Audition Song Suggestions for West Side Story the Musical –  by Character

Written by Leryn Turlington

September 5, 2020

“Something’s Coming…” and it could be your next big role! Check out these audition songs for West Side Story chosen by Performer Stuff’s expert musical theatre coaches! Our recommendations come with links to purchase sheet music or an audition cut found on PerformerStuff.com. For further study, we provide links to listen to audition songs on both Youtube and a Spotify playlist. Break a leg with your audition for West Side Story the musical. Be sure to let us know if the audition song worked for you!

Audition song suggestions for the character Riff (tenor) 


Riff is the energetic, quick-tempered leader of the misfit, white gang, the Jets. He has patience for his best friend Tony even when the others don’t. Riff is a persuasive and confident leader who is eventually murdered by Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. This actor must be an excellent dancer.

“Never Will I Marry” from Greenwillow



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“A Lot of Livin’ To Do” from Bye Bye Birdie


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Audition song suggestions for the character Tony (tenor) 


Former leader of the Jets and an employee at Doc’s Shop, Tony falls deeply in love with Maria, a young Puerto Rican woman with family ties to the Jet’s rivals, the Sharks. He begins to slowly shed his loyalty for the Jets and attempts to separate himself from the recklessness and racism of his community. He is the “Romeo” to Maria’s “Juliet.”

“I’ve Never Been in Love Before” from Guys and Dolls



Get the Sheet Music Here 

“Once Upon a Time Today” from Call Me Madam 


Get the Sheet Music Here

Audition song suggestions for the character Bernardo (baritone)


Bernardo is the leader of the Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks. He is also Maria’s protective older brother and Anita’s boyfriend. He is passionate, strong, and proud of his people and their heritage. He will stop at nothing to protect his loved ones, even if this means endless turbulence and territory wars with the Jets. This actor has limited solo-singing but must be an excellent dancer. 

“Highest Judge of All” from Carousel 


Get the Sheet Music Here

“You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught” from South Pacific 


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Audition song suggestions for the character Maria (soprano) 


Maria is a young, Puerto Rican woman who finds herself in the middle of a gang war when she falls in love with a white boy and member of the Jets, named Tony. She was supposed to marry Chino, a member of her community, but instead rebelled against her brother’s conservative protection and control, causing distress on both sides. Her unadulterated perspective is one sorely missing amidst the prideful violence and segregation that surrounds her. To Maria, love is simple. 

“They Were You” from The Fantasticks



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“Canción” by Manuel de Falla 


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Audition song suggestions for the character Anita (mezzo)


Anita is a Puerto Rican woman who is proud to be living in America. As Bernardo’s girlfriend she acts as an older sister to Maria, guiding her through womanhood and their cultural transition. She wants as much as Bernardo to keep Maria safe, which sometimes means speaking hard truths. She is both a partner and equal to Bernardo, independent of mind and spirit. 

“On the Other Side of the Tracks” from Little Me



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“Spanish Rose” from Bye Bye Birdie


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Audition song suggestions for the Ensemble Characters (all vocal types)


Jets and the Jet Girls; Sharks and the Shark girls; spoken roles like Chino, Detective Schrank, Doc, Officer Krupke if they require a song.

Audition song suggestions for a Soprano:


“Hurry, It’s Lovely Up Here” from On A Clear Day You Can See Forever


Get the Sheet Music Here

“Blame It On The Summer Nights” from Rags


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Audition song suggestions for a Mezzo:


“Some Other Time” from On the Town 


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“Everyone Has a Home But Me” from Pipe Dream


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Audition song suggestions for an Alto:


“There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This” from Sweet Charity 


Get the Sheet Music Here

“The Gentleman Is A Dope” from Allegro 


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Audition song suggestions for a Tenor:


“New York, New York” from On the Town


Get the Sheet Music Here

“Never Say No” from The Fantasticks


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Audition song suggestions for a Baritone:


“Lonely Town” from On the Town


Get the Sheet Music Here

“(You Gotta Have) Heart” from Damn Yankees


Get the Sheet Music Here

Listen to a Spotify playlist of audition songs for the musical West Side Story here:

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Leryn Turlington is a Chicago-based actor, vocalist, and teaching artist who has performed on stages such as Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre, and more. She is the co-founder of the jazz group Treble on the L, a member of Actor’s Equity, and proud Florida State graduate. @lerynrene