jukebox musical

[ jook-boks myoo-zi-kuhl ]

noun

1. a musical that uses songs that are not original to the play or movie and are integrated into the plot:

   This jukebox musical tells the tale of an uptight little town that comes alive to the tune of more than two dozen Elvis hits.

Word History and Origins

Origin of jukebox musical¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Gold’s “Romeo + Juliet” seems to be taking its cues from “& Juliet,” the hit Broadway jukebox musical that features songs by Max Martin and other artists in a “Romeo and Juliet” sequel that imagines what might have happened had Juliet lived.

From Los Angeles Times

In particular, “Folie à Deux” grossly underestimates the storytelling power of the jukebox musical, which arranges existing music into a new narrative.

From Los Angeles Times

Variety's critic Owen Gleiberman added the film was a "cracked jukebox musical - but it doesn’t let Joker be Joker enough".

From BBC

A touring production might be the way to go, but could an economic model be found that would allow the play to travel to venues more appropriate for a play than a clamorous jukebox musical?

From Los Angeles Times

“The Heart of Rock and Roll,” a new jukebox musical powered by the songs of Huey Lewis and the News, will close on Broadway on Sunday.

From New York Times