We Know You Sing .... But ....

[mrdreamjeans]

In my last post, I made reference in the comments area to audition material. My song choices are out-of-date. I've been extremely fortunate that I've been invited in recent years to do certain shows, rather than auditioning for them. The upside is that folks I've worked with before want to work with me again. The downside is that when I audition for people who don't know me, my audition material and my skills are rusty and/or out-of-date. Consequently, I'm looking for fresh material - songs that suit my voice (tenor, wide range), are appropriate for a character actor of my age and are good acting pieces... tell a good story....

I'm planning a vocal coaching with bearfuz and in our chat I made these remarks ... I need to find material that plays to my strengths. "I Love to Cry at Weddings" is still a good comic piece, but "This is the Moment" and "Being Alive" my two consistent winners over the years, are elevator music. I still occasionally do both songs in benefits. I'm looking at two songs from "A Man of No Importance", but need a classic ballad and something dynamic for an uptempo. Do you think "To Each His Dulcinea" , "I Get a Kick Out of You" or "The Prologue" from Les Mis would fit the bill? (LOL... I know them already, so that helps:) I also do a wonderful acting song written by Craig Carnelia called "It's What You'd Call a Dream".

In another comment rock_bear said, I was surprised that you do "This is The Moment" for auditions, that song's been done to death over here (England) despite the fact that the show only had a very tiny run. "This is the Moment" has gotten me a lot of work over the years, so I have confidence in it. It's hard to let it go ...

I was given a chart of the song when the show had its world premiere in Houston in 1989. (I had a friend in the show.) So I've been singing it since before the music was published, long before it became ice skating music. Though it's lyrics have never been strong, there is something about the melody that is a perfect fit for my voice. I mostly used the song for AIDS benefits during my time with "Phantom".

It's a tricky question ... Do you sing a song that is overdone if you sing it better than most people? Or lay it to rest? Both "This is the Moment" and "Being Alive" were like that for me. Auditoneers would suggest I get something else, right after they said, "You're hired!"

Many of you in LJ Land have heard me sing. A couple of you have heard me sing a lot. Even if you've never heard me sing, but love musical theater, I'll take all suggestions. Familiar, obscure or original to you - It doesn't matter. I'll make a list and try out the songs. I'd appreciate feedback on this topic.

rock_bear and I were also discussing remarks intended as compliments but which served to have the opposite effect. One of the best (worst?) comments I've endured was when I was singing on the cruise ships. (think thick New Yawk accent) "We know ya sing .... but what do ya do for a living?"

With your help, I'll select, learn and polish new songs which will continue to allow me to work in the theater...so that when I'm asked, "What do you do for a living?", I can still answer, "I sing!!!"

Comments

[pagerbear.livejournal.com]

Check out some of showmeonthedoll's songs--they're great. His web site is here.

I think we would do the same rep, although I'm a year or so younger than you are, and I need new material, too.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, David! I will check them out. If other songs come to mind, let me know! Hugs!

[daltxfurry.livejournal.com]

Let me mull on this for a bit with regard to song selections and new material.

I can tell you, from the point of view of the guy sitting behind the desk at auditions, that certain songs will cause me to tune out and glaze over...because they have been used to death. Usually if a song is oversung by everyone you sort of blank out. Unless they do something truly unique with it.

Admittedly I used to audition a lot of kids over the years and I got to hear "Tomorrow", "Part Of Your World" and "My Favorite Things" waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much.

I assume you are looking for Tenor/Baritenor songs yes? Have you thought about "Anthem" from CHESS? That is a pretty good one. "If I Can't Love Her" from BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a nice one. If you can get someone to transpose it into your key "There's A Fine Fine Line" from AVENUE Q is pretty awesome

[pagerbear.livejournal.com]

I can tell you, from the point of view of the guy sitting behind the desk at auditions, that certain songs will cause me to tune out and glaze over...because they have been used to death.

Interesting--the convention wisdom in the opera world (that too few young singers grasp, BTW) is that you want to sing a hit-parade aria so they can compare your skills to those of everyone else in your fach. Save the special or unique piece, if you must have it, for the second or third piece you sing, if you get to sing more than one. You want people to focus your singing, not that "really cool" piece. Weeks from now (or later), when they're looking at all the audition notes and resumes, do you want them to remember your singing or what you sang?

