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
CONTRADICTIONS OR WHAT I LEARNED FROM HAROLD PRINCE
In the theatre world, few names resound as luminously as Harold Prince. With a career that redefined not only Broadway but also the art of storytelling itself, Prince cemented his legacy as a giant in the industry. His book, Contradictions: Notes on Twenty-six Years in the Theatre, serves as a memoir and a masterclass in producing and directing. It offers an unparalleled glimpse into the mind of a genius who dared to dream differently.
May 22, 2024
I AM A JUKEBOX AND A DIRECTOR!
One of the most cherished projects I've had the pleasure of directing and choreographing was the stage adaptation of Singin' in the Rain. Considered by many to be the greatest movie musical of all time, Singin' in the Rain is a masterpiece that explodes with joy and the exuberant essence of musical theatre. When I first experienced the movie, I immediately saw it as a stage musical and hoped that someday someone would allow me to realize that dream.
June 20, 2024
MASTERING THE ART OF DIRECTING A MUSICAL
At their best, musicals seamlessly integrate story, song, and dance. A director's job is to create a cohesive narrative that binds these elements together.Mastering the art of musical theater is an intricate dance of storytelling, emotion, and technical prowess. Directing a musical amplifies this complexity. It can be an exciting challenge or a headache, but for those of us compelled to take on the challenge, it often becomes a lifelong obsession to perfect our skills.
July 23, 2024