What is the fundamental characteristic that defines a jukebox musical?

A jukebox musical is a type of stage musical or musical film primarily composed of well-known, pre-existing popular music songs, rather than featuring original music specifically written for the production. This means the songs are often hits that audiences already recognize and enjoy.

What are the two main approaches to song selection in jukebox musicals?

Jukebox musicals can either incorporate a wide variety of popular songs from different artists or eras, or they can focus exclusively on songs performed by a single artist, band, or written by a specific songwriter. The choice of songs often dictates the narrative style of the musical.

How does the plot of a jukebox musical typically relate to the chosen songs?

In many jukebox musicals, especially those centered around a single artist or band, the plot often serves as a biography of that artist or group, using their songs to tell their life story. Alternatively, some jukebox musicals feature purely fictional plots, where the pre-existing songs are integrated into an original narrative.

When are works featuring diegetic music generally not classified as jukebox musicals?

Works where all the music is diegetic, meaning the songs are performed within the world of the play or film by the characters themselves, are generally not considered jukebox musicals. For example, a biographical film about a singer performing their own songs would typically fall outside this classification, as the songs are part of the character's performance, not just a soundtrack.

What types of theatrical productions are usually excluded from the definition of jukebox musicals?

Revues, which are theatrical shows consisting of a series of acts without a continuous plot, are typically not described as jukebox musicals. However, some plotless shows that heavily incorporate dance elements might occasionally be an exception to this rule.

What historical theatrical genres in 17th and 18th century Europe can be seen as precursors to the jukebox musical?

In 17th and 18th century Europe, comic operas, comédie en vaudevilles, and ballad operas frequently parodied popular songs of their time by performing them with altered lyrics. These genres made extensive use of well-known melodies, laying groundwork for the concept of using existing popular music in theatrical productions.

Which specific 18th-century work has been referred to as 'the original jukebox musical'?

The Beggar's Opera, which premiered in 1728, has been cited as 'the original jukebox musical.' This ballad opera famously incorporated popular tunes of its era with new, often satirical, lyrics.

How did Robert Wright and George Forrest contribute to the development of musicals using pre-existing music?

The songwriting team of Robert Wright and George Forrest pioneered the concept of creating musicals where the songs were derived from a single composer's instrumental works, to which they added newly-written lyrics. Some of these productions also featured the life story of the composer whose music was used.

Can you name some musicals by Robert Wright and George Forrest that utilized instrumental works with new lyrics?

Robert Wright and George Forrest produced several musicals and operettas in this style, including Song of Norway (1944, using Edvard Grieg's music), Magdalena: a Musical Adventure (1948, with Heitor Villa-Lobos's music), a 1949 reworking of The Great Waltz (music by Johann Strauss I and II), Kismet (1953, featuring Alexander Borodin's music), and Anya (1965, based on Sergei Rachmaninoff's music).

What are the earliest documented uses of the phrase 'jukebox musical' in print?

The phrase 'jukebox musical' may have first appeared in print in a 1962 description of the musical Do Re Mi, though that musical was about a man who sold jukeboxes and had original music. Later, in 1964, critic Andrew Sarris described The Beatles film A Hard Day's Night as 'the Citizen Kane of jukebox musicals,' even though most of its songs were original, suggesting a different understanding of the term at the time.

What event led to a significant surge in the popularity of jukebox musicals?

The success of Mamma Mia! in 1999, which was built around the music of ABBA, led to a significant surge in the popularity of jukebox musicals. This show demonstrated the commercial viability and widespread appeal of musicals based on existing popular songs.

Which type of jukebox musical gained popularity in the early 2000s, and what are some examples?

The biographical musical, a subset of the jukebox musical that tells an artist or band's life story using their own songs, saw a surge in popularity in the early 2000s. Notable examples include All Shook Up (about Elvis Presley), Jersey Boys (about The Four Seasons), and The Boy from Oz (about Peter Allen).

What is the most common format for contemporary jukebox musicals?

The most common format for jukebox musicals today is a show that narrates the life story of a famous musician or musical group, integrating their songs from throughout their career into the plot. This approach allows the music to naturally advance the biographical narrative.

Name some artists whose lives and songs have been adapted into biographical jukebox musicals.

Many artists have had their lives and songs adapted into biographical jukebox musicals, including Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, John Lennon, Susan Boyle, Shlomo Carlebach, Johnny Cash, Cher, Patsy Cline, Bobby Darin, The Drifters, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Buddy Holly, Peter Allen, Janis Joplin, Carole King, The Kinks, Fela Kuti, Udo Lindenberg, Bob Marley, Johnny O'Keefe, The Seekers, Dusty Springfield, Donna Summer, The Temptations, Tina Turner, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Hank Williams, Neil Diamond, and ABBA.

