I Am A Jukebox

A blog by James A. Rocco

I AM A JUKEBOX

If you’re in the theatre, you already likely know of the beloved play, I Am A Camera, by playwright Jon Van Druten adapted from Christopher Isherwood's Berlin Stories. Any theatre fan wins the trivia question that it was the inspiration for the musical Cabaret. Well, if I were to write the story of my life, I might have to call it, I Am A Jukebox.
February 6, 2024

FROM CONCEPT TO CURTAIN CALL

The 10 things you must do to create an unforgettable Jukebox Musical Experience. As a seasoned theatre professional with over 30 years of experience, I've seen the rise of jukebox musicals firsthand. Now, I'm here to share my insights on how to choose and stage the perfect jukebox musical that will leave your audience in awe.
February 7, 2024

A BRIEF HISTORY OF JUKEBOX MUSICALS

As a child, I was utterly captivated by jukeboxes - those big, colorfully lit machines filled with music. For just a quarter, you could play three songs and immerse yourself in a world of melody. Sometimes, if you were lucky, a smaller version would be at your table in a restaurant or diner. I was so fascinated by this experience that I even had a "toy" replica that eventually wore out because I played it for at least eight hours daily. Along with playing with my toy jukebox, I would gather my neighborhood friends in my garage to put on shows built around my vast record collection. So, my affinity for jukebox musicals comes as no surprise.
April 25, 2024