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Tenalto

Broadway Revue Auditions

My university's student theatre group is holding auditions for a "Best of Broadway" revue September 29 and 30. I'd very much like to do this so that I can continue my involvement in theatre, despite my insanity at double majoring in Biomed and Psychology. Exerpts from the poster are in italics.

In December (date to be determined), UNISTA will be producing "BEST OF BROADWAY", a musical theatre revue featuring beloved songs of old and new Broadway. Please come prepared with 32 bars of a musical theatre solo. An accompanist will be provided.

I'm a contralto with a range from E-flat below middle C to roughly D/D-sharp above middle C, with a belt to B-flat/B above middle C. I really prefer up-tempo, comedic songs, but don't mind jazzier ballads. I have some songs in mind, listed below with my thoughts on each one. Any comments and suggestions, either for one of the songs mentioned or with an entirely different song, are welcome. What I want/need above all else is a song that will make me stand out in a positive way, especially since I'm a freshman

"Why Can't You Behave" -- I've always liked this one, despite its ballad-y-ness. It would show off a decent bit of my range (low F-sharp to C above mid-C), and I believe I could sing it with the proper feeling. However, I'm not positive how I'd act it, and ballads have never been my forte.

"Always True to You in My Fashion" -- It's mostly in my easy range (low A to G above mid-C), fast, bouncy, and comedic. I have some idea about how I'd act it. I'm wondering, though, if it's a little too repetitive to be much good at showing my voice off.

"Cock-Eyed Optimist" -- Up-beat, slightly more legit song. I know how I'd act it, it shows off my mid-to-upper range (pathetically small as it is), and I don't think many others would sing it.

"Honey Bun" -- I could sing this one in my sleep. I'm alway energized when I perform it, I remember the simple choreography from when my school did it three years ago (I'd tone it down, of course), it would show off my belt (kind of), and I know I could do a good job with it.

"Step-Sister's Lament" -- I have a clear picture of how I'd act this one, it's up-tempo, and it's comedic. Would this be acceptable, despite being a duet, considering the way it's written would allow one person to sing it and still make sense?

"Happily Ever After" -- I just played Fred this past March, so I have a very good feel for this song. The question is, is it just not enough?

"Anything Goes" or "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" -- I'm a Porter fan, and I adore these songs above all others. I have yet to get my paws on the sheet music for either, though, so these are really only being considered in the misty ether that is "maybe."

Also, should I perhaps try to learn a more recent song? I know that these are all pretty much "classic Broadway," but practically all of the newer songs that I know are dreadfully overdone or don't really suit my voice.

Any thoughts are much appreciated!
JIJane

Re: Broadway Revue Auditions

Tenalto wrote:
My university's student theatre group is holding auditions for a "Best of Broadway" revue September 29 and 30. I'd very much like to do this so that I can continue my involvement in theatre, despite my insanity at double majoring in Biomed and Psychology. Exerpts from the poster are in italics.

In December (date to be determined), UNISTA will be producing "BEST OF BROADWAY", a musical theatre revue featuring beloved songs of old and new Broadway. Please come prepared with 32 bars of a musical theatre solo. An accompanist will be provided.

I'm a contralto with a range from E-flat below middle C to roughly D/D-sharp above middle C, with a belt to B-flat/B above middle C. I really prefer up-tempo, comedic songs, but don't mind jazzier ballads. I have some songs in mind, listed below with my thoughts on each one. Any comments and suggestions, either for one of the songs mentioned or with an entirely different song, are welcome. What I want/need above all else is a song that will make me stand out in a positive way, especially since I'm a freshman

"Why Can't You Behave" -- I've always liked this one, despite its ballad-y-ness. It would show off a decent bit of my range (low F-sharp to C above mid-C), and I believe I could sing it with the proper feeling. However, I'm not positive how I'd act it, and ballads have never been my forte.

"Always True to You in My Fashion" -- It's mostly in my easy range (low A to G above mid-C), fast, bouncy, and comedic. I have some idea about how I'd act it. I'm wondering, though, if it's a little too repetitive to be much good at showing my voice off.

"Cock-Eyed Optimist" -- Up-beat, slightly more legit song. I know how I'd act it, it shows off my mid-to-upper range (pathetically small as it is), and I don't think many others would sing it.

"Honey Bun" -- I could sing this one in my sleep. I'm alway energized when I perform it, I remember the simple choreography from when my school did it three years ago (I'd tone it down, of course), it would show off my belt (kind of), and I know I could do a good job with it.

"Step-Sister's Lament" -- I have a clear picture of how I'd act this one, it's up-tempo, and it's comedic. Would this be acceptable, despite being a duet, considering the way it's written would allow one person to sing it and still make sense?

"Happily Ever After" -- I just played Fred this past March, so I have a very good feel for this song. The question is, is it just not enough?

"Anything Goes" or "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" -- I'm a Porter fan, and I adore these songs above all others. I have yet to get my paws on the sheet music for either, though, so these are really only being considered in the misty ether that is "maybe."

Also, should I perhaps try to learn a more recent song? I know that these are all pretty much "classic Broadway," but practically all of the newer songs that I know are dreadfully overdone or don't really suit my voice.

Any thoughts are much appreciated!


They all sound fine to me but if you are looking for something more recent (1980's plus) that is in your range have a look at:

Ballads:

"Crazy world" from Victor Victoria

"Nothing really happened" from Is there a life after high school?

Uptempo/character:

Stuff from Dear World, it's 1969 though so not modern (actually check out anything in Angela Lansbury's range as that will probably coincide with yours)

"Im going back" from Bells are ringing, also some other songs in that show that may suit you

"Love em and leave em" Cole Porter, not from a show, just a song he wrote, sounds perfect for you since you like Porter

"Back on bass" from Closer than ever

"A little brains a little talent" or "Whatever Lola wants" from Damn Yankees sounds perfect for your range as well, great songs

"I wish I were in love again" from Babes in arms

"Nobody is chasing me" from Out of this world - another great Cole Porter song

"Be on your own or My husband makes movies" from Nine - may be good for your range

"I never do anything twice" from The seven percent solution (Sondheim) is also a great nr

And of course....Alto's Lament haha
Tenalto

Wait... is there really a song called "Alto's Lament," or are you just pulling my leg? I've never heard any mention of it, but I have a feeling that I would love it if it were real.
JIJane

Tenalto wrote:
Wait... is there really a song called "Alto's Lament," or are you just pulling my leg? I've never heard any mention of it, but I have a feeling that I would love it if it were real.


There is indeed a song called Alto's Lament, it is very long though (but hilariously funny), so would need to be cut. Listen to an excerpt here:

http://www.amazon.com/Unsuspecting-Hearts-Emily-Skinner/dp/B000028TV8

...or watch it on youtube
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