John Mellencamp Insists Broadway Version of ‘Jack and Diane’ Won’t Be Jukebox Musical

AceShowbiz -Veteran rocker John Mellencamp has set his sights on Broadway by developing a stage musical based on his hit song “Jack & Diane”.

The “Cherry Bomb” singer reveals the 1982 tune, about a pair of young lovers in the American heartland, has inspired a timely new production tackling current-day social and political issues.

“We’re getting ready to mount ‘Jack & Diane’ as a Broadway musical,” Mellencamp explained on U.S. breakfast show “Today“. “Every problem that this country’s going through today is in that musical.”

The 67 year old didn’t go into specifics about the play, but claims he and his fellow producers are aiming to match the standards of literary icon John Steinbeck.

“This is not a jukebox musical,” he insisted. “Our ambitions are set very high, as close to Steinbeck as we can get it, in today’s world, with these two kids (lead characters).”

Mellencamp previously claimed he penned “Jack & Diane” after watching the 1962 Paul Newman film “Sweet Bird of Youth”, based on the Tennessee Williams play of the same name.

It has since become one of his most famous songs, with fans often belting out the lyrics louder than Mellencamp at shows.

“I have to tell you, I can sing that song anywhere in the world and don’t have to say a word!” he smiled.

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