Help me choose an audition song

leia1979

Hi ladies!

My musical theatre class is putting on a 6 minute mini-production of Phantom of the Opera for our Broadway show in September. We're having auditions over the next few weeks, and this week is singing. The request is one minute of a pop ballad or musical theatre song. I'm auditioning for the role of Christine.

I went through my music and decided on "Once Upon a December" from Anastasia. It's soprano and has that kind of eerie feeling that I think is appropriate to Phantom. The only actual part of Phantom we'll sing for the show is part of "Phantom of the Opera" and part of "Think of Me."

Then I saw Audra McDonald sing "Summertime" from Porgy & Bess at the Tony awards last night. It's a stronger, more operatic song but not as easy to act out as "Once Upon a December."

So please help me pick! Here are links in case you're not familiar with the songs:
Once Upon a December  (note this link jumps to the part of the song I would sing)
Summertime (I would sing the first verse)

Peaseblossom55

I voted summertime.  I think it's more appropriate and closer fit to the show. Other songs that would work are anything Rogers and Hammerstein, Carousel- If I loved you, Oklahoma- Many a New Day, Out of my Dreams.  I might also suggest Green Finch & Linnet bird from Sweeney Todd, just be sure you have someone who is able to play Sondheim.

BF & I both love Phantom, can you actually hit the E(6)?  I used to most times- when I was studying voice, we would use as a warm up and to stretch my higher range.  Some sheet music for the song only goes up to the D.

ravenray

I love summertime!  It's a great song.  Go for it! 

bethsmiles

I love Once Upon a December.

Elle1036

Yeah, I love Summertime. Show that you aren't afraid of a challenging song.

lovelyheather

I voted Once Upon a December (love it), but I don't know anything about auditioning so I can't really say as to whether or not it the best choice for your audition.  Good luck regardless of your song choice!

peekaboo2011

I like clicking things.

Good luck!  Phantom is my favorite

leia1979

Danser, we aren't that fancy. My accompanist will be an iPod.    In a way, it's a good thing. One time I had an audition go horribly wrong because the accompanist was trying to follow me and I was trying to follow her.

I can hit E6 (I top out at E or F, depending how good a day it is), but fortunately, I only have to hit Bb5 for this piece. I'm not sure if many people in my class can hit that (I know at least one who can, but she lacks confidence in her higher range), which helps my chances. My high range is not what it once was due to lack of practice. I used to sing the Linda Eder version of "Man of La Mancha," which has a high F.

I'll check out the other songs you mentioned. But since auditions are Thursday, I want to feel confident I know the song well enough. The only Rogers and Hammerstein song I know reasonably well is "No Other Love" from Me & Juliet, as it was the finale of my junior recital.

Peaseblossom55

Wow I'm impressed you can hit those notes.  It sounds like so much fun, it makes me want to move over to CA and join you!  Don't worry I wouldn't be much competition.

swhite2012

I absolutely love Once Upon a December, so I'm biased.

leia1979

What does it say about this group that the leading answer is "I just like to click things?"