jukebox musical

American  

[jook-boks myoo-zi-kuhl] / ˈdʒukˌbɒks ˌmyu zɪ kəl /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of jukebox musical

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

So instead, Jackson’s family — who largely backed the film — producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua opted to refocus the film more squarely on his music, effectively turning it into a jukebox musical.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 26, 2026

“MJ,” the jukebox musical based on his life, is in its fourth year on Broadway and has had both national and international showings.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

In fact, “Better Man” might work better on the London stage as a jukebox musical than in cinemas.

From Salon • Jan. 10, 2025

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

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2024

He had performed the song hundreds of times in the Broadway show, a biographical Michael Jackson jukebox musical, at the Neil Simon Theater.

From New York Times • Dec. 3, 2023