One of the biggest shows of the entertainment industry is undoubtedly Jukebox Musicals and they have been keeping the audiences entertained for a long time. When a musician releases a song, it might be an inspiration for a musical’s soundtrack and that’s how a jukebox musical is born. For years, Broadway audiences have been singing and dancing along to the hit songs of jukebox such as Bee Gees, Cher, and Donna Summer. Let’s have a look at the most popular shows of the genre. Maybe you get inspired and buy a ticket already.
Mamma Mia!
Taking its title from ABBA’s 1975 chart-topper "Mamma Mia”, the musical is undoubtedly one of the most popular jukebox musicals of all time. Written by British playwright Catherine Johnson and composed by Benny Andersson, Mamma Mia includes such hits as "Super Trouper", "Lay All Your Love on Me", "Dancing Queen.” Anni-Frid Lyngstad has supported the production of the musical financially and has also attended many premiers around the world. A story of love, friendship and identity set on a Greek island paradise, the musical’s upcoming shows can be checked at atgtickets.com. The musical lasts 2 hours 35 minutes (including interval).
Jersey Boys
A Tony and Olivier award-winning jukebox musical, Jersey Boys features the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The musical’s songs include "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Sherry", "December 1963", "My Eyes Adored You", "Stay", "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", "Working My Way Back to You" and "Rag Doll." The music belongs to Bob Gaudio while the book is written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. The style of the musical is documentary and it tells the story of the formation, success, and the break-up of the 1960s rock 'n roll group The Four Seasons. Each member of the band narrates the four “seasons” from their own perspective.
Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages is one of the most popular jukebox musicals. It opened its doors on Broadway in 2009 and it was shown 2328 times before opening in London in 2011. The show is about young musicians who were trying to become rock stars in 1987. Songs include Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison, Europe, and more. After showing six years on Broadway, Rock of Ages was also turned into a film featuring Tom Cruise which was a huge hit. For tickets, visit rockofagesmusical.com.
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
A multi-award-winning jukebox musical Beautiful – The Carole King Musical is about the life of Carole King. She follows her story about her career and how she met her husband and friends Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil. She is the owner of countless classics such as “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman”, “Take Good Care of My Baby”, “You’ve Got a Friend”, “So Far Away”, “It Might As Well Rain Until September”, “Up on the Roof”, and “Locomotion. The musical was nominated for seven 2014 Tony Awards, winning Mueller and sound designer Ronan. On October 27, 2019, the musical came to its six-year run at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
Million Dollar Quartet
Million Dollar Quartet is an epic celebration of rock ’n’ roll history, a smash-hit Broadway and West End musical. Tony Award-winning musical Million Dollar Quartet is about the time when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins came together for a jam session in a recording studio of Sun Records in Memphis in 1956. Inspired by a true story, the musicals’ hits include “I Walk the Line,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Hound Dog,” and “Great Balls of Fire.” The musical runs for 100 minutes with no intermission. Check out ticketmaster.com for tickets.
& Juliet
What if Juliet was alive today? When she discovers that Romeo is dead, Juliet played by Miriam-Teak Lee decides to go to Paris with Nurse and her friends and this is how this hilarious and comical musical journey starts. Directed by Luke Sheppard, the musical’s soundtrack includes chart-topping hits like “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd, “Break Free, Problem by Ariana Grande and “Blow” by Kesha. The musical has received amazing reviews selling thousands of tickets in theaters. The show runs 2 hours 30 minutes. For tickets, don’t forget to check out Shaftesbury theatre.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Opening its doors in April 2018, thousands of people went to Aldwych Theatre to see the world premiere production of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. The musical is about the life story of Anna Mae Bullock becoming Tina Turner who won 12 Grammy Awards. With a soundtrack including “Let’s Stay Together”, “Nutbush City Limits” and “Proud Mary”, the musical features Adrienne Warren playing Tina’s rise to superstardom. The musical is featured in New York, London, and Hamburg and tickets are selling out pretty fast. Check out tinathemusical.com for ticket details and don’t forget that the musical runs for 3 hours.
Motown the Musical
Bringing the soulful sound of 1960s America to the West End, Motown the Musical is shown in The Shaftesbury Theatre since 2016. The musical is about the story of Berry Gordy and how he founded his musical empire, Motown Records. Motown Records would label legendary artists at the time. Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, the musical’s songs include greatest hits by Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and the Jackson 5. Edward Baruwa plays Berry Gordy while Diana Ross is played by Karis Anderson. sensational hit West End musical lasts 2 hours 45 minutes. For tickets, don’t forget to check out motownthemusical.co.uk.
Singin’ in the Rain
Earning the top spot at AFI’s 100 Years of Musicals list, Singin’ in the Rain is adapted by Broadway legends, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, from their original award-winning screenplay in Singin' in the Rain. The "Greatest Movie Musical of All Time" is filled with every memorable moment from the film itself. For those who cannot remember the original film, it tells the story of Don Lockwood and a talented young chorus girl he meets during a time when talking pictures are about to become the new best thing. Directed by Twyla Tharp, the musical runs for 2 hours 30 minutes. Singin’ in the Rain returns to London in 2020. Check out the tickets at londontheatredirect.com.
On Your Feet!
Premiering back in 2015, On Your Feet is a stage musical bout Gloria Estefan’s life with her husband, Emilio Estefan. The musical starts when Gloria Estefan was still a young teenager who has just started her career after immigrating from Cuba. The musical also tells the story of her husband, Emilio Estefan, becoming a successful entrepreneur, producer, director, and author. First staged at Oriental Theatre in Chicago, Ill., in 2015, On Your Feet earned its place at the Marquis Theatre in Broadway in 2015 and it completed more than 740 performances. The musical lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes long and tickets are available at seatgeek.com.