Sorry--that was a tangent, and advice for someone auditioning for opera companies, not musical theater productions. Never mind.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I've sung "Anthem", but it falls into the category of "overdone". I used to sing on Holland America. One of our medleys was "Singing in the Rain", followed by "Look for the Silver Lining" and "The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow". It killed with senior citizens, as we sang and danced in our yellow raincoats and used yellow umbrellas as props. *grin*

I'll add the other two songs to the list and look forward to any other suggestions you might have. Thanks!

[tbone1961.livejournal.com]

i was gonna suggest something Les Mis-ish!! "Bring Him Home"??? I love singing that one myself, down an octave or two..LOL!!

[daltxfurry.livejournal.com]

The only problem is, once again, Les Mis has been sung to death in auditions.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I had to do "Bring Him Home" for my audition for Valjean in the Bway company four years ago. I like how I sing it, but I'm not sure if it doesn't fall into the category of overdone tenor songs. You'll have to sing it for me some time! Hugs!

[fuzzygruf.livejournal.com]

As I was beginning to read this, I thought that you should do one from A Man of No Importance, and then you mentioned it. You totally nailed that one song when you sang it at my house!

I'll keep my ears open for other suggestions. Of course, I think bearfuz would be the person who could come up with the best suggestions!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

You have a lot of knowledge, so I would appreciate further suggestions. When I sang, "The Streets of Dublin" at your house, I was sightreading, singing it for the first time. Your fine accompaniment certainly helped me pull it off. However, the song feels really right for me. I love the music and the power of it. Course, the question is ... should I audition with a song for which I am too old or wrong for the part? I think I should sing what I love. What do you think?

I'm sure Chip will come up with good choices for me, but I want to explore several songs. This feedback is invaluable. Hugs!

[bluedevilsf.livejournal.com]

I could so totally see you doing "Sweet Transvestite" from Rocky Horror.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Ummmm.... right:)

Seriously, you have a wide range of musical tastes. Anything you can think of from another genre that might work for a musical theater audition?

[crunchmd.livejournal.com]

I recently had the same experience when auditioning for "Company". I went with my old standby "Candide's Lament", which has always worked well for me. It shows range and it's over before the director can cut you off ;-) I did the number and thought it went well, so they asked me to sing "Sorry/Grateful". When I finished, the casting committee told me (like you, after casting me), "You did the Bernstein fine, but you should only sing Sondheim from now on. He's perfect for your voice!" I've always stayed away from Sondheim because a friend told me that it's too difficult for some accompanists to play, so why chance it? But now I'm having second thoughts...

[daltxfurry.livejournal.com]

Sondheim is a bitch for most accompanist, aside from the most experienced. But it is truly worth it to sing his works if you can.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I think that certain Sondheim pieces work well in auditions, for instance, you could always do "You Must Meet My Wife" from Night Music. When I've had a really important audition, where I've been given a special time, rather than just attending an open call (which I haven't done in 10 years), I've sometimes hired a person to accompany me who I've worked with beforehand. It's critical that the music supporting your vocal performance elevate your performance, not detract.

I've added Candide's Lament to the list. Any other thoughts?

[mncuddlecub.livejournal.com]

Well I'm still waiting for the day I get to hear you sing...

But I understand what you're saying, especially from a fellow "This is the Moment"er, that is my audition song of choice as well. Sometimes I wonder if I do it too often and think about getting other material, but at the same time it works and I do it pretty well, if I do say so myself. Also despite it's reputation, I still love the song and even love the words. I think you already know Jekyll is one of my dream roles to play and I will someday I know.

But for other ideas, as a fellow tenor... songs that have worked well for me:
-Gethsemony from Jesus Christ Superstar
-If I Loved You from Carosel
-Who Can I Turn To? from Roar of the Greasepaint...
-Elliot Garfield Grant from The Goodbye Girl (a good funny up tempo song)
-Anthem from Chess (very this is the moment-ish)
-Love Changes Everything from Aspects of Love

Does it always have to be muisical theatre, or can it just be a good song that tells a story? If it's the later, check out stuff by the artist Mark Schultz, he's a contemporary Christian-music artist, nicknamed "the story teller" because so many of his songs do just that. And he's a solid tenor ;o) Some of his songs that would work for auditions that I'd recommend are:
-He's My Son
-Letters From War
-When You Come Home
-She's the Only Girl I'll Ever Love (Time of My Life)

[daltxfurry.livejournal.com]

Holy Cow! I was thinking of listing "Gesthemene" for Neil also. Great song...good range, shows off the voice....difficult as hell to sing though...but once you nail it!!!!

