Ladies: 25 MORE Wow-Able Solos From Broadway’s Golden Age

Written by Jackson Upperco

December 12, 2016

Ladies, are you looking for a non-overdone solo from Broadway’s Golden Age – the years in between Oklahoma! (1943) and Hair (1967) – that’ll be guaranteed to WOW? Well, put away those copies of “Don’t Rain On My Parade” and “Adelaide’s Lament.” They’ve been done to death! These 25 character-laden numbers below are sure to leave a more lasting impression on your audience – and give you some meaty material with which to play!

And don’t forget to check out our first list of solo suggestions here.

1. “I Wanna Get Married” from Follow The Girls (1944) (Mezzo)



A burlesque queen at a servicemen’s club longs to walk down the aisle. Great nostalgic character piece.

2. “The Love I Long For” from Sadie Thompson (1944) (Mezzo)



A hooker in Pago Pago doesn’t think she’s worthy of being loved by a good man. Terrific ballad.

3. “Sing Me Not A Ballad” from The Firebrand Of Florence (1945) (Mezzo)



A sex-starved Duchess makes a play for a sculptor in 1535 Florence. Sophisticated froth.

4. “It’s A Woman’s Prerogative” from St. Louis Woman (1946) (Mezzo)



A barmaid issues a warning to her non-committal jockey boyfriend. Ideal for women of color.

5. “Take Love Easy” from Beggar’s Holiday (1946) (Mezzo)



The saucy madam of a Manhattan brothel shares her mantra about romance. Jazzy and slinky.

6. “The Love Of My Life” from Brigadoon (1947) (Alto)



A Scottish dairymaid tells of her beleaguered love life. Cute character piece from seldom performed classic.

Get the Sheet Music Here

7. “A Little Girl From Little Rock” from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1949) (Alto)



Lorelei Lee, the quintessential gold digger, may have more of a troubled past than it seems. Opportunity for fun.

Get the Sheet Music Here

8. “Nobody’s Chasing Me” from Out Of This World (1950) (Mezzo)



The goddess Juno laments the fact that no one is attracted to her. Divine Cole Porter goodness.

9. “Shopping Around” from Wish You Were Here (1952) (Mezzo)



A bubby blonde at an adult retreat in the Catskills keeps her romantic options open. Early ‘50s charm.

Get the Sheet Music Here

10. “How Far Can A Lady Go?” from Carnival In Flanders (1953) (Alto)



The wife of a 17th century Belgium mayor fights her attraction to a visiting Spanish duke. Rare gem.

11. “It’s A Helluva Way To Run A Love Affair” from Plain And Fancy (1955) (Alto)



A sophisticate bemoans the lack of romance (read: sex) in her current relationship. One of several usable songs from this score.

12. “Stereophonic Sound” from Silk Stockings (1955) (Mezzo)



A movie star known for aquatic pictures has come to Russia to appear in a musical version of War and Peace. A belter.

Get the Sheet Music Here

13. “Garbage” from Shoestring Revue (1955) (Alto)



A woman is bitter about how her last beau treated her – like garbage. (Yes, this song was introduced by Bea Arthur.)

14. “Good Little Girls” from The Littlest Revue (1956) (Mezzo)



This smart girl knows that it’s better to be bad than good. Humorous and swinging.

Get the Sheet Music Here

15. “The Beast In You” from Goldilocks (1958) (Alto)



A silent movie star is mad that her millionaire fiancé didn’t take her side in an argument with a director. Delightful character piece.

 

16. “This Really Isn’t Me” from First Impressions (1959) (Alto)



A British woman in the 1810s is surprised to find herself so in love. From the musical version of Pride And Prejudice.

17. “The Man In My Life” from Saratoga (1959) (Mezzo)



An illegitimate Creole woman doesn’t like that she’s falling for a Montana cowboy. Underheard treasure.

18. “Much More” from The Fantasticks (1960) (Soprano)



An American teenager fantasizes about all that she wants out of life. Simple, moving, human.

Get the Sheet Music Here

19. “That’s What I Want For Janie” from Wildcat (1960) (Alto)



A tomboy has dreams of happiness for her younger sister; but she wants them too. A quiet moment for a loud person.

20. “Why Do The Wrong People Travel?” from Sail Away (1961) (Mezzo)



An American hostess on a British cruise ship mocks the obnoxious tourists she encounters. Hilarious.

21. “What Happened to Me Tonight?” from Kwamina (1961) (Soprano)



A white female doctor in Africa has fallen for the son (also a doctor) of a black chief. Musically thrilling.

22. “When I Dance With The Person I Love” from Ben Franklin In Paris (1964) (Soprano)



A teenage French revolutionary is head over heels for Ben Franklin’s grandson. Soaring waltz.

23. “Marriage Is For Old Folks” from The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (1964) (Alto)



An ambitious barroom chanteuse is not at all interested in matrimony. Ideal for a take-charge dame.

24. “Same Mistakes” from Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1966) (Mezzo)



Call girl Holly Golightly vows that she’s going to keep on in the same way. Interesting 11 o’clock spot with no growth.

25. “Nobody Steps On Kafritz” from Henry, Sweet Henry (1967) (Mezzo)



An assertive high schooler vows that anyone who crosses her will be “crushed.” All character.


Listen to a Spotify Playlist of these audition songs here:

Looking for more material? Check out our other stories below!

Jackson Upperco is a lover of retro television, forgotten Broadway musicals, and Pre-Code Hollywood. He boasts a Bachelors Degree in Film and Television from Boston University. You can keep up with all of his entertainment interests at jacksonupperco.com.