Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 12/31/2009

Question
Hi. I really hope you can help me. I'm auditioning for the part of dorothy in the wizard of oz. I need 2 contrasting audition songs but i'm not sure what to go for. I had in mind "Once Upon a December" from Anastasia as a posibilty but i'm not sure if it's suitable. I was also thinking about Gershwin's "Someone to watch over me" and "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" from Evits but all these songs seem very similar. I'm a mezzo soprano but i've never had any proper training outside school so i've never attempted anything higher than the treble clef high E. depending on the key the lowest i've ever gone would be A below mid C. the production is by Andrew Lloyd Webber but i have to impress a professional casting director first, then his casting team for the show. After that if i make it to the next round it takes the form of a BBC television show. I'm not expecting to go far in the process but i still want to impress. can you please give me some advice and song suggestions? thanks.
p.s. audition is end of January.

Answer
Hi there, Grainne...And thanks for writing!  

Congrats on the audition.  That is a huge step.  :)

I have some questions that may help you decide if these songs are correct for you:
1.  Do you understand any of these songs?
2.  Can you relate to these songs personally?
3.  Do you really enjoy any of these songs?
4.  Are these songs within your range?

If you can answer yes for any of your songs, then it is a good pick.  

I would recommend too that you concentrate on doing a good job on the song.  Just do your best and learn from the experience.  Let your work and person speak for themselves.  Be yourself and do your best and let what is to happen happen.  You cannot control what they are looking for nor whether you impress or not.  What you can control and learn from is your process of preparation and performance.

Does that help you?

Wanda