Top 5 Alan Menken Songs That Belong in Every Audition Book
- Garry Anderson
- Aug 19
- 8 min read
If you've ever caught yourself humming A Whole New World or belting Out there in the shower, you've already felt the magic of Alan Menken. With a career that spans both stage and screen, Menken has crafted some of the most beloved songs in the modern musical theatre canon - many of which have become audition staples for performers worldwide.
His work blends heart, storytelling, and vocal beauty in ways that make his songs ideal for showcasing both vocal range and emotional depth. Whether you're preparing for a school musical, a college audition, or a professional call back, Menken's catalogue offers something powerful, personal, and performance-ready.
In this post, we'll dive into the Top 5 Alan Menken songs that absolutely deserve a spot in your audition book - each one selected for its character-driven focus, vocal potential, and versatility. Ready to upgrade your rep folder? Let's go!
What Makes an Alan Menken Song Audition-Worthy?
Alan Menken's music isn't just memorable - it's smart, emotionally resonant, and performer-friendly. But what exactly makes his songs such strong audition choices? Here are a few key reasons:
Character-Focused Storytelling
Menken's songs often reflect clear emotional journeys. Whether it's a dreamer yearning for more (Part of Your World) or an outsider searching for belonging (Out There), his music is built around character intention - which makes it perfect for acting through song.
Memorable, Singable Melodies
Menken has a gift for writing melodies that soar - both vocally and emotionally. His tunes sit comfortably in a wide range of voices, offering both power moments and subtle storytelling beats. They're satisfying to sing and easy for audition panels to connect with.
Versatile Styles and Moods
From jazz-infused comedy numbers to sweeping Disney ballads, Menken's catalogue spans genres. This means you can find a Menken song that suits your voice type and the tone of the audition - without ever feeling generic.
Built-In Emotional Arcs
Even within a short 32-bar cut, many of his songs offer a natural build. This gives you a chance of show off vocal dynamics and emotional range - crucial for standing out in an audition room.
Top 5 Alan Menken Songs for Auditions
Whether you're auditioning for a whimsical fairy tale, a heartfelt coming-of-age story, or a golden-era revival, there's likely an Alan Menken song that fits the bill. His catalogue is a treasure trove of songs that feel good to sing and show off your acting and vocal chops - without ever feeling overdone (as long as you bring your own interpretation.)
This list pulls together five standout Menken songs that strike the perfect balance between character, musicality, and audition-room versatility. Some are fan favourites, others are hidden gems - but all of them have one thing in common: they let you shine.
"Home" - Beauty and the Beast
Show & Character
This solo belongs to Belle, the intelligent and independent heroine of Beauty and the Beast. It’s sung shortly after she agrees to stay in the Beast’s castle in exchange for her father’s freedom.
Context of the Song
“Home” captures Belle’s feelings of loss, confusion, and longing. Although it isn’t in the original animated film, this number was added in the stage musical to deepen Belle’s emotional arc. It’s a rare glimpse into her vulnerability, as she tries to stay brave while mourning the life she’s left behind.
Why It Works for Auditions
“Home” is a gift in the audition room: it blends classic Disney charm with rich emotional texture. It allows sopranos or mezzo-sopranos to show off vocal warmth, clarity, and control while also demonstrating the ability to act through song. The melody is lyrical, the emotions layered, and the message relatable - ideal for roles that call for both sincerity and strength.
Performance Tips
Don’t play it as a full-on lament; there’s resilience in Belle even as she feels powerless.
Build the emotional arc: begin with quiet disbelief, let it grow into aching sadness, and then reveal her determination not to give up.
Keep diction clean and phrasing musical - this song’s simplicity means every word counts.
"Proud of Your Boy" - Aladdin
Show & Character
This heartfelt ballad belongs to Aladdin, the scrappy “diamond in the rough” dreaming of a better life. Originally written for the 1992 animated film but cut from the final version, “Proud of Your Boy” was later restored for the stage adaptation - and became one of its most emotionally resonant moments.
Context of the Song
Aladdin sings this after another brush with trouble, reflecting on his late mother’s belief in him and his deep desire to make her proud. It’s a moment of rare vulnerability for a character often defined by swagger and wit. Here, he sheds the street-rat persona and shows us the boy beneath.
Why It Works for Auditions
“Proud of Your Boy” offers a powerful mix of gentle vocal phrasing and emotional sincerity. It’s ideal for tenors or baritenors wanting to show off storytelling ability, vocal control, and emotional honesty. The lyrics are personal yet universal, making it a great fit for a wide range of roles - especially in Disney and classic musical theatre auditions.
Performance Tips
Keep the vocal delivery clean and intimate - don’t over-sing. The strength is in the restraint.
Focus on the truth of the lyric. Even without a mother in the backstory, the longing to be seen as good and worthy resonates with almost everyone.
Let the emotion live in your eyes and breath, not just your voice.
"Santa Fe" - Newsies
Show & Character
“Santa Fe” is sung by Jack Kelly, the charismatic yet world-weary leader of the newsboys’ strike. Jack dreams of escaping the harsh streets of New York and starting a new life in the wide-open promise of Santa Fe - a symbol of freedom, peace, and possibility.