Beyond individual artists, which songwriters or producers have also been the subject of biographical jukebox musicals?

Songwriter/producers Bert Berns, Berry Gordy, and Ellie Greenwich, along with record producer Florence Greenberg and composer/songwriter Norbert Glanzberg, have also had jukebox musicals based on their lives and works. These musicals often explore their contributions to popular music through their compositions and productions.

How are fictional plots often structured in jukebox musicals that don't focus on a specific artist's biography?

For jukebox musicals with fictional plots, a common method is to center the story around one or more fictional singers or musicians. This allows the pre-existing songs to be performed naturally within the show's narrative, as if the characters are performing them in their own world.

Provide examples of jukebox musicals with fictional plots where songs are performed within the show's world.

Examples of such musicals include Boogie Nights (1998), Mamma Mia! (1999), We Will Rock You (2002), Hoy no me puedo levantar (2005), Bésame mucho, el musical (2005), Rock of Ages (2005), Daddy Cool (2006), Never Forget (2007), Viva Forever! (2012), All Out of Love (2018), and Jukebox Hero (2018).

What is a common approach for jukebox musicals that are adaptations of films?

Some jukebox musicals are stage adaptations of films, where songs from the original film's soundtrack are re-imagined and sung by the characters in the theatrical production. This allows for a familiar musical landscape to be brought to a new medium.

List some film adaptations that have become jukebox musicals.

Examples of films adapted into jukebox musicals include Saturday Night Fever (1998), Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (2006), Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical (2015), and My Best Friend's Wedding (2024).

How are musicals that combine original and previously released songs sometimes classified, and what are some examples?

Whether shows and films that combine original music with previously released songs qualify as jukebox musicals can be a matter of opinion. Examples include stage musicals like 42nd Street (1980), Five Guys Named Moe (1990), Crazy for You (1992), and Xanadu (2007), which adapted earlier material and added other well-known songs by the original songwriters. Other examples like The Last Ship (2014) and Standing at the Sky's Edge (2019) for stage, and Yellow Submarine (1968) and Idlewild (2006) for film, combine original and previously recorded songs by a single artist or group. Films such as Trolls (2016) and Cinderella (2021) also blend old and new songs.

Which stage jukebox musical from the 1970s featured music from multiple jazz and swing legends?

Bubbling Brown Sugar, a 1976 stage jukebox musical, featured music from artists such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Cab Calloway, among others. This musical celebrated the rich history of jazz and swing music.

What was the basis for the 1977 stage musical 'Beatlemania'?

The 1977 stage musical Beatlemania was based on the music of The Beatles, celebrating the iconic British rock band's extensive catalog of songs. It was a tribute to their enduring legacy.

Which 1980s stage musical incorporated popular songs from the 1920s and 30s?

The 1986 stage musical Big Deal was based on popular songs from the 1920s and 1930s, showcasing the musical styles of that era. This allowed audiences to experience classic tunes within a new narrative context.

What music formed the foundation of the 1989 stage musical 'Return to the Forbidden Planet'?

The 1989 stage musical Return to the Forbidden Planet was based on 1960s rock and roll music. This musical blended classic rock hits with a science fiction narrative, creating a unique theatrical experience.

Which stage musical from the 1990s was based on the music of Louis Jordan?

The 1990 stage musical Five Guys Named Moe was based on the music of Louis Jordan, a prominent figure in jump blues and rhythm and blues. The show celebrated his influential contributions to music.

What was the musical inspiration for 'The Who's Tommy' in 1993?

The 1993 stage musical The Who's Tommy was based on the music of the rock band The Who, specifically their iconic rock opera album 'Tommy.' This adaptation brought the album's narrative to the theatrical stage.

Which 1990s stage musical was based on the music of ABBA and became a global phenomenon?

Mamma Mia!, which premiered in 1999, was based on the music of ABBA. This musical achieved immense global success, popularizing the jukebox musical format and leading to a film adaptation.

What band's music was featured in the 2002 stage musical 'We Will Rock You'?

The 2002 stage musical We Will Rock You was based on the music of the legendary rock band Queen. The musical incorporated many of their greatest hits into a futuristic story.

Which stage musical from 2005 was based on the music of the Spanish group Mecano?

Hoy no me puedo levantar, a 2005 stage musical, was based on the music of the popular Spanish group Mecano. This musical brought their songs to a new generation of theatergoers.

What musical genre was the focus of the 2006 stage musical 'Rock of Ages'?

The 2006 stage musical Rock of Ages was based on glam metal music of the 1980s. It featured a collection of power ballads and rock anthems from that era, set against a backdrop of the Sunset Strip.

