Jukebox musicals take the songs you already know and love—from pop hits to rock anthems and disco staples—and spin them into full-blown theatrical experiences. Whether they follow the real-life story of the artist (think Heartbreak Hotel) or build a whole new plot around familiar tunes (looking at you, Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville), jukebox musicals are all about the joy of recognition, nostalgia, and high-energy fun.
Jukebox Musicals
Delight your audience with familiar tunes.
Heartbreak Hotel Book by Sean Cercone & David Abbinanti, Based on a concept by Floyd Mutrux
His singular name still evokes immediate recognition from people all over the world. This official Elvis Presley bio-musical takes a closer look at the rock star and incomparable icon whose impact shaped the history of music and culture. Trapped in a moment of crisis, his younger self guides him through pivotal moments of his life that led him to become “The King of Rock and Roll.” Heartbreak Hotel features over 40 Elvis hits and iconic songs including, “That’s All Right,” “All Shook Up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” “Hound Dog,” “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Are You Lonesome,” and “Blue Suede Shoes.”
Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville Book by Greg Garcia & Mike O’Malley, Music & Lyrics by Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville is a musical comedy featuring the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” and many more. With a book by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia (“My Name is Earl,” “Raising Hope”) and Emmy nominee Mike O’Malley (“Survivor’s Remorse,” “Shameless”), this hilarious, heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for!
Saturday Night Fever Based on the Paramount/RSO Film & the story by Nik Cohn, Adapted for the stage by Robert Stigwood in collaboration with Bill Oakes, Edited by Ryan McBryde, Featuring Songs by The Bee Gees
In this beloved ’70s throwback, Tony Manero, a nineteen-year-old Brooklynite paint store clerk, spends his weekends at a local disco, where he moonlights as the king of the dance floor. When he and mesmerizing dancer Stephanie enter a dance competition, the pair’s professional partnership blossoms into a deep friendship, and challenges both to reflect on what’s important in life amidst rising social tensions and disillusionment. Featuring the timeless hits of the Bee Gees and classic disco tracks, this reimagined version of Saturday Night Fever transports you back to the era of disco balls, platform boots, and white suits. Burn, baby, burn!
Hank Williams: Lost Highway by Randal Myler & Mark Harelik
Hank Williams: Lost Highway is the spectacular musical biography of the legendary singer-songwriter frequently mentioned alongside Louis Armstrong, Robert Johnson, Duke Ellington, Elvis and Bob Dylan as one of the great innovators of American popular music. The play follows Williams’ rise from his beginnings on the Louisiana Hayride to his triumphs on the Grand Ole Opry to his eventual self-destruction at twenty-nine. Along the way, we are treated to indelible songs like “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “Move It on Over” and “Hey, Good Lookin’,” which are given fresh and profound resonance set in the context of Williams’ life.
Meet the Divas
Songs everyone recognizes, from divas everyone loves.
The Cher Show Book by Rick Elice
The Cher Show is based on the life of Cherilyn Sarkisian La Piere Bono Allman or as her friends call her, Cher! The kid on a tricycle, vowing to be famous. The teenage phenom who crashes by twenty. The glam TV star who quits at the top. The would-be actress with an Oscar. The rock goddess with a hundred million records sold. The legend who’s done it all, still scared to walk on stage. The wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. The woman, looking for love. The ultimate survivor, chasing her dream. They’re all here, dressed to kill, belting out all the hits, telling it like it is. And they’re all the star of The Cher Show.
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical Book by Colman Domingo, Robert Cary, & Des McAnuff, Songs by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, & Paul Jabara
She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed. Spend the night with Donna in her electrifying universe.
A Night with Janis Joplin Written & Created by Randy Johnson
The voice, the music, the legend: Spend A Night with Janis Joplin as she shares her inspirations, her story, and the gift that was her talent. From her humble beginnings in Port Arthur, Texas to worldwide stardom, we hear from Janis herself as she reminisces on how music became the love of her life: a love instilled by her mother and nurtured by the greats including Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith, and Nina Simone. Told through a series of songs by the Chantels and Joplinaires, duets with those masters of the blues and featuring Janis’s biggest hits “Piece of My Heart,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” and more, A Night with Janis Joplin will have you rocking out and leaving the theatre with your heart full.
Bonus Divas
These musicals aren’t jukebox musicals, but have no shortage of divas!
The Marvelous Wonderettes Written & Created by Roger Bean, Musical Arrangements by Brian William Baker, Orchestrations by Michael Borth, Vocal Arrangements by Roger Bean & Brian William Baker
This smash Off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy: four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” In Act II, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their ten-year reunion. We learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Featuring over 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits, The Marvelous Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this must-take musical trip down memory lane!
Grey Gardens Book by Doug Wright, Music by Scott Frankel, Lyrics by Michael Korie
Based on the beloved documentary, Grey Gardens is the hilarious and heartbreaking story of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s eccentric and upper-class aunt and cousin, Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale, who became East Hampton’s most notorious recluses. Featuring a shatteringly beautiful score, and the opportunity for two star turns, this musical will thrill and delight audiences.
