musical comedy

American  

[myoo-zi-kuhl kom-i-dee] / ˈmyu zɪ kəl ˈkɒm ɪ di /

noun

1. a musical that is light or humorous with a happy or cheerful ending.

2. (formerly, especially in reference to works from the first half of the 20th century) musical.

3. Also called comedy music.  a genre of entertainment that prominently features songs in a comedy routine, such as stand-up comedy, or that is a type of show or album similar to a comedy routine, presented entirely in song.

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musical comedy British  

noun

1. a play or film, usually having a light romantic story, that consists of dialogue interspersed with singing and dancing

2. such plays and films collectively

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musical comedy Cultural  

1. A play or film that highlights song and dance. Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, A Chorus Line, and The Producers are well-known musical comedies.

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Etymology

Origin of musical comedy

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

The production, directed by La Jolla Playhouse outgoing artistic director Christopher Ashley, makes musical comedy seem like the crudest of art forms.

From Los Angeles Times

The two met while making the 2012 musical comedy “Rock of Ages.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Regency Girls,” a new musical comedy set in the period of Jane Austen’s novels, begins on a note that fans of “Pride and Prejudice” will savor.

From Los Angeles Times

Rarely have feet played such a prominent role in the history of musical comedy.

From Los Angeles Times

But there’s an overt subtext too that might elevate the movie for those unfamiliar with the show, who had maybe assumed it was a sweet and frothy musical comedy.

From Los Angeles Times