Audition Songs Suggestions for Assassins by Character
Written by Leryn Turlington
April 27, 2020
Looking for audition songs for Assassins? Explore our picks; you’ll be singing, ‘How I Saved My Audition’ with these bold choices.
Auditioning for John Wilkes Booth (baritone)
Charismatic and deeply persuasive, Booth’s disarming Southern drawl does not distract enough from his quiet rage. He is an actor by trade but found his destiny as the pioneer and trendsetter of American assassinations.
“Come Up To My Office” from Parade
Auditioning for Charles Guiteau (tenor)
The assassinator of President James Garfield in 1881, Guiteau is fueled by his religiosity and delusions of grandeur. He is optimistic, driven, and a bit of a showman
“All For The Best” from Godspell
Auditioning for Leon Czologosz (baritone)
Leon’s distaste for the government is fueled by his life as a young Polish immigrant and laborer with no luxuries, and kindled by his meeting with the anarchist Emma Goldman. He makes President William McKinley the target of his political rage on behalf of America’s working class.
“Journey On” from Ragtime
Auditioning for Guiseppe Zangara (tenor)
What Guiseppe lacks in stature, he makes up for in vigor and zeal. He was an Italian immigrant who attempted to assassinate Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, but instead killed the mayor of Chicago. His ballad takes place on the electric chair.
“Epiphany” from Sweeney Todd
Auditioning for Samuel Byck (tenor)
Samuel Byck attempted to assassinate President Richard Nixon by hijacking a plane and crashing it into the White House. With his pages of monologues performed in a blue-collar Philly dialect, he summarizes the grievances of all assassins in the play.
“No More” from Into the Woods
Auditioning for Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme (mezzo)
A devoted follower and admirer of the criminal and cult leader Charles Manson, “Squeaky” Fromme attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975 but was not successful. She is a flower child with a magnetic personality.
“Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad” from Bonnie and Clyde
Auditioning for Sara Jane Moore (alto)
Moore also attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975 and was also unsuccessful. In the play, she is the middle-aged and indecisive foil to the tenacious “Squeaky” Fromme. A life layered in personal and professional failure, Sara is the unfortunate comic relief for much of the play.
“Some People” from Gypsy
Auditioning for John Hinckley (baritone)
Hinckley’s attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan in ‘81 was fueled by an unhealthy obession with Jodie Foster and her character in the movie Taxi Driver. He is shy, private, still lives in his parents’ basement, and troubled.
“Falling Slowly” from Once
Auditioning for Lee Harvey Oswald (baritone)
We meet Oswald on the brink of suicide toward the end of the play, when every assassin gathers to encourage him to kill President John F. Kennedy. He believes this infamous act will give his life meaning– a life which he has since been deeply disappointed in.
“Being Alive” from Company
Auditioning for the Balladeer (tenor)
Sometimes doubled with Lee Harvey Oswald, the Balladeer is the optimistic and cheerful minstrel of the American Dream. With his singer-songwriter flair, he accentuates the brooding and twisted reality of the assassins.
“Bright Star” from Bright Star
Auditioning for The Proprietor (baritone)
A powerful presence and vocalist, The Proprietor disperses weapons and vendettas to each assassin, spurring the action and tone of the play. This role is played with intensity, appeal, and mystery.
“Razzle Dazzle” from Chicago
Audition for Ensemble (all vocal types)
Ensemble roles with extreme range and skill to fill the environment also David Herold, Billy, Emma Goldman . May also understudy leading and supporting roles.
Soprano:
“The Flagmaker, 1775” from Songs for a New World
Baritone:
“Bring Me My Bride” from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
“The Road You Didn’t Take” from Follies
Listen to a Spotify playlist of these audition songs for Assassins here:
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