Auditioning for Sound of Music, only one song choice for auditions.?

Question

My school is auditioning for their fall musical, Sound of Music. I'm dying to play Liesl, and I'd like to showcase my voice - but the school is only allowing us to sing one song; the first verse of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I'm nervous that it won't make me sound good enough (anyone who does musical theatre knows that you never audition with Somewhere Over the Rainbow), even though I know that they're trying to pick a song that everyone will know. Any ideas on how to make my audition stand out?

Answer 1

Sing it straight - don't add pop riffs or anything silly like that, as Sound of Music is not a pop musical in any sense of the word and so it won't achieve anything.  Don't try to emulate Garland - no-one can, so it's not worth making the attempt; make the song your own as best you can.  Have you heard the Eva Cassidy version of the song?  She owns it - I'm not saying copy her either, but you can certainly take it differently to Garland.

Answer 2

Sing it in the best key that fits your voice, that song does have a good range so if you pick it in a good key it may be able tot showcase the range you sing.

just be confident, even though your nervous about standing out don't show it. they look for confidence, don't show anything but confidence.

This song is a little on the sad side, she is dreaming to be else where, longing to be away, show that in your voice and face to show your acting abilities.

good luck!

Answer 3

Wow, you are lucky enough to be able to sing one of the great musical pieces of all time. This is a GREAT song and anyone who can hit the notes AND tell the story is going to get the role.

Generally speaking, musical directors hate to see auditions where people just stand there. So block your audition piece and rehearse it that way. Show them you can move, act, and sing all at the same time and it's yours. ;)