The Los Angeles Times reported on January 24, 2011 that the Pasadena Playhouse presentation of “Baby It’s You!” is on its way to Broadway. The Times stated that the jukebox musical is set to open on April 27 at the Broadhurst Theatre and is based on the career of the Shirelles and recording producer Florence Greenberg.The show has been playing at the Pasadena Playhouse since 2009 and includes such well-known songs as “Tonight’s the Night,” “He’s So Fine,” “Soldier Boy” and, of course, “Baby It’s You!”In a Times review in 2009 Charles McNulty wrote that the play “works best as a nostalgic spectacle for aging boomers” and that “the the groove definitely pulsates.”Other famous jukebox musicals over the years have included:
Smokey Joe’s Caf (1995)Boogie Nights (1997)Mami Mia! (1999)Love, Janis (2001)Tonight’s the Night (2003)Saturday Night Fever (2004)Jersey Boys (2005)Ring of Fire (2006)Thriller Live (2006)Dreamboats and Petticoats (2009)Come Fly Away (2010American Idiot (2010)
With some jukebox musicals (such as “Lennon”) closing after a very short run versus the huge success of “Mama Mia,” the reception and fate of “Baby It’s You!” is unclear. We should find out soon enough as April rolls in and the beat goes on.