Audition Song Suggestions for the musical In the Heights – by Character

Written by Leryn Turlington

May 31st, 2020

‘It won’t be long now’ before your musical theatre audition for the hit Broadway show, In the Heights. Let Performer Stuff’s expert musical theatre audition song coaches find your perfect audition song for Lin Manuel’s breakout hit, In the Heights! 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 In the Heights the musical. Be sure to let us know if the audition song worked for you!

Audition song suggestions for the Character Usnavi de la Vega (baritone)


Usnavi is the narrator and protagonist of the play and runs his family’s bodega in the vibrant neighborhood of Washington Heights. He is magnetic and charming, albeit awkward when it comes to his crush, Vanessa. Proud of his Dominican heritage, he dreams of someday selling the store to move back to the island.

“My Shot” from Hamilton 


Get the Sheet Music Here

“It’s All Happening” from Bring It On: The Musical 


Get the Sheet Music Here

Audition song suggestions for the Character Nina Rosario (soprano)


Nina, the “star” of Washington Heights, has to tell her parents and the rest of the barrio that she dropped out of Stanford University. She is an intelligent woman and proud of her Puerto Rican heritage, but lacks self-confidence until she reconnects, falls for, and finds inspiration from Benny.

“How to Return Home” from The Freshman Experiment


Get the Sheet Music Here 

“One Perfect Moment” from Bring It On: The Musical 


Get the Sheet Music Here

Audition song suggestions for the Character Vanessa (mezzo


Vanessa works at the local salon and often finds herself the object of machismo attention rather than the genuine affection she desires. She dreams of leaving The Heights and finding freedom and independence in the East Village. When she learns Usnavi might leave for DR, she realizes how strong her feelings for him are.

“Nothing” from A Chorus Line


Get the Sheet Music Here

“Si Una Vez” by Selena


Get the Sheet Music Here

Audition song suggestions for the Character Benny (tenor)


Benny works for Rosario’s Car and Limousine and is one of the few non-Latinos in the barrio, which he feels will be an obstacle if he pursues his feelings for Nina, the boss’ daughter. He is Usnavi’s childhood best friend, passionate, and outspoken.

“I’ll Be Here” from The Wild Party 


Get the Audition Cut Here 

“Some Girls” from Once on This Island


Get the Audition Cut Here

Audition song suggestions for the Character Abuela Claudia (alto)


As the matriarch of the community, Abuela Claudia brings joy, wisdom, and comfort to everyone in the neighborhood. An excellent storyteller and first-generation Cuban, she “practically raised” Usnavi after the death of his parents.

“No Time At All” from Pippin


Get the Sheet Music Here

“What They Never Tell You” from It Shoulda Been You


Get the Sheet Music Here

Audition song suggestions for the Character Kevin Rosario (baritone)


Kevin is the traditional, hard-working, and over-protective father to Nina. Born in Puerto Rico, he and his wife Camila own Rosario’s Car and Limousine in Washington Heights. When he finds out his daughter dropped out of college, he sells the business to help her pay to go back– both out of love and stubbornness for her to succeed.

“Dear Theodosia” from Hamilton 


Get the Sheet Music Here

“Happy/Sad” from The Addams Family


Get the Sheet Music Here

Audition song suggestions for the Character Camila Rosario (alto)


Camila is the sturdy and silent foundation of the Rosario family and their business. She loves both her husband and daughter with all the patience in the world up until their stubbornness becomes too disruptive. She is the ultimate voice of reason and will be heard when she finally takes her stand.

“Island” from Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown 


Get the Sheet Music Here

“Can You Find It In Your Heart” from Footloose 


Get the Sheet Music Here

Audition song suggestions for the Character Daniela (alto)


Daniela is the sassy and savvy owner of the local salon who thrives on neighborhood gossip and teasing her friends and employees, Vanessa and Carla. A proud Puerto Rican woman who frequently flips between Spanish and English, she is adapting to the rising rent prices by moving the salon to the Bronx.

“Como La Flor” by Selena


Get the Sheet Music Here

“Buenos Aires” from Evita 


Get the Sheet Music Here

Audition song suggestions for the Character Carla (soprano)


Carla is Daniela’s best friend and an employee at the salon. Carla calls herself “Chiledominicurican” because her mother is Dominican and Cuban, and her father is Chilean and Puerto Rican. She is bubbly, sweet, and a little slow to catch on to the fast-paced chatter of the other girls.

“What’s Wrong With Me” from Mean Girls


Get the Sheet Music Here

“Once More I Can See” from Wonderland


Get the Sheet Music Here

Audition song suggestions for the Character Piragua Guy (tenor)


The Piragua Guy, with his soaring tenor voice, sells the traditional Puerto Rican shaved ice dessert on the streets of Washington Heights. He is persistent, hard-working, and ever-present, representing the hustle and sacrifice of immigrants in America.

“Tango Tragique” from She Loves Me


Get the Sheet Music Here

“On This Night of a Thousand Stars” from Evita 


Get the Sheet Music Here

Audition for Ensemble (all vocal types)


The men and women of Washington Heights, of all shapes, sizes, and nationalities. A vibrant and diverse group of dancers, singers, and rappers.

Soprano:

“Almost There” from The Princess Frog


Get the Sheet Music Here

“Firework” from Moulin Rouge  


Get the Sheet Music Here

Mezzo:

“Satisfied” from Hamilton 


Get the Sheet Music Here

“How Far I’ll Go” from Moana


Get the Sheet Music Here

Alto:

“Invisible” from Women on the Verge of Nervous Breakdown 


Get the Sheet Music Here

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


Get the Sheet Music Here

Tenor:

“Make a Move” from Shrek


Get the Sheet Music Here

“Promise Me, Violet” from Violet 


Get the Sheet Music Here

Baritone:

“Let It Sing” from Violet  


Get the Sheet Music Here

“Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias 


Get the Sheet Music Here

Listen to a Spotify Playlist of these audition songs 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