Which stage musical from 2007 featured the music of Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton-John?

Xanadu, a stage musical from 2007, was based on the music of Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton-John. It was an adaptation of the 1980 film of the same name, blending disco and pop sounds.

What compilation album served as the musical basis for the 2009 stage musical 'Dreamboats and Petticoats'?

The 2009 stage musical Dreamboats and Petticoats was based on a compilation album of songs from the 1950s and early 1960s. This musical evoked the nostalgic sounds of early rock and roll and pop music.

Which stage musical from 2009 was based on Green Day's album 'American Idiot'?

The 2009 stage musical American Idiot was based on Green Day's 2004 album of the same name. This musical adapted the album's narrative and themes into a theatrical production, using all its songs.

What artists' music was featured in the 2010 stage musical 'Million Dollar Quartet'?

The 2010 stage musical Million Dollar Quartet featured the music of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. It dramatized a legendary impromptu jam session between these four rock and roll pioneers.

Which record producer's work was highlighted in the 2011 stage musical 'Baby It's You!'?

The 2011 stage musical Baby It's You! was based on popular songs from the 1960s that were produced by Florence Greenberg. The musical told the story of Greenberg, who founded Scepter Records and discovered The Shirelles.

What band's songs were the foundation for the 2012 stage musical 'Viva Forever!'?

The 2012 stage musical Viva Forever! was based on the songs of the Spice Girls. This musical aimed to capture the essence of the popular 1990s girl group's music and message.

Which stage musical from 2013 focused on the life and music of Carole King?

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which premiered in 2013, was based on the music of Carole King. The musical chronicled her early life and career as a songwriter and performer, featuring her iconic songs.

What was the musical basis for the 2014 stage musical 'Holler If Ya Hear Me'?

The 2014 stage musical Holler If Ya Hear Me was based on the music of Tupac Shakur. This musical explored themes inspired by his lyrics, bringing his hip-hop artistry to the Broadway stage.

Which 2015 stage musical told the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan using their music?

On Your Feet!, a 2015 stage musical, was based on the music of Emilio Estefan and Gloria Estefan. It chronicled their journey from Cuba to international music stardom, featuring their Latin pop hits.

What artist's music was featured in the 2016 stage musical 'Lazarus'?

The 2016 stage musical Lazarus was based on the music of David Bowie. This musical was one of Bowie's final projects, serving as a sequel to the novel 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' and incorporating new and old songs.

Which 2018 stage musical was based on the music of Alanis Morissette?

Jagged Little Pill, a 2018 stage musical, was based on the music of Alanis Morissette, particularly her seminal album of the same name. The musical explored contemporary issues through her powerful songs.

What was the musical inspiration for the 2018 stage musical 'Moulin Rouge!'?

The 2018 stage musical Moulin Rouge! was based on various artists' music, drawing from a wide array of popular songs across different decades. It adapted the film's concept of a 'pop musical' to the stage, featuring a diverse soundtrack.

Which 2021 stage musical featured the music of Britney Spears?

Once Upon a One More Time, a 2021 stage musical, was based on the music of Britney Spears. This musical reimagined classic fairy tale princesses through the lens of Spears's pop hits.

What artist's music was the focus of the 2021 stage musical 'MJ the Musical'?

MJ the Musical, which premiered in 2021, was based on the music of Michael Jackson. This biographical musical explored the creative process and iconic performances of the 'King of Pop'.

Which 2022 stage musical was based on the music of Neil Diamond?

A Beautiful Noise, a 2022 stage musical, was based on the music of Neil Diamond. The musical told the story of his life and career, featuring his beloved songs.

What is a 'concept album' in the context of jukebox musicals?

A concept album is a studio album where all musical or lyrical ideas contribute to a single overarching theme or narrative. In the context of jukebox musicals, a concept album provides a pre-existing story or thematic framework that can be fleshed out into a stage or film production.

Name some films or stage musicals that are based on concept albums.

Examples include the 1974 musical Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band on the Road (based on The Beatles' 1967 album), the 1975 film Tommy (based on The Who's 1969 album), the 1982 film Pink Floyd – The Wall (based on Pink Floyd's 1979 album), and the 2010 musical American Idiot (based on Green Day's 2004 album).

Which 1942 film, featuring the songs of George M. Cohan, is considered a jukebox musical film?

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942), a biographical picture about playwright and composer George M. Cohan, is considered a jukebox musical film. It showcased many of his popular songs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

What was the musical basis for the 1948 film 'Easter Parade'?

Easter Parade (1948) was a jukebox musical film featuring a collection of songs by Irving Berlin, one of America's most prolific and celebrated songwriters. The film showcased his timeless compositions.

Which 1951 film, centered around George Gershwin's suite, is listed as a jukebox musical film?

