Girly Glitz: The Top 10 Up-Tempo 16 Bar Audition Cuts

Written by Alexandra Muscaro

October 24, 2017

No director has the power to resist a smile when listening to the greatest up-tempo Broadway songs, and our collection is stocked with the best of the best! Here are the top ten 16-bar cuts sure to entertain in any up-tempo audition.

1. “The History of Wrong Guys” from Kinky Boots

Lauren has accidentally fallen in love with Charlie, the man who is essentially her boss. He already has a girl friend, and Lauren reflects on all the times she has fallen in love with men who are all the wrong kind of guys.

Get the music here.

2. “When He Sees Me” from Waitress

Dawn has been single for a very long time, and her best friends who work with her at the restaurant want her to join an online dating site. She then tells them all the reasons why she is too afraid to make a profile.

Get the music here.

3. “When It All Falls Down” from Chaplin

Hedda Hopper is a journalist who hates Charlie Chaplin, and plans on portraying him as a Communist to her readers.

Get the music here.

4. “Live Out Loud” from A Little Princess

Sara does not like the boarding school she is currently living in. All she wants to do is escape and explore the world.

Get the music here.

5. “Off With Their Heads” from Wonderland

The Queen of Hearts’ favorite thing to do is demand for the execution of different people in Wonderland. She explains why she loves to do what she does.

Get the music here.

6. “Show Off” from The Drowsy Chaperone

Janet Van De Graaff wants to leave performing behind and marry the man she loves. Many reporters hound her and ask her why she wants to leave music, and she responds by saying that she has new plans for her life while also showing off in her usual way.

Get the music here.

7. “Morning Person” from Shrek: the Musical

Princess Fiona has finally been rescued from her tower, and she is being taken away to marry Lord Farquaad. Fiona is elated about what the future holds for her.

Get the music here.

8. “Gorgeous” from The Apple Tree

Ella has been granted a magical wish where she has been turned into a beautiful woman until from 7:00pm to 4:00am. She has just looked at herself in the mirror for the first time and is overjoyed.

Get the music here.

9. “The Mad Hatter” from Wonderland

The Mad Hatter of Wonderland has evil plans up her sleeve to take over the world. Before her plans can begin, she must get the people of Wonderland on her side.

Get the music here.

10. “Beyond My Wildest Dreams” from The Little Mermaid

Ariel has just been turned into a human. She is astounded by the new world that surrounds her.

Get the music here.



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Alexandra Muscaro is from Tampa, Florida, and moved to New York to follow her dreams. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts with a dual concentration in Performance as well as Theatre History and Performance Texts with a Minor in Musical Theatre at Marymount Manhattan College. When she’s not rehearsing, dramaturging a developing play, or studying for theatre history, you will find her at the Metropolitan Museum of Art…specifically the Egyptian exhibit. Or check your local coffee shop and you may find her with her nose in a book. You can visit her website at alexandramuscaro.com.
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