I was also thinking of "Love Changes Everything" hehehe

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Lots of good suggestions, Keith! I wouldn't do "Gesthemene", as I know I'm wrong for the role .. and too old. I've done JCS several times as Annas, so I know what the response would be. I added your suggestion from The Goodbye Girl to the list. I've already got "Love Changes Keys Again"..*grin* (I've never met an upward key change I didn't like:)
"Anthem" is done a lot; "If I Loved You" is a good choice. As to the contenporary Christian music, I like a lot of it and it does have the melodic strength that I seek; however, it's usually a death knell when it comes to professional auditions. I sang "All Good Gifts" from "Godspell" one time and got hired for a national tour, but they hated that I sang a song from that show.

Hugs!

[faghatesgods.livejournal.com]

You are right about your two standards. Being a person who is sitting through auditions often, no matter how good you are, 'This is the Moment' and 'Being Alive' are just SO overdone. I heard Being Alive 4 times last week at an audition for tenors.

And Craig Carnelia makes my skin crawl. I prefer "You can Have the TV" or "Nothing Really Even Happened" though if you are going through his repertoire.

Oddly enough, auditioning and having a hard time finding good material is one of the reason's I started composing.

http://www.lijoi.com/demos/perfect.mp3 <--ballad
http://www.lijoi.com/demos/idontthink.mp3 <-short quick comedy uptempo, I skip the repeat when I audition with it.
http://www.lijoi.com/demos/invademe.mp3 <--if you don't mind auditioning with a gay theme

Judging from your song choices though, none of these are probably right for your voice.

As a director or writer and casting things, I always loved to hear something I never heard before. So I started writing my own audition material.

I got a ton of stuff for you to go through, mine and other writers I know. Surprise a casting director with something completely new. It worked for me pretty well when I was auditioning.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I would love to sing something new ...

I'll check out these links.

Remember, I don't feel that I've got good audition pieces right now. I've only done four auditions in the past 15 years ...very, very fortunate, but I'm behind the curve.

I've done several demos ... it's thrilling to help a composer/songwriter bring his music and words to life. I also began writing because I wasn't finding what I needed.

I've got a fun parody of "Music In the Mirror", a comic piece, called "Singer Who Moves Well". I've debated using for auditions or saving it for cabaret work. What do you think?

[rock-bear.livejournal.com]

Gethsemeny is a wonderful technical demonstration of your voice but is also one of those songs that so many people hate, don't risk your panel being one of them.

Anthem is good, its a little over used but its still nice

Some of the songs from Pimpernel are possible, they're familiar but not over used


Have a look here
http://www.thestage.co.uk/stagetalk/viewtopic.php?t=2139

one of the suggestions here is Why should I wake up, from Cabaret which is one of my favourite songs

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I'll take a look! Chip bearfuz has worked on several of the Wildhorn shows, so I'll ask him about it. I'm working with an actor who did "Civil War", but we can't come up with a song from it that would be age appropriate or welcomed.

Thanks for your earlier comments which triggered this discussion! I appreciate it! Hugs!

ideas while on the massage table

[redbearmark.livejournal.com]

while I was being spoilt totally rotten this morning by my wonderful masseuse, Laura, my idea might be old fashioned or too long.

The Soliloquy from Carousel came to mind. Just a suggestion. I am not up on all the stuff from various modern works.

Re: ideas while on the massage table

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

It's a masterful piece of music, but too long for most auditions. I've done Mr Snow's song from Carousel several times and it works, but I'm not excited by it. Please send more suggestions as you think of them. I really need more material from the old warhorses, as I have selections I can do from the rock operas under my belt. Glad you had a wonderful massage! Hugs!

Audition material

[showmusic.livejournal.com]

Finding new material for auditions is a real two-sided sword. If it's something they've heard a million times, you run the risk of watching them roll their eyes back into their heads. If it's something they've never heard before, the audition quickly turns into "Wow, what's that song, what's it from, where'd you find it," and you're saying, "Can we get back to ME?"

If you've never had a chance to hear Maltby & Shire's "Starting Here, Starting Now" and "Closer Than Ever," I strongly recommend them to you. Both revues are invaluable treasure troves of musical monologues. (Especially take a look at Brent Barrett's numbers in the latter.)

You can't find a better showcase for the tenor voice than "From a Prison Cell" from "Irma La Douce."

