10 Contemporary Audition Songs For Tenors
Are you a tenor and having trouble finding a go-to contemporary musical theatre song for auditions?
Let’s do a deep dive into some of my favorite contemporary composers. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Frank Wildhorn, Andrew Lippa, Jonathan Larson, Ahrens and Flaherty… you’ll be sure to find something you love!
Each of these songs fall perfectly between overdone and obscure, with music just familiar enough to leave the creative team wanting more.
1. When You’re Home - In The Heights
“When You’re Home” from In The Heights
Music & Lyrics by Lin Manuel Miranda
Year: 2008
An innovative mix of latin pop, R&B, and classical musical theatre storytelling.
2. 30/90 - Tick, Tick… Boom!
“30/90” from Tick, Tick… Boom!
Music & Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Year: 1990
A song not heard very often in audition rooms… but a brilliant piece of work by late composer of Rent, Jonathan Larson.
3. Donny Novitski - Bandstand
“Donny Novitski” from Bandstand
Music & Lyrics by Richard Oberacker/Robert Taylor
Year: 2017
A contemporary tune with a surprising jazzy twist.
4. Everything To Win - Anastasia
“Everything To Win” from Anastasia
Music & Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens/Stephen Flaherty
Year: 2016
A song with a moving storyline sung by the leading man in Anastasia.
5. Foolish to Think - A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And Murder
“Foolish To Think” from A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And Murder
Music & Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman/Steven Lutvak
Year: 2012
A Gentleman’s Guide.. features a soaring score with heightened language. This song specifically features a happy-go-lucky tune in waltz time… about murder. What could go wrong?
6. I Cannot Hear The City - Sweet Smell Of Success
“I Cannot Hear The City” from Sweet Smell Of Success
Music & Lyrics by Marvin Hamlisch/Craig Carnelia
Year: 2002
Initially performed Broadway vet Bryan D’Arcy James, “I Cannot Hear The City” is a hidden treasure of the musical theatre cannon. Take a listen.
7. I’ll Be Here - The Wild Party
“I’ll Be Here” from The Wild Party
Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Year: 2000
One of my favorite songs in all of musical theatre.
8. Now I’ve Seen You - Honk
“Now I’ve Seen You” from Honk
Music & Lyrics by George Stiles/Anthony Drewe
Year: 1993
“I thought I knew what beautiful was but now I've seen you....'“
9. The Role Of A Lifetime - Bare
“The Role Of A Lifetime” from Bare
Music/Lyrics by Damon Intrabartolo/Jon Hartmere
Year: 2000
A darker take on contemporary musical theatre, closely resembling that of Spring Awakening.
10. When I Drive - Bonnie and Clyde
“When I Drive” from Bonnie and Clyde
Music & Lyrics by Frank Wildhorn/Don Black
Year: 2011
A thrilling audition song with a hint of pop and a dash of country twang!
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