5 Incredible Jukebox Musicals You Should Listen to RIGHT NOW

Written by Kehle Hatch

August 28, 2017

These incredible musicals are often overlooked because they’re compilations of an artists’ greatest hits instead of an original musical composition. BUT! These jukebox musicals gather the best of the best music from these artists, so there’s no way the show isn’t fantastic. We’ve got 5 musicals below to check out ASAP!

1. Tommy! from The Who

Tommy is arguably one of the most well known jukebox musicals. This musical follows the life of Tommy Walker, the son of a military man and his wife, who after witnessing a murder from the hands of his father is told that he did see it nor hear it, and he will say nothing. Being so traumatized, Tommy is referred to as the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind kid who can play a mean game of pinball until his mother finally breaks through. Tommy the rock opera originally is The Who’s fourth album, and the concept was created as an attempt to translate Meher Baba’ teachings into music. Meher Baba was a spiritual master who maintained silence from July 1925 until he died in January 1969, only communicating with an alphabet board. Tommy opened on Broadway at the St. James Theater in March 29th 1993 and closed in June 1995. Names of note from the original cast include Michael Cerveris as Tommy, Norm Lewis, and Alice Ripley in the ensemble.

2. Mamma Mia! from ABBA

Mamma Mia! is another jukebox musical that many people know. With the 2008 movie version that cast names such as Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, and Christine Baranski. Music for Mamma Mia! is based on songs from ABBA’s self-titled album and includes songs such as “Dancing Queen”, “SOS”, “The Winner Takes it All”, and “Take a Chance on Me”. Mamma Mia! opened at the Winter Garden Theater in October 2001 and stayed at the Winter Garden Theater until October 2013, when it moved to the Broadhurst Theater. This musical had a total of 5,773 performances on Broadway before closing and is the eighth longest-running Broadway show and the longest-running jukebox musical in Broadway history. Currently in pre-production is Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!, the movie sequel to the 2008 original. Currently named cast members include Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Christine Baranski, and Amanda Seyfried.

3. Movin’ Out from Billy Joel

Movin’ Out is a musical that utilizes music from Billy Joel. This show follows six characters from the 1960’s and their lives after the War in Vietnam. What is unique about this show is that it is considered a rock ballet, in which the story is told through dance while the vocals and band are a separate entity to the dancers. Movin’ Out opened on Broadway in the Richard Rodgers Theater on October 24th 2002. This musical had 1,303 performances before closing on December 11th, 2005. Songs you may recognize include “Movin’ Out”, “The Longest Time”, “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, and “Goodnight Saigon”.

4. Rock of Ages from various glam metal bands

Rock of Ages is another musical with a movie adaptation based on the music of glam metal bands from the 1980’s. The musical follows Drew and Sherrie, two young adults who have aspirations of fame and work in a local club called the Bourbon Room. As the musical continues the young couple face many challenges including the threat of demolition to the Bourbon Room and the rest of the Sunset Strip. Rock of Ages appeared on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theater beginning in April 2009 and running until January 2011 when it moved to the Helen Hayes Theater and ran until March 2011. Music involved in this musical includes artists such as Styx, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Europe and Journey with songs including “We Built This City”, “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, “Any Way You Want It”, and “Heat of the Moment”.

5. The Last Ship from Sting

Last Ship is arguably not a jukebox musical yet at the same time can be argued as a jukebox musical. While most definitions for jukebox musical say that the music was previously released can considered popular before the stage production, but this is Sting we’re talking about! Sting even released a solo album performing the songs from the musical the year before the musical was actually staged. The Last Ship tells the story of a young man who travels from his close community in order to escape working in the local shipyard that is central to the town, only to return and find that what he left behind was far more precious than what he gained. This musical unfortunately did not sell very well and was only on Broadway from late September 2014 to January 24th 2015. Sting acted in the lead male role in a limited run from December 9th 2014 to January 24th 2015.



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Kehle Hatch is a recent graduate from the College of Southern Maryland with an Associates Degree in Theatre and Dance. She mainly focused on all aspects of tech, but has recently branched out into acting and playwriting. She plans to continue her education by earning a Bachelors degree in theatre education.