Comments on: Theatre Is Easy: The “Jersey Boys” Phenomenon

By: DwDunphy

DwDunphy — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:02:51 +0000

Oh, and as for what musical will represent the '90s, I suspect it will be whatever was played on the radio on a specifically fateful day in which “White Ford Bronco – The Musical” will be based.

By: DwDunphy

DwDunphy — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:59:25 +0000

It's just a hunch, but I think the draw to “Jersey Boys” is more that it is a really loose narrative and more like a concert experience than a Broadway musical. Considering how well doo-wop traveling shows do, and considering that the majority of those doo-wop acts are comprised of non-original members, this show is just a step or two removed from that whole ethic.

The primary demographic isn't really concerned about the authenticity so much as they're trying to recapture an experience they may have had as kids.

By: DwDunphy

DwDunphy — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:02:51 +0000

By: DwDunphy

DwDunphy — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:59:25 +0000

The primary demographic isn't really concerned about the authenticity so much as they're trying to recapture an experience they may have had as kids.

By: kshane

kshane — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:16:52 +0000

I think it's also worth remembering that there have very successful musicals based on the music of The Beatles (Beatlemania!), Abba (Mama Mia), and Billy Joel (Movin' On). There were also less successful productions featuring the music of John Lennon, and Brian Wilson.

While it is hard to see which current music will inspire musicals in the future, it is more likely that what we'll see is current musicians creating the music for theater productions. For example, I just spoke with Mark Eitzel of American Music Club, and his next project is a musical that he's collaborating on. I'm sure that other current musicians will be doing the same, not relying on their catalog to inspire productions, but creating new music for that purpose. That would have been unheard of for a rock and rollers back in the sixties.

By: fudgester

fudgester — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 14:21:19 +0000

Jersey Boys has just opened here in london with a lot of push and I must confess to being baffled as to whom the target audience is. Not sure that the four seasons have that name recognition that the musicals audience go for, perhaps I'm wrong. having said that, if We Will Rock You can run for ten years then anything can be successfull.

By: Bella-Dona

Bella-Dona — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:41:20 +0000

How about “Purple Rain the Musical” for the 80's?

By: Elaine

Elaine — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 01:14:33 +0000

Good article! I think you're right. And the 80's are in the same boat as the 90's. There's no one musical all-encompassing guilty pleasure that the majority of people who were teenagers in either decade liked. Maaaaybe Madonna, but in order for anyone to get nostalgic about her, she needs to go away. Yeah, me neither.

My kids, however, will rock out to “Sweet Niblets (The Miley Cyrus Story),” Tony winner in 2050. You heard it here first.

By: Bella-Dona

Bella-Dona — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:10:09 +0000

I enjoyed your article about the Jersey Boys. I first found this site because of an article Scott Malchus wrote about October Road. I have been coming back to it daily. At first I wasn't sure if it was for me because I often don't have any idea about some of the music that is talked about. I wasn't sure I was 'hip” enough for this site. What kept me coming back was that the articles/posts are so well done. They are not just little sound-bites or snippets of stories. The authors really provide a solid critque often leaving me with something to think about. Even if I don't know know the music, artist, etc., after reading I feel like have some insight.