An American in Paris (1951) is a jukebox musical film with a fictionalized story built around George Gershwin's 'An American in Paris' suite. Its score consisted entirely of pieces by George and Ira Gershwin, with the titular suite being a recurring theme.

Jukebox Musicals: A Symphonic Exploration

Delving into the captivating world where pre-existing popular songs weave new narratives in theatrical and cinematic productions.

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Overview a Jukebox Musical?

A Melodic Definition

A jukebox musical is a distinct genre within musical theatre and film, characterized by its primary reliance on well-known, pre-existing popular music songs rather than original compositions. These familiar tunes are integrated into a new narrative, forming the backbone of the production's score.^[1] This approach leverages the audience's existing connection to the music, creating an immediate sense of nostalgia and engagement.

Narrative Integration

The plot of a jukebox musical can vary widely. Some productions craft entirely fictional stories, where the chosen songs serve to advance the plot or express character emotions. Others adopt a biographical framework, chronicling the life and career of a specific artist or band, with their discography providing the musical landscape.^[3] The key is that the songs are integral to the storytelling, not merely incidental performances.

Distinctions and Exclusions

It is crucial to differentiate jukebox musicals from other musical forms. Works where all music is "diegetic"—meaning the songs are performed within the world of the play or film, such as a biographical film depicting a singer performing their own songs on stage—are generally not classified as jukebox musicals. Similarly, revues that lack a cohesive plot, even if they feature popular songs and dance, typically fall outside this definition, though exceptions exist for dance-centric shows.^[2]^[3]

Historical Evolution

Early European Antecedents

The concept of repurposing popular melodies for theatrical productions has deep historical roots. In 17th and 18th century Europe, comic operas frequently parodied contemporary popular songs, adapting their lyrics to suit new comedic narratives. Genres such as *Comédie en vaudevilles* and ballad operas, most notably John Gay's 1728 masterpiece *The Beggar's Opera*, extensively utilized well-known tunes. *The Beggar's Opera* is often cited as the "original jukebox musical," demonstrating this practice centuries before the modern term emerged.^[4]

Cinematic Forerunners

The cinematic landscape also saw early manifestations of this musical approach. Films such as *An American in Paris* (1951), *Singin' in the Rain* (1952), *Rock, Rock, Rock* (1956), and *Rock Around the Clock* (1956) are considered early examples of jukebox musicals in film, integrating popular songs into their narratives to great effect.

The Wright and Forrest Innovation

The songwriting duo Robert Wright and George Forrest significantly advanced the concept by creating musicals whose scores were entirely derived from the instrumental works of classical composers, to which they added new lyrics. These productions often intertwined with the biographical narratives of the composers themselves. Notable examples include *Song of Norway* (1944, featuring Edvard Grieg's music), *Magdalena: a Musical Adventure* (1948, Heitor Villa-Lobos), and the highly successful *Kismet* (1953, based on Alexander Borodin's compositions).^[2]

Modern Popularity Surge

While the term "jukebox musical" itself gained traction later (with early mentions in 1962 and 1964, though not always in the contemporary sense), its modern surge in popularity is largely attributed to the phenomenal success of *Mamma Mia!* (1999). This musical, built around the iconic songs of ABBA, demonstrated the immense commercial and artistic potential of the genre.^[7] The early 2000s further solidified this trend with a rise in biographical jukebox musicals, such as *All Shook Up* (featuring Elvis Presley's music) and *Jersey Boys* (chronicling the story of The Four Seasons).^[8]

Categorization

Biographical Narratives

One prevalent form of jukebox musical centers on the life story of a renowned musician or musical ensemble. These productions seamlessly integrate the artist's own songs throughout their career, using the music to underscore key life events, emotional arcs, and professional milestones. The songs often become expressions of the characters' inner worlds or are performed as part of the narrative's setting. This format offers audiences a unique blend of biographical insight and beloved musical performances.

Artists whose lives and songs have inspired successful biographical jukebox musicals include:

Individual Artists: Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, John Lennon, Susan Boyle, Johnny Cash, Cher, Patsy Cline, Bobby Darin, Buddy Holly, Peter Allen, Janis Joplin, Carole King, Fela Kuti, Udo Lindenberg, Bob Marley, Johnny O'Keefe, Dusty Springfield, Donna Summer, Tina Turner, Hank Williams, Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Alicia Keys, Louis Armstrong, Robbie Williams, Pharrell Williams.
Groups/Bands: The Beatles, The Drifters, The Four Seasons, The Kinks, ABBA, Queen, Madness, The Beach Boys, Take That, Electric Light Orchestra, The Go-Go's, Air Supply, Eraserheads, The Osmonds, Pavement, Buena Vista Social Club, Roxette, Steps, The Avett Brothers.
Songwriters/Producers: Bert Berns, Berry Gordy, Ellie Greenwich, Florence Greenberg, Norbert Glanzberg, Jim Steinman, Max Martin.

