Music is a universal language. It brings out good memories, and we can even enjoy foreign songs we don’t understand the lyrics of. It’s no surprise that there are thousands of musicals existing out there. A certain type of musical brings together our favorite songs and melds them into a story.
Jukebox musicals may contain either a compilation of songs from a certain genre or era or they can be a collection of songs from one artist. The stories of jukebox musicals tend to fall under one of two categories. They either revolve around the life story of the artist of the songs they are using, or they use the songs to accentuate a completely original story.
If you are interested in learning more about jukebox musicals, or maybe you’re looking to add a few more to your already filled-up watch list, here are 10 recommendations that you should definitely check out. These musicals have taken place either on stage or on the big screen (with some being on both). If you can’t catch a viewing or missed their run, well then you should at least know about them so you can watch out for their next possible comeback.
Mamma Mia!
One of the most famous pioneers of jukebox musicals. Mamma Mia! first sprouted as an idea in the mind of theatrical producer Judy Craymer when she saw the potential that ABBA’s song “The Winner Takes It All” had as a means for storytelling.
Before the box office hit came out in 2008, Mamma Mia! first opened on stage in London in 1999. Mamma Mia! later made its way to Broadway in 2001. Who knew that mixing Swedish pop group ABBA’s songs with the story of “who’s the father” could result in such a light, upbeat, and feel-good musical?
Mamma Mia! has made history as the longest-running jukebox musical on Broadway. It also resulted in a 2018 sequel slash prequel to follow up the story 17 years after the first movie’s release.
We Will Rock You
Featuring the electric sound of the British rock band Queen, this musical uses Queen’s songs to accompany a story of non-conformity.
In a dystopian future, rock music doesn’t exist. A group of non-conformists strives to stay true to themselves while those around them are brainwashed to think and even dress the same.
Queen’s lead guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor would occasionally drop by and perform on stage as a special treat for lucky audiences.
After finishing its run in London in 2014 after 12 years on stage, the production was later revived after the release of the 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody. Also a jukebox musical, this film is a biopic centering on Queen’s energetic and enigmatic frontman Freddie Mercury. A worthy alternative if you are unable to catch the stage production.
Rak of Aegis
Another tribute to a legendary rock band, Rak of Aegis uses the iconic music of 90’s rock band Aegis to tell a story of survival, hope, and perseverance.
In Barangay Venezia, people are constantly looking for a way out of their (quite literally) flooded realities. One of the people hoping to get out is Aileen whose dream is to go viral and get discovered by American TV host Ellen DeGeneres.
The production first took to the stage in 2014, mere months after typhoon Yolanda made landfall in the Philippines. As of 2019, the show claimed the title of the longest-running original Pinoy musical to be produced in the Philippines.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Two drag queens and a cynical transgender woman, a cross country tour on a bus, and the open Australian Outback, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert has the perfect recipe for drama, laughter, and fun.
Based on the 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, this musical is filled with high-quality performances of classic pop hits like “I Will Survive” and “Shake Your Groove Thing.”
This musical is an example of what creators can make with a slew of songs coming from different artists. While the stage production is lighter than the original material of the film, both offer a sense of comfort in facing the facts through their messages of self-acceptance and families found and made.
Ang Huling El Bimbo
Speaking of found families, the same may be said of friends Hector, Emman, and Anthony upon first meeting each other in college, also later including shopkeeper Joy into their ranks. As you may have probably guessed by the title, this musical centers on the timeless music of Filipino alternative-rock band Eraserheads.
Despite centering on friendship that gives off found family energy, just like a biological family, this barkada goes through many ups and downs together, with tensions occasionally rising. Set in two timelines, the group comes together 20 years later to reminisce their younger days, admiring the good times and unpacking the bad.
The songs of Eraserheads fit seamlessly into the narrative, making it feel like the musical was using an original score instead of pre-existing songs. Laugh and cry as these classic hits breathe life into a chilling story of youth, trauma, and redemption.
Moulin Rouge
Another jukebox musical that originated as an on-screen film, is Moulin Rouge. Like, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Moulin Rouge is a melting pot of pop songs from “Lady Marmalade” to “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.” Though, unlike Priscilla, Moulin Rouge contains one original song: “Come What May”.
The song was originally meant to be used in film director Baz Luhrmann’s earlier project Romeo + Juliet (1996) starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, but it didn’t make the cut. Luckily for Luhrmann, the song fit perfectly into Moulin Rouge.
The final film in Baz Luhrmann’s “Red Curtain Trilogy,” the story of Moulin Rouge does not stray far from the theme of Romeo + Juliet’s tragic star-crossed lovers. Though the stage musical rewrites the story a bit to include even more pop songs, the theatrics of the original movie still ring through this energetic and vibrant musical.
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
The title says it all. This musical revolves around the origin story of The Temptations from five boys wandering the streets of Detroit to five men touring the world.
While telling the story of the group as they develop into eventual Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, the story is mostly seen through the eyes of Otis Williams. Williams was a tenor and the founder of The Temptations; he is now the lone living member of the original lineup of the group.
Singing songs we all know and love, it’s difficult to watch this all the way through without humming along to at least one song.
Eto na! Musika nAPO!
College barkada Rick, Sonny, Butch, Ray, Jaime, Donnie, and Bobby try to emulate some sense of normalcy by joining a songwriting contest in the midst of political unrest during the Martial Law era.
As if growing up wasn’t already hard enough, throw in a politically tense atmosphere and the pressures of a competition and school, and you have a lot of learning to be done.
Intertwined with the soulful songs of the Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, better known as the APO Hiking Society, this storyline full of self-discovery brings deeper meaning to songs such as “Batang-Bata Ka Pa”, “Awit Ng Barkada”, and “Panalangin” while the songs, in turn, make us soak up every moment even more.
Jersey Boys
People named “Sherry” everywhere have possibly been called at least once in their lives: “Sherry, baby” because of the iconic Sherry by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. With its debut in 2004, this jukebox musical also birthed a feature film of the same name a decade later in 2014 directed by Clint Eastwood.
Jersey Boys has been dubbed as one of the superior biopic jukebox musicals out there. The story is divided into four seasons (pun intended), allowing you to dive into the world of each of the original members. The almost documentary-like storytelling structure also has members breaking the fourth wall and communicating directly to the audience.
Hang on for the wild ride that each “season” delivers as they bounce from each chart-topping hit to the eventual disbandment of their group.
3 Stars and A Sun
Jukebox musical 3 Stars and A Sun collates legendary songs of Francis Magalona. Considered one of the most successful rappers in the history of the Philippine rap scene, the story of 3 Stars and A Sun needed to be just as legendary.
Set in a dystopian future where Filipinos call a bomb shelter their home, 3 Stars and a Sun is all about remembering our past. With a big gap of disparity separating the classes, and a leader that aims to maintain the status quo by erasing memories, the group Tropang Gising aims to provide a beam of light in their current darkness.
Francis M’s songs serve as the perfect soundtrack to offer hope and get the people rousing, itching for justice and change. Although the show is no longer running, its memory remains alive in our hearts just like the songs of rap legend Francis M.
While the majority of these jukebox musicals aren’t as easily accessible (*cough* the staged musicals *cough*) at least you still have the film versions of some of them. But most importantly, at the end of the day, you still have their music to jam out to!
What’s your favorite jukebox musical?
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