Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 4/4/2011

Question
Hi Wanda-
My 9 year old daughter has been invited to audition for a regional theater in California for the role of Annie.  She recently played Annie in Annie Warbucks (the sequel).  She has a legit mezzo soprano voice, years of training and theater experience behind her and a large repertoire of songs that are audition ready. She was wondering if using a song from Anne Warbucks for her audition for Annie would be frowned upon.  "I Always Knew" or "Annie Ain't Just Annie Anymore".  
I thought that these songs would meet the suggestion of using a song from the same composer, a song that would allow her to act the character of Annie, and show off her voice and training.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

Answer
Hi there, Lilly...And thanks for asking the question.

If they are asking for a song from the same composer, then I think that the songs you are suggesting would work.  However, I would say that it is essential that she is comfortable with doing the song for the audition as she is the one auditioning.  So look for a listing of all the songs that this composer has done.  Look to see if there are any of the songs she has audition ready in that list.  If there are, then choose one of those instead.  If not, then there is an opportunity to choose another song and learn it.

Personally, I don't think that these songs would be frowned upon.   If she likes these songs, can identify with them and do them well, they are a good fit for her and the audition.

Does that help you?

Wanda