Fictional Storylines

Another common approach involves crafting an entirely fictional plot, where the pre-existing songs are woven into a new narrative. In these musicals, the songs are often performed by fictional characters within the context of the story, sometimes as part of a performance within the show itself (diegetic music), or as expressions of character emotion and plot development. This allows for creative freedom in storytelling while capitalizing on the popularity of the chosen music.

Notable examples of jukebox musicals with fictional plots include:

Boogie Nights (1998)
Mamma Mia! (1999)
We Will Rock You (2002)
Hoy no me puedo levantar (2005)
Rock of Ages (2005)
Daddy Cool (2006)
Never Forget (2007)
Viva Forever! (2012)
All Out of Love (2018)
Jukebox Hero (2018)

Film Adaptations

Some jukebox musicals are stage adaptations of films, where songs from the original film's soundtrack or other popular songs are now performed by the characters in a live theatrical setting. This category often reinterprets cinematic narratives through a musical lens, bringing beloved stories to a new medium with a familiar soundtrack.

Examples of film adaptations that became jukebox musicals include:

Saturday Night Fever (1998)
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (2006)
Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical (2015)
My Best Friend's Wedding (2024)

Hybrid and Blended Forms

A more nuanced category includes productions that blend original music with previously released songs. The classification of these as "jukebox musicals" can sometimes be a matter of critical interpretation, as they do not exclusively rely on pre-existing material. However, when the integration of well-known songs is substantial and central to the musical's identity, they often share characteristics with the genre.

Examples of musicals and films that combine original and previously released songs include:

Stage Musicals: 42nd Street (1980), Five Guys Named Moe (1990), Crazy for You (1992), Xanadu (2007), The Last Ship (2014), Standing at the Sky's Edge (2019).
Film Musicals: Yellow Submarine (1968), Idlewild (2006), Singin' in the Rain (1952), Trolls (2016), Cinderella (2021).

Stage Musicals

The stage has been a fertile ground for jukebox musicals, bringing diverse musical catalogs to life through compelling narratives. Below is a chronological overview of notable stage productions.

A Chronological Overview

1970s

Year	Title	Based on the music of
1976	Bubbling Brown Sugar	Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, et al.
1977	Beatlemania	The Beatles
1977	Elvis	Elvis Presley
1978	Ain't Misbehavin'	Fats Waller
1978	Eubie!	Eubie Blake

1980s

Year	Title	Based on the music of
1980	42nd Street	Al Dubin, Johnny Mercer, and Harry Warren
1983	Abbacadabra	ABBA
1984	Leader of the Pack	Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, and Phil Spector
1986	Big Deal	Popular songs from the 1920s and 30s
1987	Hank Williams: Lost Highway	Hank Williams
1989	Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story	Buddy Holly, including many early rock "standards"
1989	Forever Plaid	Popular songs from the 1950s
1989	Return to the Forbidden Planet	1960s rock and roll

1990s

Year	Title	Based on the music of
1990	Five Guys Named Moe	Louis Jordan
1992	Jelly's Last Jam	Jelly Roll Morton
1993	The Who's Tommy	The Who
1996	Summer Holiday	Cliff Richard & The Shadows
1997	Boogie Nights	The 1970s
1998	Saturday Night Fever	Bee Gees and others
1999	Disco Inferno	1970s disco
1999	Mamma Mia!	ABBA
1999	The Marvelous Wonderettes	Female vocal harmony groups of the 1950s and 1960s

