It’s not easy building a musical narrative from the pieces of one artist’s catalogue. That’s one thing Chance and Noah learned this week when they reviewed three jukebox musical movies: “Mamma Mia,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Across The Universe.” In experiencing cinematic delivery systems for ABBA, The Beatles, and the worst of ’80s rock, your hosts gained a little appreciation for the jukebox musical form while also struggling with some of its conventions.

Luckily, Playbill editor Ruthie Fierberg stopped by (27:10) to contextualize the seemingly ceaseless Broadway trend and to defend the jukebox musical idea, if not always the execution. Highlights of today’s episode include Noah critiquing “Mamma Mia” for exploiting Greek isles, an argument about why hair metal and musical showstoppers are too similar, and Chance not having a George or Ringo impression.

Finally, we’re very excited to say today’s episode of Be Reel is brought to you by the MFA In Writing Program at California College of the Arts in San Francisco. Find out more here. What else? Read Ruthie Fierberg’s wonderful work here. Also, Mamma Mia is currently streaming on Netflix.