Context of the Song
This song appears early in the show and again in a reprise, giving us insight into Jack’s deepest longing. Beneath his tough exterior lies a boy who feels trapped by poverty and circumstance. “Santa Fe” is his emotional anchor, a way to keep hope alive even when life is bleak.
Why It Works for Auditions
This is a powerhouse choice for strong male performers who want to show off both vocal range and raw emotion. The blend of grit and vulnerability makes it a standout for teen and young adult roles - especially for characters torn between responsibility and dream-chasing. It suits both contemporary and traditional auditions.
Performance Tips
Ground your interpretation in Jack’s longing - it’s less about the place and more about what Santa Fe represents.
Keep your diction clear in the lower parts and build intensity gradually - don’t peak too early.
Think visually: sing it like Jack is painting the dream in front of him. Let the audience see Santa Fe through your eyes.
"Out There" - The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Show & Character
“Out There” is sung by Quasimodo, the isolated bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral. Sheltered and emotionally manipulated by Judge Frollo his whole life, Quasimodo sings this as a declaration of his yearning to experience the world beyond the bell tower.
Context of the Song
The number follows Frollo’s controlling solo (“Sanctuary!”), setting up a dramatic contrast. Quasimodo’s “Out There” begins softly, almost hesitantly, before rising into a triumphant, aching plea for freedom, connection, and visibility in a world that fears him.
Why It Works for Auditions
This song showcases dynamic vocal range, emotional vulnerability, and physical storytelling - all in one number. It’s an excellent choice for male performers wanting to highlight both their acting ability and a legit-style vocal. It's especially effective for roles that involve isolation, transformation, or inner strength.
Performance Tips
Focus on build: start inward and gentle, then let the energy rise as the character’s hope grows.
Let your body reflect Quasimodo’s physicality - subtly, without caricature.
Use your eyes. This song is all about seeing and being seen. Show that longing in your gaze as much as in your voice.
"Somewhere That's Green" - Little Shop of Horrors
Show & Character
This song is sung by Audrey, the sweet but battered heroine of Little Shop of Horrors. Despite her abusive relationship and bleak circumstances, Audrey dreams of a better life - a simple, safe, suburban existence with a picket fence and Tupperware parties.
Context of the Song
“Somewhere That’s Green” is Audrey’s heartfelt solo in Act 1, offering a rare moment of calm and vulnerability in an otherwise chaotic show. It's her fantasy of the American Dream, delivered with equal parts humour and heartbreak. The lyrics walk a fine line between parody and poignancy.
Why It Works for Auditions
This piece gives actors a golden opportunity to blend character voice, emotional sincerity, and comedic timing. It’s especially powerful for auditioning for roles where optimism is laced with tragedy, or where a character masks pain with smiles.
Performance Tips
Don’t play it just for laughs. The comedy comes from the contrast between Audrey’s sad reality and her earnest dream.
Use the lyrics to paint mental pictures - imagine the plastic on the furniture, the lawn, the toaster.
Keep it grounded. The more real her dream feels to you, the more moving and bittersweet it becomes to your audience.
Tips for Auditioning with a Menken Song
Alan Menken’s music might sound effortless, but it demands precision, emotional clarity, and smart choices. Whether you’re auditioning for a Disney show, a traditional musical, or even a pop-infused role, here are a few tips for getting the most out of your Menken audition moment:
Choose the Song That Matches Your Casting Type
Menken has written for bold heroines, quirky underdogs, brooding dreamers, and comic reliefs. Pick a song that aligns with your vibe. Don’t just sing your favourite - sing the one that sells you in 16 bars.
Tell the Story First, Sing Second
Menken’s melodies are iconic, but they always serve a character’s inner life. Focus on what the character wants and how they’re trying to get it. Make every lyric a thought, not just a note.
Avoid the Overdone... Unless You Bring Something New
Songs like “Part of Your World” are beloved for a reason - but they’ve also been sung to death. If you pick a well-known Menken song, make sure your version feels personal and grounded - not like a cover version of the movie.
Use Dynamic Contrast to Your Advantage
Many Menken songs shift between soft introspection and full-belt declaration. Embrace that. Vary your dynamics, phrasing, and physicality to reflect those emotional pivots - it’ll keep the panel glued to you.
Keep It Clean and Well-Cut
Because of their storytelling nature, Menken songs often run long. Make sure your audition cut hits the emotional peak and shows range within 60–90 seconds. Get to the “aha” moment without dragging through setup.
Final Thoughts
Alan Menken's songs are more than just catchy showtunes - they’re character studies wrapped in unforgettable melodies. Whether you're a soaring soprano, a heartfelt tenor, or somewhere in between, his catalogue offers rich, emotional moments perfect for making a lasting impression at auditions.
The key is not to imitate the original - bring yourself into it. Make your version feel lived-in, authentic, and emotionally honest. That’s what turns a good audition into a memorable one.
🎭 Want more audition inspiration?
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💬 Got a Menken favourite that should’ve made the list? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s in your audition book!
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