2000s

Year	Title	Based on the music of
2001	Love, Janis	Janis Joplin
2001	Shout! The Legend of The Wild One	Johnny O'Keefe
2002	We Will Rock You	Queen
2002	Our House	Madness
2002	Movin' Out	Billy Joel
2003	The Boy from Oz	Peter Allen
2003	Tonight's the Night	Rod Stewart
2003	Belles belles belles	Claude François
2004	On the Record	The Walt Disney Company
2005	Back to the 80's!	Various 80s pop artists
2005	Lennon	John Lennon
2005	Good Vibrations	The Beach Boys
2005	All Shook Up	Elvis Presley
2005	Jersey Boys	Frankie Valli and Four Seasons
2005	Hoy no me puedo levantar	Spanish group Mecano
2005	Bésame mucho, el musical	Mexican and Cuban bolero songs
2006	Dusty – The Original Pop Diva	Dusty Springfield
2006	Hot Feet	Earth, Wind & Fire
2006	Priscilla, Queen of the Desert	Various artists, based on the movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
2006	Daddy Cool	Frank Farian
2006	Ring of Fire	Johnny Cash
2006	Rock of Ages	Glam metal of the 1980s
2006	The Times They Are a-Changin'	Bob Dylan
2006	The Onion Cellar	The Dresden Dolls
2007	Desperately Seeking Susan	Blondie
2007	Never Forget	Take That
2007	Ich war noch niemals in New York	Udo Jürgens
2007	Xanadu	Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton-John
2007	Sunshine on Leith	The Proclaimers
2007	The Slide	The Beautiful South
2008	All the Fun of the Fair	David Essex
2008	Je m'voyais déjà : Le musical	Charles Aznavour
2009	Dreamboats and Petticoats	Compilation album of songs from the 1950s and early 1960s
2009	Mentiras, el musical	Mexican songs from the 1980s
2009	Fela!	Fela Kuti
2009	Life Could Be a Dream	Doo-wop music circa 1960
2009	American Idiot	Green Day, based on the album of the same name

2010s

Year	Title	Based on the music of
2010	Perfect Harmony	Various artists (ranging from The Jackson 5, to Pat Benatar)
2010	Everyday Rapture	Various artists (ranging from Judy Garland and The Supremes, to Mr. Rogers)
2010	Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles	The Beatles
2010	Come Fly Away	Frank Sinatra
2010	Million Dollar Quartet	Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash
2010	Padam Padam : Le spectacle musical	Norbert Glanzberg
2011	Baby It's You!	Popular songs from the 1960s produced by Florence Greenberg
2011	Si nos dejan	Mexican songs from the 1930s to 1950s
2011	Hinterm Horizont	Udo Lindenberg
2012	The Bodyguard	Whitney Houston
2012	I Dreamed a Dream	Susan Boyle
2012	Raiding the Rock Vault^[9]	Various classic rock songs
2012	Viva Forever!	Spice Girls
2012	Soul Sister	Tina Turner
2012	Let it Be	The Beatles
2012	Disaster!	Popular songs from the 1970s
2012	Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots	The Flaming Lips
2013	A Night with Janis Joplin	Janis Joplin
2013	Beautiful: The Carole King Musical	Carole King
2013	Soul Doctor	Shlomo Carlebach and Nina Simone
2013	Motown: The Musical	Motown
2014	Bullets Over Broadway	Popular songs from the 1910s and 20s, based on the film Bullets Over Broadway
2014	Holler If Ya Hear Me	Tupac Shakur
2014	Cyrano de BurgerShack	Various artists including Carly Rae Jepsen and Smash Mouth^[10]
2014	Sunny Afternoon	The Kinks
2014	Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill	Billie Holiday
2014	Piece of My Heart: The Bert Berns Story	Bert Berns
2015	On Your Feet!	Emilio Estefan and Gloria Estefan
2015	One Love: The Bob Marley Musical	Bob Marley
2015	Résiste	France Gall
2015	Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical	Popular songs from the 1990s, based on the movie Cruel Intentions
2015	Georgy Girl	The Seekers and other popular songs of the 1960s
2016	Lazarus	David Bowie
2016	Dream Lover: The Bobby Darin Musical	Bobby Darin
2017	The Band	Take That
2017	Noites de Verão	Britney Spears, based on the play A Midsummer Night's Dream
2017	Part of the Plan	Dan Fogelberg
2017	Girl from the North Country	Bob Dylan
2017	Summer: The Donna Summer Musical	Donna Summer
2017	I Am from Austria	Rainhard Fendrich
2017	Bat Out of Hell: The Musical	Jim Steinman
2017	The Choir of Man	Various artists
2018	Dusty – The Dusty Springfield Musical	Dusty Springfield
2018	Jukebox Hero	Foreigner
2018	Escape to Margaritaville	Jimmy Buffett
2018	Ang Huling El Bimbo	Eraserheads
2018	Tina	Tina Turner
2018	Jagged Little Pill	Alanis Morissette
2018	The Heart of Rock and Roll	Huey Lewis and the News
2018	Head over Heels	The Go-Go's
2018	The Cher Show	Cher
2018	Clueless	Popular songs from the 1990s, based on the movie Clueless
2018	All Out of Love^[11]^[12]	Air Supply
2018	Ain't Too Proud	The Temptations
2018	Moulin Rouge!	Various artists
2019	Club Tropicana	Various artists from the 1980s
2019	Standing at the Sky's Edge	Richard Hawley
2019	Madea's Farewell	Various artists
2019	& Juliet	Max Martin

