HIPP
April 5th, 2020
Jukebox Musicals: High Art Or Not?
Since the release of Mamma Mia in the late 1990’s, Jukebox musicals have been raging
on stages across the globe. Not only have jukebox musicals been some of the
...
HIPP
April 5th, 2020
Jukebox Musicals: High Art Or Not?
Since the release of Mamma Mia in the late 1990’s, Jukebox musicals have been raging
on stages across the globe. Not only have jukebox musicals been some of the highest money
making musicals in history they have also received some of the most nominees for best musical
awards. “This style of production has become so popular that the ‘number of productions [and]
running dates proves this genre has usurped the traditional musical that dominated the Broadway
stage from the 1950s through the 1990s.’" (Braun, 2019)
Despite having some of the most successful and audience loved shows, juke box musicals
are still not considered “good art” by most of the theatre community. Why is this? Why are these
hugely successful musicals looked down upon by the theatre community?
Before one begins to unravel this question one must have an understanding of what
Jukebox is, an understanding of its history, as well as a definition for “good art.”
“A jukebox musical is a stage or film musical that uses previously released popular songs
as its musical score” (Braun, 2019) These musicals start with songs that have been connected to a
certain period or artist, and create a dramatic plot to link the songs together. According to Braun
there are three sub genre’s that fall under jukebox musicals. “Bio- jukebox musicals, which
follow the life of an artist, Tribute Jukebox Musicals, which is a concert style musical, and
originals jukebox musical, which adds a book to prefab songs.” (Braun, 2019)
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