Jukebox musicals have become increasingly popular in recent years, with productions like Mamma Mia!, Jersey Boys, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical taking Broadway and the world by storm. But what exactly is a jukebox musical? In this article, we will delve into the world of jukebox musicals, exploring their history, characteristics, and impact on the entertainment industry.
The History of Jukebox Musicals
Before we look at the definition of a jukebox musical, let’s take a look at its origins. The term “jukebox musical” was first used in the 1990s to describe musicals that used pre-existing songs rather than original music written specifically for the production. However, the concept of using popular songs in a theatrical setting dates back much further.
One of the earliest examples of a jukebox musical is Golden Boy, which premiered on Broadway in 1964. This production incorporated songs from a variety of genres, including pop, R&B and gospel, to tell the story of a young man’s struggle to make it in the music industry. While not considered a true jukebox musical by today’s standards, Golden Boy paved the way for future productions to combine familiar music with a new narrative.
In the 1970s and 1980s, ABBA’s music was used in several theatre productions, most notably “Abbacadabra” and “Chess”. These shows used ABBA’s hit songs to tell a cohesive story, similar to how modern jukebox musicals are structured. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the term “jukebox musical” was officially coined.
One of the first productions to be called a jukebox musical was Smokey Joe’s Cafe, which opened on Broadway in 1995. The show featured hits by legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and went on to become the longest-running revue in Broadway history. Its success sparked a trend of using existing music in new theatrical productions.
Defining Characteristics of Jukebox Musicals
Now that we have explored the history of jukebox musicals, let’s take a closer look at what makes them unique. While there is no strict formula for creating a jukebox musical, there are several common characteristics that can help define this genre.
1. Use of Popular Music: The main defining feature of a jukebox musical is its use of well-known songs as its primary source of music. These songs are typically popular hits from a particular era or artist, and are chosen for their recognizability and audience appeal.
2. Incorporation of a Narrative: Unlike traditional musicals where the songs are written specifically for the story, jukebox musicals use pre-existing songs to tell a new narrative. The challenge lies in finding a way to string together a collection of unrelated songs into a cohesive storyline.
3. Nostalgic Themes: Many jukebox musicals tap into feelings of nostalgia by featuring music from a specific time period or artist. These productions often attract audiences who have a strong emotional connection to the music, making them more likely to attend the show.
4. Minimal Original Music: While some jukebox musicals may include a few original songs, the majority of the music is taken from previously recorded tracks. This not only saves the production time and resources, but also ensures that the audience will be familiar with the songs being used.
5. High Energy Performances: Jukebox musicals are known for their energetic, crowd-pleasing performances. With popular songs and catchy choreography, these shows are designed to get audiences on their feet and singing along.
While these are the most common characteristics of jukebox musicals, it’s important to note that not all productions will fit neatly into this definition. Some shows may deviate from these guidelines, but as long as they center around popular music and a cohesive narrative, they can still be considered a jukebox musical.
The Impact of Jukebox Musicals on the Entertainment Industry
Jukebox musicals have had a huge impact on the entertainment industry, particularly in the world of theatre. They have brought in new audiences who may not have been interested in traditional musicals, and have also revitalized interest in classic songs and artists.
One of the biggest impacts of jukebox musicals is their ability to attract new and diverse audiences. With familiar music and nostalgic themes, these productions have drawn in fans who may not have otherwise attended a Broadway show. This has helped to expand the reach of theatre, making it more accessible and appealing to a wider range of people.
Additionally, jukebox musicals have brought in a significant amount of revenue for both producers and artists. By using pre-existing songs, production costs are significantly reduced, making it less risky to produce a jukebox musical. This has allowed for more experimental and unconventional shows to be produced, as well as providing a platform for lesser-known artists to showcase their work.
Furthermore, jukebox musicals have brought renewed attention to classic songs and artists. Many productions feature music from iconic musicians like ABBA, Queen, and The Beatles, introducing their music to a new generation of fans. This has not only led to increased record sales for these artists, but has also sparked interest in their entire body of work.
Controversies Surrounding Jukebox Musicals
While jukebox musicals have certainly made an impact in the entertainment industry, they have also faced criticism and controversy. One of the main criticisms is that these shows lack originality and creativity, relying too heavily on pre-existing music to tell a story.
Some argue that jukebox musicals are simply cash-grabs, using familiar songs to draw in audiences without putting in the effort to create something truly new and innovative. This has led to accusations of laziness and a decline in the quality of theatre productions.
Additionally, there have been concerns about the authenticity of jukebox musicals. With many of these shows based on real-life events or artists, there is a fine line between honoring their legacy and exploiting it for profit. Some productions have faced backlash for inaccurately portraying historical events or figures, leading to debates about the responsibility of producers and writers when dealing with real-life subjects.
The Most Popular Jukebox Musicals of All Time
Now that we have explored the history, characteristics, and impact of jukebox musicals, let’s take a look at some of the most popular productions in this genre. These shows have not only achieved critical acclaim, but have also become fan favorites, running for years and even spawning multiple international productions.
1. Mamma Mia!: Based on the music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! tells the story of a young woman trying to find her father before her wedding. This feel-good production has become a worldwide phenomenon, grossing over $2 billion dollars and inspiring a hit movie adaptation.
2. Jersey Boys: This Tony Award-winning production follows the rise of the iconic 1960s group, The Four Seasons. With hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” Jersey Boys has become one of the most successful jukebox musicals in history.
3. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical: This production chronicles the early life and career of singer-songwriter Carole King, featuring her greatest hits such as “You’ve Got a Friend” and “I Feel the Earth Move.” Beautiful has received critical acclaim and multiple Tony nominations since its debut in 2014.
4. Rock of Ages: Set in the 1980s, Rock of Ages tells the story of a small-town girl and a city boy who fall in love while pursuing their dreams of becoming rock stars. With a soundtrack of 80s rock anthems, this show has entertained audiences worldwide since its opening in 2009.
5. Motown: The Musical: Featuring the music of Motown legends like Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and Michael Jackson, this production tells the story of Berry Gordy and his rise to fame as the founder of Motown Records. Motown has been praised for its electrifying performances and engaging storytelling.
Future of Jukebox Musicals
As with any genre, it’s hard to predict the future of jukebox musicals. While they have seen great success and popularity in recent years, there are concerns that the market may become oversaturated with these types of productions.
However, there is also a growing trend towards creating original jukebox musicals, where the songs are written specifically for the production but still center around popular music or artists. This could be a way for the genre to continue evolving and staying relevant in the ever-changing landscape of entertainment.
Regardless of what the future holds, it’s clear that jukebox musicals have made their mark on the entertainment industry and will continue to entertain audiences for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, jukebox musicals have become a prominent fixture in the world of theatre and have had a significant impact on the entertainment industry. While they may face criticism and controversies, there is no denying the popularity and success of these productions.
From their humble beginnings in the 1960s to their current reign on Broadway and beyond, jukebox musicals have proven to be a powerful force in the world of entertainment. As long as there is popular music to draw from and stories to tell, we can expect to see more and more jukebox musicals hitting the stage and captivating audiences all over the world.