2020s

Year	Title	Based on the music of
2020	POP- Uma Volta no Tempo	Popular songs from girl groups and boy bands
2021	The Drifters Girl	The Drifters
2021	Once Upon a One More Time	Britney Spears
2021	Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical	Bob Marley
2021	What's New Pussycat?	Tom Jones
2021	Je vais t'aimer	Michel Sardou
2021	A Wonderful World	Louis Armstrong
2021	MJ the Musical	Michael Jackson
2022	A Beautiful Noise	Neil Diamond
2022	The Osmonds	The Osmonds
2022	Slanted! Enchanted! A Pavement Musical	Pavement
2023	In Dreams	Roy Orbison
2023	Holidays	Madonna
2023	Hell's Kitchen	Alicia Keys
2023	Buena Vista Social Club	Buena Vista Social Club
2024	Just for One Day	Live Aid
2024	Joyride The Musical	Roxette
2024	Here & Now	Steps
2024	Swept Away	The Avett Brothers
2024	My Best Friend's Wedding	Burt Bacharach and Hal David, based on the film My Best Friend's Wedding
2025	A Knight's Tale	Popular songs from rock and pop artists, based on the film A Knight's Tale
2025	Just In Time	Bobby Darin
2025	The Diana Mixtape	Pop songs from various artists

Cinematic Musicals

Jukebox musicals have also found a significant home in cinema, offering a visual and auditory feast by integrating popular songs into compelling film narratives. Below is a comprehensive list of notable jukebox musical films.

A Curated Filmography

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942), featuring songs by George M. Cohan.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1945), featuring mostly popular songs from the earlier 20th century.
Till the Clouds Roll By (1946), a biopic of Jerome Kern, featuring his songs.
Words and Music (1948), a biopic of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, featuring their songs.
Easter Parade (1948), featuring a collection of songs by Irving Berlin.
One Sunday Afternoon (1948), featuring popular songs from the earlier 20th century.
Three Little Words (1950), a biopic of Harry Ruby and Bert Kalmar, featuring their songs.
Painting the Clouds with Sunshine (1951), featuring popular songs from the 1910s to 1930s.
An American in Paris (1951), based around George Gershwin's "An American in Paris" suite.
Singin' in the Rain (1952), featuring popular songs from the 1920s and '30s and songs by Arthur Freed.
The Band Wagon (1953), showcasing the Howard Dietz–Arthur Schwartz songbook.
Deep in My Heart (1954), a biopic of Sigmund Romberg, featuring his songs.
Love Me or Leave Me (1955), featuring popular songs from the 1930s by Ruth Etting.
Rock Around the Clock (1956), featuring Bill Haley and His Comets and The Platters.
Don't Knock the Rock (1957), featuring Bill Haley, Little Richard, and The Treniers.
Hootenanny Hoot (1963), featuring Johnny Cash, Judy Henske, and other folk artists.
Yellow Submarine (1968), based on the songs of The Beatles.
Son of Dracula (1974), featuring songs from Harry Nilsson's albums.
At Long Last Love (1975), based on the songs of Cole Porter.
All That Jazz (1979), featuring popular music from the earlier 20th century.
Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979), featuring music from the Ramones.
Can't Stop the Music (1980), featuring contemporary disco songs.
The Blues Brothers (1980), featuring various popular rhythm & blues songs.
American Pop (1981), featuring American popular music from the 1900s to the 1980s.
Everyone Says I Love You (1996), featuring popular music from the earlier 20th century.
Blues Brothers 2000 (1998), featuring various popular rhythm & blues songs.
Love's Labour's Lost (2000), featuring classic Broadway songs of the 1930s.
Moulin Rouge! (2001), featuring a variety of pop songs from various decades.
Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem (2003), featuring songs by Daft Punk.
20 centímetros (2005), featuring a variety of pop songs from various decades.
Happy Feet (2006), featuring a variety of pop songs from various decades.
Idlewild (2006), featuring the songs of OutKast.
Romance & Cigarettes (2006), featuring mostly love themed pop-songs from the 1950s through '70s.
Across the Universe (2007), featuring the songs of The Beatles.
Stilyagi (2008), featuring Soviet rock songs from the 1970s and '80s.
Mamma Mia! (2008), based on the musical Mamma Mia!, which is based on the songs of ABBA.
Happy Feet Two (2011), featuring a variety of pop songs from various decades.
Toi, moi, les autres (2011), featuring a variety of French songs.
Rock of Ages (2012), featuring hard rock and metal songs of the 1980s, based on the stage musical.
Lovestruck: The Musical (2013), featuring various pop and dance songs of the 1980s through present.
Sunshine on Leith (2013), based on the musical, which is based on the songs of The Proclaimers.
Jersey Boys (2014), based on the musical, which is based on the music of The Four Seasons.
The Book of Life (2014), featuring various pop songs.
Walking on Sunshine (2014), featuring pop songs from the 1980s.
Strange Magic (2015), featuring various genres and various artists.
Trolls (2016), featuring various genres and various artists.
Sing (2016), featuring various genres and various artists.^[13]
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018), sequel to the first film based on the musical Mamma Mia!.
A Piece of My Heart (2019), based on the songs of Tomas Ledin.
Yesterday (2019), featuring songs of The Beatles.
Valley Girl (2020), featuring pop-songs from the 1980s.
My Heart Goes Boom! (2020), based on the songs of Raffaella Carrà.
Trolls World Tour (2020), featuring various genres and various artists.
Cinderella (2021), featuring various genres and various artists.
Sing 2 (2021), featuring various genres and various artists.^[13]
Voy a pasármelo bien (2022), featuring songs of Hombres G.^[14]
Greatest Days (2023), based on the stage musical The Band, which is based on the songs of Take That.
Trolls Band Together (2023), featuring various genres and various artists.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024), featuring mostly pre-existing songs and one original song by Lady Gaga.
A Complete Unknown (2024), featuring the songs of Bob Dylan.^[15]
Pavements (2024), a documentary incorporating moments from Slanted! Enchanted! A Pavement Musical.
Better Man (2024), featuring the songs of Robbie Williams.
Piece by Piece (2024), featuring songs produced and composed by Pharrell Williams, and various other artists.^[16]
Leave One Day (2025), featuring various genres and various artists.