"Chain of Love" from "The Grass Harp" is a goregous number nobody sings. It was originally sung by Barbara Cook but there's no reason why a man can't sing it.

Two chestnuts that aren't sung nearly enough: Irving Berlin's "How's Chances" and Stromberg & Fields' "April Snow." Both are great for a tenor.

"Take the Moment" from "Do I Hear A Waltz" has been getting increasing exposure and may soon become overexposed, but you could take a look at that.

"Man With a Load of Mischief" (off-B'way, early 60's) had several stunning songs for a tenor ("Hulla Baloo Balay," "Come to the Masquerade," "Make Way For My Lady"). The role of the Manservant was originally played by Reid Shelton. I don't know if the score was ever published, but if you ever have a chance to hear the cast album, grab it. The show was given a Musicals in Mufti weekend at the York a few seasons back and that cast was preserved on CD. The original cast was untoppable, but the York CD is a terrific introduction to the score.

"Once Upon a Time" from "All American" is wonderful for a tenor. It sounds silly coming out of someone in his 20's or 30's. One of the advantages of getting older is the right to a song like this.

Just for the fun of it, "I'm All I've Got" from "Bravo Giovanni" is great if you're looking for a comedy number. Liza Minelli in her first record back when she was in her teens sang it to a fairtheewell (talk about nailing something with a powerhammer), but if you ever need to walk in and blast them with something, you might take a look at this.

Hope some of this was of help.

Re: Audition material

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! These suggestions are extremely valuable and I will follow up on all of them. Welcome to my journal! Please say hello again!!

Sheet music

[showmusic.livejournal.com]

Glad to help. Finding titles is fairly easy, locating the sheet music is where it gets dicey.

Twenty-five years ago there were so many places in NY where one could walk in and find obscure sheet music. My favorite was Schirmers. It was almost a game with the salespeople, "Yes but do you have [fill in the blank]." They got a big kick out of proving Anything-you-know-I-know-obscurer. Alas, Schirmers seems to have gone the way of the wind.

I haven't been in Colony Records in NY in years. They were always getting lots of singers looking for some obscure title and were able to go right to the drawer and whip it out for you. I sense that may not be the case anymore. Colony does have a web site (colonymusic.com) but I went in and did a search on some of these titles, came up with bupkis every time. If you call, though, and get a human voice, you may have better luck with them (212-265-2050).

They should have vocal selections for "Starting Here, Starting Now," "Closer Than Ever," "Irma La Douce," "Grass Harp," "Do I Hear a Waltz," "All American," "How's Chances" (from "As Thousands Cheer" -- since the Drama Department revived it a few years back, the songs may be back in stock), "April Snow" (by Sigmund Romberg -- I don't know where I got Stromberg from, my fingers prob'ly weren't connected to my hands at the time) from "Up in Central Park," and possibly, hopefully "Bravo Giovanni" (Michelle Lee sang it fairly straight-forwardly in the original production; Liza Minnelli's Valhalla-on-speed rendition can be found on the CD "Liza Minnelli - The Capitol Years").

The York's CD of "Man With a Load of Mischief" isn't something you're likely to find traveling around the country on tour. You can easily get it through Amazon.com or Footlight Records in NY (footlight.com).

A friend recently e-mailed me asking for possible songs he could work on with his vocal coach, preferably character material. I sent him a list of character songs that might fit him, but some of them were so off-the-turnpike, I had no idea if he'd be able to find the music. I then e-mailed a musical director friend whose apartment looks like somebody threw up a music store. I wasn't e-mailing to ask if he had the sheet music himself, I was just feeling him out to see if he knew whether any of the songs had been published. Uncharacteristic of him, I never heard back from him on the subject. As a result, I couldn't tell you the state of "Man With A Load of Mischief" (although I do seem to remember years and years and years ago seeing vocal selections from the show sitting on one of the piles on his piano). All I can say about this show is that if the songs appeal to you (and they are truly wonderful songs for a tenor), it would be more than worth locating someone to help you come up with an arrangement to work from at auditions.

Best of luck. Wish I could be more helpful in this regard.

Another tenor audition - Martin Guerre

[fuzzygruf.livejournal.com]

Well, this response is a bit late. I first dismissed "Martin Guerre" (title song from the show) to suggest as an audition possibility because the first 7 bars consist of only b flats. 45 of 'em. But I guess even that has possibilities. What changed my mind is that it hits a high A by the 15th measure, LOL.

The song has that "Les Miz" feel, without being the overdone "Les Miz."