'd say our casting priorities are generally in this order:

1. Can you carry a tune? (You'd be surprised how many people who audition are tone-deaf)
2. Are you confident onstage? (We want charismatic cast members with stage presence)
3. Do you seem likeable? (Shows are intensely social, so people with a good nature are key)

For leads, we obviously look at their training, experience and technique, but if you just want to be in the chorus, these three things will get you most of the way there. We'll find room in the cast for someone who can't dance much if they're fun to watch, confident and friendly.

Break a leg!
posted by ad_hominem at 8:10 AM on September 30, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks, all! :)
posted by firei at 4:40 PM on September 30, 2009