Low male voice repertoire in contemporary musical theatre: a studio and performance guide of selected songs 1996-2020 by

Chapter 9:
 
LMV
 
SONGS
 
FROM
 
CHARACTER
 
BARITONE
 
ROLES 
As indicated previously, it can be possible to find vocal success with a low voice when assigning 
character repertoire. With the addition of speech-inflection practice, falsetto training and a frequent use 
of mixed voice, low voices can sing in higher ranges and authentically create adventurous, zany, comic 
characters without attempting to sustain classical loft, resonance, or high tessitura. The following songs 
are suggested individually for low voices who seek to challenge themselves in developing authenticity 
across musical styles and in acting, not towards suggested complete role study, as meeting range demands 
across an entire show would most likely cause vocal fatigue. I have performed these two examples in 
academic interviews and in showcase performance; the higher the range and tessitura demands, the more 
likely I would caution assignment being kept to those with already significant training. 
One of the most fascinating examples which showcases character and vocalism capabilities by a 
low voice is an online video of the Wagnerian bass Patrick Guetti (Chicago Lyric Opera, Metropolitan 
Opera, BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Participant) performing Pirelli’s Entrance from Sweeney Todd, 
during his undergraduate studies at Catholic University with the inclusion of a high C
5
1
. Additional 
applications of baritone repertoire can be found on the Lotte Lenya Competition, where performances by 
bass-baritones and basses may utilize baritone rep in competition such as 2017 winner, Bradley Smoak 
(Chicago Lyric Opera) with a lowered transposition of “Me” from Beauty and the Beast
2
or use of the 
marked falsetto E
4 
in his 2016 performance of “It’s Hard to Speak My Heart” from Parade
3
. The 
following selections are from The Addams Family (2010) and The Prom (2018). 
1
Patrick Craigin, “’Pirelli’s Entrance’ Sr MT 2009,” June 24, 2009, video, 2:16, 
https://youtu.be/Y2zuUtf_lqg. 
2
Kurt Weill Foundation, “2017 Lotte Lenya Competition: Bradley Smoak,” April 24, 2017, video, 15:14, 
https://youtu.be/3_nDM33ei7o. 
3
Brad Smoak, “Bradley Smoak Daytime Round – Lotte Lenya Competition 2016,” April 16, 2016, video, 
12:12, https://youtu.be/Ih9qGOuydSk. 

---

81 
Table 9.1. “Happy/Sad”