You already know a song from Mean Girls is out. That goes without saying!
But! You are smart, so you know you need a killer song that makes those behind the table picture you in Mean Girls.
So…. what SHOULD you sing?
As always, these aren’t meant to be carbon copies of the character’s songs.
I’m looking for pieces that are similar to what the characters do vocally and dramatically. You also want to strongly consider songs that are from shows that are similar in style.
With all of that in mind, here are some of my top choices as far as songs for the main singing roles in the Mean Girls musical!
CADY HERON
Cady needs youthful sincerity, contemporary musical-theatre/pop vocals, and the ability to move from wide-eyed outsider to someone finding and totally owning her confidence.
“One Perfect Moment” — Bring It On
Contemporary, youthful and earnest, with exactly the kind of teen energy that says “Yes! That’s Cady!”
“Live Out Loud” — A Little Princess
A great choice for Cady’s optimistic and curious side — especially the girl who is suddenly discovering a much bigger world, one that is way different than what she is used to!
“Gotta Go My Own Way” — High School Musical 2
Young pop-theatre sincerity with a strong sense of realizing you’ve lost yourself and need to make a change. I totally love this song.
“Home” — Beetlejuice
A slightly more emotionally intense choice, but a terrific showcase for a young contemporary singer with vulnerability as well as strength (also sooo Cady, right?)
REGINA GEORGE
Regina needs confidence(understatement!) She needs presence, and lots of it. She needs someone who can walk into a room and make you understand immediately why everyone else is watching her. She is glam. She is formidable. She is the QUEEN BEE!
“Killer Instinct” — Bring It On
Probably the most obvious fit — ruthless ambition, confidence and comedy in a contemporary teen package. It would be silly of me to leave this one out, even if it is obvious.
“Shut Up and Cheer” — We Are the Tigers
Competitive, polished and high-achieving, with plenty of bite. This is a smaller musical many don’t know, but it’s well worth listening to!
“Fabulous” — High School Musical 2
Because Regina absolutely believes the world should operate according to Regina’s standards. This song screams “ruler of the school”!
“Screw Loose” — Cry-Baby
A slightly off-center choice, but it gives you young belt, comedy and a darker edge. Regina is a bit unhinged, so as far as I am concerned, it works!
GRETCHEN WIENERS
Gretchen is smart, anxious, hyperverbal and DESPERATE to remain included. Her songs should allow for comedy while showing the big time insecurity underneath it all.
“I Speak Six Languages” — The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
A high achiever with anxiety, and have the constant need to prove your worth?
Extremely Gretchen.
“Sister’s Pickle” — Amélie
Fast-moving, neurotic and emotionally spiraling in all the right ways. Yet so charming and real!
“When He Sees Me” — Waitress
A terrific piece for showing comic anxiety and someone who can overthink herself into a complete panic, just ‘cause..that’s what she does!
I can totally see the actress who plays Gretchen nail the role of Dawn as well. They’re so real and adorable!
“My Grand Plan” — The Lightning Thief
For the more decisive side of Gretchen: someone who truly wants to be seen, valued and taken seriously…but is also determined to make it happen!
KAREN SMITH
Karen needs a very specific kind of comedy. She isn’t trying to be funny. She is completely sincere — and that’s WHY she’s funny. She’s so incredibly DUMB, yet so endearing!
“Darryl Is a Boy (And He Lives in My Closet)” — Michael Mitnick
Bizarre circumstances delivered with cheerful sincerity. Very Karen. You will love love love this song if you don’t know it.
“Gorgeous” — The Apple Tree
Pretty, confident and delightfully self-involved. This song can be played like an airhead and it will totally land.
“My Big French Boyfriend” — The Toxic Avenger
Romantic enthusiasm, confidence and just the right amount of absurdity. The lyrics are hilarious!
“Please Don’t Touch Me” — Young Frankenstein
Old-school musical comedy with glamour, self-absorption and a performer who knows how to land a joke. Karen is meant to be the over-the-top one in The Plastics.
JANIS SARKISIAN
Janis needs some edge, but don’t forget the hurt underneath it! The sarcasm and anger= the armor she wears to protect herself.
“Kindergarten Boyfriend” — Heathers
A beautiful way to show the vulnerable, rejected side of Janis.
“Once Upon a Time” — Brooklyn
For the girl who once trusted people — and learned not to. This song also soars vocally , so it can show them you can handle the high belt in “ I’d Rather Be Me”!
“Dead Mom” — Beetlejuice
Rock energy, anger and emotional volatility. A strong choice for the more explosive side of Janis. There is definitely edge and bite in this one, both dramatically and vocally!
“Don’t Wanna Be Here” — Ordinary Days
Dry, cynical, intelligent and thoroughly unimpressed with everyone around her.More understated vocally, but still impressive.
Not everything needs to be vocal fireworks to make them call you back!
DAMIAN HUBBARD
Damian needs personality. He’s theatrical, sassy,and larger than life — but there’s also a genuinely sensitive outsider underneath all of that.
“Wonderful” — Wicked
Big personality, theatrical storytelling and plenty of showmanship.
“Michael in the Bathroom” — Be More Chill
A great choice if you want to show Damian’s more vulnerable outsider side.
“Chip’s Lament” — The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Youthful comic storytelling that requires total commitment.
“I Hate Musicals” — Ruthless!
Camp, attitude and full-on musical-theatre personality. Perfect for someone who can really work a room and isn’t afraid to go “big”!
KEVIN G.
Kevin is smart, awkward, earnest and unexpectedly confident. Don’t make him JUST the nerd — there’s a romantic leading man hiding in there too, you know!
“I’m Not That Smart” — The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
A natural fit for the brainy but charming side of Kevin.
“Last One Picked” — Whoop-Dee-Doo!
Funny, awkward and wonderfully specific.
This is seriously my top comedic song for young baritones.
“Love, I Hear” — A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Sweet, earnest, and youthful.
Yes, it’s Sondheim and I know a lot of people say “no Sondheim for auditions!” but songs from THIS show are simpler and your accompanist can play this one. Promise.
“ I Think I Like Her” — The Summer of ’42
Another strong option for Kevin’s more earnest romantic side, and a contemporary gem from a little show. This is my favorite contemporary ballad for teen actors, in fact!
AARON SAMUELS
Aaron is the teen heartthrob, but he still needs to be real.
Think youthful leading-man material with contemporary pop-theatre vocals rather than anything overly quirky or tortured.
“Bet on It” — High School Musical 2
Young leading-man pop vocals, confidence and just a hint of inner conflict.
“Good Kid” — The Lightning Thief
Contemporary, likable and earnest without feeling boring . That’s the last thing anyone wants to be, I won’t let you be boring!
“Proud of Your Boy” — Aladdin
A lovely choice for showing sincerity, warmth and vocal storytelling.
“For Forever” — Dear Evan Hansen
Contemporary tenor material with heart and a strong emotional build.
Pasek and Paul have my heart as far as contemporary pieces with a lot of emotion.
As always, the BEST audition song is the one that fits both the role and YOU!!!
Don’t choose something simply because the character seems similar on paper — choose something you sing well, understand dramatically, and can confidently make your own.
What show should I tackle next?
If you are auditioning for Mean Girls and need a song or have your song and want to get it audition room ready, I am here for you and would love to help you!