Television Musicals

The format of the jukebox musical has also been successfully adapted for television, allowing for episodic storytelling or miniseries that integrate popular music into their narratives. These shows often leverage the familiarity of songs to connect with a broad audience.

Small Screen Adaptations

Kids Incorporated (1984–1994), featuring various genres and various artists.
Kidd Video (1984–1985), featuring various genres and various artists.
Lipstick on Your Collar (1993), featuring various artists from 1920 to 1960.
Blackpool (2004), featuring various genres and various artists.
Elvis (2005), based on the life and music of Elvis Presley.
Viva Laughlin (2007), featuring various genres and various artists.
Glee (2009–2015), featuring various genres and various artists.
The Kitchen Musical (2011), featuring various pop songs.
Smash (2012–2013), which alternates between previously recorded material and original songs.
Beat Bugs (2016–2018), which uses different Beatles songs.
Motown Magic (2018–2019), which uses different Motown songs.
Soundtrack (2019–2020), featuring various genres and various artists.
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (2020–21), featuring various pop songs.

Concept Album Adaptations

A distinct subcategory of jukebox musicals involves works based on "concept albums." In these instances, the musical or film does not merely borrow songs but expands upon an existing narrative or thematic framework already present in the original album. This offers a unique opportunity to flesh out a pre-established story through a new medium.

Albums Brought to Life

The 1974 musical Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band on the Road, based on The Beatles' 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The 1975 film Tommy, based on The Who's 1969 album Tommy.
The 1978 film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, loosely based on the musical, incorporating songs from other Beatles albums.
The 1982 film Pink Floyd – The Wall, based on Pink Floyd's 1979 album The Wall.
The 1992 musical The Who's Tommy, also based on The Who's album Tommy.
The 2010 musical American Idiot, based on Green Day's 2004 album American Idiot.
The 2023 musical Illinoise, based on Sufjan Stevens' album Illinois.

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References

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Jukebox Musicals: A Symphonic Exploration

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview a Jukebox Musical? ℹ️

🎵 A Melodic Definition

🧩 Narrative Integration

🚫 Distinctions and Exclusions

Historical Evolution 📜

🏛️ Early European Antecedents

🎬 Cinematic Forerunners

✍️ The Wright and Forrest Innovation

📈 Modern Popularity Surge

Categorization 분류

🎤 Biographical Narratives

🎭 Fictional Storylines

🎥 Film Adaptations

🔄 Hybrid and Blended Forms

Stage Musicals 🎭

🗓️ A Chronological Overview

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

Cinematic Musicals 🎥

🎞️ A Curated Filmography

Television Musicals 📺

📡 Small Screen Adaptations

Concept Album Adaptations 💿

📖 Albums Brought to Life

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview a Jukebox Musical?

A Melodic Definition

Narrative Integration

Distinctions and Exclusions

Historical Evolution

Early European Antecedents

Cinematic Forerunners

The Wright and Forrest Innovation

Modern Popularity Surge

Categorization

Biographical Narratives

Fictional Storylines

Film Adaptations

Hybrid and Blended Forms

Stage Musicals

A Chronological Overview

Cinematic Musicals

A Curated Filmography

Television Musicals

Small Screen Adaptations

Concept Album Adaptations

Albums Brought to Life

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice