A Recent History of Biographical Jukebox Musicals on Broadway

Bobby Darin's story is hitting Broadway with the new musical Just In Time, starring Jonathan Groff. This show takes the stage on the heels of several other biographical jukebox musicals that seem to be a phenomenon taking over Broadway in recent years.

Stars like Carole King, Michael Jackson, Neil Diamond, and more have been profiled in musicals, with their music immortalized on the Broadway stage. We're taking a look back on some of the recent jukebox musicals that told the story of iconic solo artists.

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Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

This biographical musical chronicles Carole King's journey from a teenage songwriter to a music legend. Featuring her iconic hits like "You've Got a Friend" and "Natural Woman," the show offers an intimate look at her life and career. The book was penned by Douglas McGrath, with direction by Marc Bruni. Jessie Mueller starred as Carole King, receiving a Tony Award for her performance. The production ran January 12, 2014 – October 27, 2019 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. 

On Your Feet! 

This musical tells the story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan's rise to fame, highlighting their Cuban-American heritage and musical contributions. Featuring hits like "Conga" and "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," the show was directed by Jerry Mitchell with a book by Alexander Dinelaris. Ana Villafañe originated the role of Gloria Estefan.​ Performances ran November 5, 2015 – Closed August 20, 2017 at the Marquis Theatre. 

The Cher Show 

A musical biopic of Cher's life and career, the show features her chart-topping hits and showcases her evolution as an artist. The book was written by Rick Elice, with direction by Jason Moore. The production starred Stephanie J. Block, Teal Wicks, and Micaela Diamond portraying Cher at different stages of her life.​ Performances ran December 3, 2018 – August 18, 2019 at the Neil Simon Theatre.

​Summer: The Donna Summer Musical

This biographical jukebox musical chronicles the life of disco icon Donna Summer, portraying her journey through three distinct personas: Duckling Donna (her pre-teen years), Disco Donna (her rise to fame in her late teens and 20s), and Diva Donna (her peak career in her 50s). The musical features a book by Colman Domingo, Robert Cary, and Des McAnuff, with direction by Des McAnuff. The original Broadway cast included LaChanze as Diva Donna, Ariana DeBose as Disco Donna, and Storm Lever as Duckling Donna, with Jared Zirilli portraying Bruce Sudano. The production showcased many of Summer's greatest hits, including "Love to Love You Baby," "Bad Girls," "She Works Hard for the Money," and "Last Dance." The show opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on April 23, 2018, and concluded its Broadway run on December 30, 2018.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

This musical chronicles Tina Turner's life from her humble beginnings to her transformation into the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. Featuring her greatest hits, the show was directed by Phyllida Lloyd with a book by Katori Hall. Adrienne Warren starred as Tina Turner, earning critical acclaim for her performance.​ Performances ran November 7, 2019 – August 14, 2022 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

MJ the Musical

Focusing on Michael Jackson's creative process during preparations for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, this musical offers a behind-the-scenes look at the King of Pop. The book was written by Lynn Nottage, with direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon. Myles Frost originated the role of Michael Jackson. ​Performances began December 6, 2021 at the Neil Simon Theatre and the show is still running on Broadway at press time.

A Beautiful Noise

A musical biography of Neil Diamond, structured around therapy sessions that delve into his life and songwriting. The book was written by Anthony McCarten, with direction by Michael Mayer. In the original Broadway cast, Will Swenson starred as Neil Diamond – Then, with Mark Jacoby as Neil Diamond – Now.​ Performances began December 4, 2022 at the Broadhurst Theatre and the show is still running on Broadway at press time.

A Wonderful World

The musical tells an autobiographical account of the life of jazz musician Louis Armstrong from the perspective of his four wives. Aurin Squire wrote the book, with direction by Christopher Renshaw and choreography by Rickey Tripp. The cast was led by James Monroe Iglehart in the role of Armstrong. The show featured music originally performed by Louis Armstrong and others, with orchestrations and arrangements by Branford Marsalis. A Wonderful World opened at Studio 54 on November 11, 2024, following previews beginning a month earlier, and closed on February 23, 2025.

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About Just In Time

Just in Time began performances Monday, March 31, 2025 and officially opens on Saturday, April 26, 2025. 

Developed and directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, Just in Time invites audiences to experience the great American entertainer’s meteoric journey – from soaring highs to crushing lows – brought to life by Groff, a cast of 11 on-stage actors, and featuring a live on-stage band performing Bobby Darin’s iconic hits including “Beyond the Sea,” “Splish Splash,” “Dream Lover,” and “Mack the Knife.” 

Just in Time stars Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff, Gracie Lawrence,  Tony Award winner Michele Pawk, Joe Barbara, Drama Desk Award nominee Emily Bergl, Lance Roberts, Caesar Samayoa, Christine Cornish, Julia Grondin, Valeria Yamin, John Treacy Egan, Tari Kelly, Matt Magnusson, Khori Michelle Petinaud and Larkin Reilly.