Quick Links

Some of the biggest shows of the entertainment industry are undoubtedly Jukebox Musicals, and they have been keeping audiences entertained for a long time. When a musician releases a song, it might be an inspiration for a musical’s soundtrack and that’s how a jukebox musical is born. For years, Broadway audiences have been singing and dancing along to the hit songs of jukeboxes such as the Bee Gees, Cher, and Donna Summer.

RELATED: 10 Most Expensive Broadway Musicals Ever Produced

Let’s have a look at the most popular shows of the genre. Maybe you will get inspired and buy a ticket to see one soon.

Mamma Mia!

Taking its title from ABBA’s 1975 chart-topper Mamma Mia, the musical is undoubtedly one of the most popular jukebox musicals of all time. Written by British playwright Catherine Johnson and composed by Benny Andersson, “Mamma Mia” includes the hits "Lay All Your Love on Me", "Dancing Queen", and "Super Trouper."

RELATED: 10 Famous Pop Stars Who Give The Most Expensive Concerts

Anni-Frid Lyngstad has supported the production of the musical financially and has also attended many premiers around the world. A story of love, friendship and identity set on a Greek island paradise, the musical’s upcoming shows can be checked at atgtickets.com. The musical lasts 2 hours 35 minutes (including interval).

Jersey Boys

A Tony and Olivier award-winning jukebox musical features the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Some of the musical’s songs are "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "My Eyes Adored You," "December 1963," "Stay," and “Rag Doll.” The music belongs to Bob Gaudio while the book was written by Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman. The style of the musical is documentary and it tells the story of how the group was founded, their success, and the break-up of the 1960s rock 'n roll group The Four Seasons. Each member of the band narrates the four “seasons” from their own perspective.

Rock Of Ages

Rock of Ages is one of the most popular of jukebox musicals. It opened its doors on Broadway in 2009 and it was shown 2328 times before opening in London in 2011. The show is about young musicians who were trying to become rock stars in 1987. Songs include music from Journey, Styx, Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, Poison, Europe, and Twisted Sister. After running six years on Broadway, Rock of Ages was also turned into a film featuring Tom Cruise which was a huge hit. For London tickets, check out askalocal.london/GB/london-musicals while for Broadway, visit rockofagesmusical.com.

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical

One of the most award-winning jukebox musicals of all time, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical is about the life of Carole King. It follows the story of her career and how she met her husband and friends Gerry Goffin, Cynthia Weil, and Barry Mann. She owns so many classic songs such as “Locomotion,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman,” “Up on the Roof,” “So Far Away.” The musical was nominated for seven 2014 Tony Awards, winning for best actress for Jessie Mueller and sound designer Brian Ronan. On October 27, 2019, the musical ended its six-year Broadway run at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

Million Dollar Quartet

Million Dollar Quartet is an epic celebration of rock ’n’ roll history, a smash-hit Broadway and West End musical. Million Dollar Quartet, a Tony Award-winning musical, tells the story of what happened when Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis came together for a jam session in the recording studio of Sun Records in Memphis in 1956.

RELATED: 10 Best High-End Live Music Venues In Las Vegas

Inspired by a true story, the musicals’ songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and “Hound Dog.” The musical runs 100 minutes with no intermission.

& Juliet

What if Juliet was alive today? When she discovers that Romeo is dead, Juliet, played by Miriam-Teak Lee decides to go to Paris with Nurse and her friends and this is how this hilarious and comical musical journey starts. Directed by Luke Sheppard, the musical’s soundtrack includes amazing hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd, “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, “Blow” by Kesha, and “Break Free, Problem by Ariana Grande”. The musical has received amazing reviews selling thousands of tickets in theaters. The show runs 2 hours 30 minutes. For tickets, don’t forget to check out shaftesburytheatre.com.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

Opening its doors in April 2018, thousands of people went to Aldwych Theatre to see Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’s world premiere production. The musical is about the life of Anna Mae Bullock who became Tina Turner and went on to win 12 Grammy Awards. With a soundtrack including “Nutbush City Limits,” “Let’s Stay Together,” and “Proud Mary,” the musical features Adrienne Warren portraying Tina’s rise to superstardom. The musical is currently running in New York, London, and Hamburg and tickets are selling out pretty fast.

Motown The Musical

Bringing the soulful sound of 1960s-America to the West End, Motown the Musical has played at The Shaftesbury Theatre since 2016. The musical is the story of Berry Gordy and how he founded Motown Records, namely his musical empire and is based on his autobiography. Motown Records would label legendary artists at the time. Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, the musical’s songs include greatest hits by Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The Jackson 5, and Marvin Gaye. Edward Baruwa plays Berry Gordy while Diana Ross is played by Karis Anderson. sensational hit West End musical lasts 2 hours 45 minutes. For tickets, don’t forget to check out motownthemusical.co.uk.

Singin’ In The Rain

Earning the top spot at AFI’s 100 Years of Musicals list, Singin’ in the Rain is adapted by the legends of Broadway, Adolph Green and Betty Comden, from their original award-winning screenplay. The ‘Greatest Movie Musical of All Time’ is filled with every memorable moment from the film starring Gene Kelly. For those who cannot remember the original film, it tells the story of Don Lockwood and a talented young chorus girl he meets during a time when talking pictures are about to become the new big thing. Directed by Twyla Tharp, the musical runs for 2 hours 30 minutes. Singin’ in the Rain returns to London in 2020.

On Your Feet!

Premiering back in 2015, On Your Feet is a stage musical about singer Gloria Estefan’s life with her husband, Emilio Estefan. The musical starts when Gloria Estefan was still a young teenager who has just started her career after immigrating from Cuba. The musical also tells the story of her husband, Emilio Estefan, becoming a successful entrepreneur, producer, director and author. First staged at Oriental Theatre in Chicago, Ill., in 2015, On Your Feet earned its place at the Marquis Theatre in Broadway in 2015 and it completed more than 740 performances. The musical lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes long and tickets are available at seatgeek.com.

NEXT: 10 Best High-End Live Music Venues In Las Vegas