musicalize

American  

[myoo-zi-kuh-lahyz] / ˈmyu zɪ kəˌlaɪz /

especially British, musicalise

verb (used with object)

musicalized, musicalizing

1. to write or produce a musical version of (a book, play, etc.).

   an attempt to musicalize one of Shakespeare's comedies.

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Other Word Forms

• musicalization noun

Etymology

Origin of musicalize

First recorded in 1915–20; musical + -ize

Example Sentences

How to musicalize such a state of transition?

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2025

More than 30 years into a convention-shattering career, Sondheim still raised eyebrows when he announced he was about to musicalize the likes of John Hinckley Jr. and John Wilkes Booth.

From New York Times • Nov. 28, 2021

“But in Sarah’s play, Orpheus is a normal dude, a pretty immature one, and not super communicative — a frustrating boyfriend. I wanted to musicalize both his doubleness and that there’s something Eurydice can’t see.”

From New York Times • Jan. 31, 2020

Because in Musical Theater Writing 101, they say, “Only musicalize something if the piece demands to be a musical.”

From New York Times • Oct. 10, 2018

“It is unusual to take such a large brand franchise and not musicalize it,” acknowledged Sonia Friedman, who, with Colin Callender, has produced the play in London and New York.

From New York Times • Feb. 21, 2018