Blog Post:
In recent years, Broadway has seen a significant rise in the popularity of jukebox musicals. These shows, which use pre-existing popular songs as the basis for their story and score, have become a mainstay on the Great White Way and have even surpassed traditional, original musicals in terms of ticket sales and revenue. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the rise of the jukebox musical and examine Broadway’s top grossing shows in this genre.
The jukebox musical phenomenon can be traced back to the 1970s with the success of shows like “Grease” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that jukebox musicals truly took off on Broadway. In 2001, “Mamma Mia!” opened and quickly became a global sensation. Based on the music of Swedish pop group ABBA, the show has grossed over $2 billion worldwide and remains one of the top ten longest-running shows in Broadway history.
Following the success of “Mamma Mia!,” jukebox musicals began popping up left and right on Broadway. In 2005, “Jersey Boys” opened and became an instant hit, winning four Tony Awards including Best Musical. The show, which tells the story of the rise of the Four Seasons, has grossed over $2 billion worldwide and continues to run on Broadway and in productions around the world.
Other notable jukebox musicals that have found success on Broadway include “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Motown: The Musical.” These shows not only attract traditional theater-goers but also appeal to a wider audience who are familiar with the popular songs featured in the productions.
One of the reasons for the rise of the jukebox musical is the nostalgia factor. Many of these shows use songs that are already well-known and loved by audiences, creating a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. This makes them a safer bet for both producers and audiences compared to original musicals that may be unfamiliar to theater-goers.
The Rise of the Jukebox Musical: A Look at Broadway's Top Grossing Shows
Another factor contributing to the success of jukebox musicals is the use of famous artists and bands. Shows like “Beautiful” and “Jersey Boys” feature iconic musicians such as Carole King and The Four Seasons, respectively. This not only attracts fans of these artists but also adds to the overall appeal of the show.
But the rise of the jukebox musical has not been without its critics. Some argue that these shows lack originality and creativity, as they rely heavily on pre-existing songs. Others argue that they cater to a more mainstream audience and neglect the diversity and inclusivity that is becoming increasingly important in the theater world.
Despite these criticisms, jukebox musicals continue to dominate the Broadway landscape. In fact, the top three highest grossing shows in Broadway history are all jukebox musicals: “The Lion King,” “Wicked,” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” And in recent years, new jukebox musicals like “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” and “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” have been met with critical and commercial success.
So what does the future hold for jukebox musicals on Broadway? It’s safe to say they are here to stay. With their winning combination of popular music, nostalgia, and star power, it’s no surprise that audiences continue to flock to these shows. And with new jukebox musicals in the works such as “Jagged Little Pill” (featuring the music of Alanis Morissette) and “Flying Over Sunset” (featuring the music of Cole Porter), it’s clear that the jukebox musical trend is far from over on Broadway.
In conclusion, the rise of the jukebox musical has changed the landscape of Broadway and has become a major contributor to the industry’s success. While they may have their critics, there is no denying the popularity and profitability of these shows. As long as there is an audience hungry for nostalgia, jukebox musicals will continue to thrive on the Great White Way.
Summary:
Jukebox musicals, which use pre-existing popular songs as the basis for their story and score, have become a mainstay on Broadway and have even surpassed traditional, original musicals in terms of ticket sales and revenue. The phenomenon can be traced back to the success of “Mamma Mia!” in the early 2000s, and since then, shows like “Jersey Boys,” “Beautiful,” and “Motown: The Musical” have found success on Broadway. The nostalgia factor, use of famous artists, and appeal to a wider audience are all contributing factors to the rise of jukebox musicals. While they have their critics, jukebox musicals continue to dominate the Broadway landscape, with new shows in the works featuring the music of Alanis Morissette and Cole Porter.