Meaning & use
jukebox musicals
Last updated
“jukebox musicals” is a form of “jukebox musical”.
Meanings
nouncountable
A stage show or film that builds its story around a collection of well-known pop songs, often by one artist or band.
Grammar: Countable noun; use 'a jukebox musical' for one, and 'jukebox musicals' for two or more.
Patterns
- a jukebox musical based on something
- stage a jukebox musical
- write a jukebox musical
The new season includes two jukebox musicals featuring songs from the 1980s.
Critics praised the jukebox musicals for their energetic dance numbers.
Many jukebox musicals rely on nostalgia to attract older audiences.
nouncountable
A type of musical theater where the plot is written to fit existing hit songs rather than original music.
Grammar: Often used in the plural when discussing the genre as a whole: 'Jukebox musicals have become popular on Broadway.'
Patterns
- the genre of jukebox musicals
- a wave of jukebox musicals
Jukebox musicals have become a major trend in London's West End.
Some purists argue that jukebox musicals lack original storytelling.
The success of jukebox musicals has led to more films using the same formula.
Word forms
| singular | jukebox musical |
|---|
Common combinations
- a jukebox musical based on
- The show is a jukebox musical based on the songs of a famous rock band.
- stage a jukebox musical
- The local theater decided to stage a jukebox musical this summer.
- jukebox musical revival
- The jukebox musical revival attracted a new generation of fans.
- a string of jukebox musicals
- The producer has a string of jukebox musicals lined up for next year.
Synonyms and how they differ
- compilation musical
- A broader term that can include shows using songs from various artists, not just one source.
- pop musical
- Focuses on pop music specifically, while a jukebox musical may use rock, soul, or other genres.
Word family
- jukebox noun
- A machine that plays selected songs when coins are inserted.
- musical noun
- A play or film with singing and dancing as part of the story.
Commonly confused: jukebox musicals or rock opera?
jukebox musicals vs rock opera
A rock opera tells a story through original rock songs, while a jukebox musical uses pre-existing hits.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'jukebox musicals' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 2 is correct because 'jukebox musicals' is a plural noun and fits as the subject of the sentence. The other options misuse it as a verb or a singular object.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “jukebox musicals”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.