MJ: The Musical

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MJ
The Musical
MJ Musical.png
MusicVarious
LyricsVarious
BookLynn Nottage
PremiereDecember 6, 2021: Neil Simon Theatre, New York City
Productions

MJ is an upcoming jukebox musical featuring the music of Michael Jackson with a book by Lynn Nottage.[1][2]

The original production of MJ was originally scheduled to premiere on Broadway in mid-2020, with direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon. Initial plans to open were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] On November 21, 2019, Ephraim Sykes was cast as Michael Jackson,[4][5] but in June 2021 it was announced that the role would be played by Myles Frost.[6] The production is set to open at the Neil Simon Theatre on February 1, 2022, with previews beginning December 6, 2021.[7]

Productions[]

MJ was set to premiere its pre-Broadway run in Chicago, US on October 29, 2019 at the Nederlander Theatre.[8][9] The run would continue through December 1. However, the Michael Jackson estate decided to cancel the planned Chicago tryout, ostensibly due to scheduling difficulties brought about by an Actors' Equity Association strike.[10] Actors Equity wasn't shouldering the blame for the cancellation, stating "It is difficult to understand how a modest delay in February would impact a run that was scheduled for late October.” [11]

The musical was expected to debut on Broadway in the summer of 2020.[12] However, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the production was postponed to 2021. The production is directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, and it features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage.[13][14][15] Scenery for the production is designed by Derek McLane with costuming by Paul Tazewell. Natasha Katz and Peter Nigrini are collaborating on lighting and projection designs respectively. Gareth Owen designed sound production, with hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe.[16]

The musical was first announced in June 2018.[17] Wheeldon spoke about the musical, stating, "The show is very much anchored in one particular moment in time. – I always bring up the fabulous movie that Spielberg made about Lincoln: You take one key moment, I suppose, in the history of someone’s life and then sort of use that as an anchor point for past storytelling and, perhaps, some kind of prophecy of what’s to come. We’ll be doing that with this story." Asked about the dance and choreography, he said he "intends to put quite a lot of Michael’s work in the show."[18]

The musical is a collaboration between The Michael Jackson Estate and Columbia Live Stage.

Synopsis[]

Telling the story of Michael Jackson's life, MJ is set to feature over 25 of Michael Jackson's biggest hits.

"The show takes audiences behind the scenes as Michael prepares for the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, providing an in-depth look at his process. As Michael and his collaborators rehearse their epic setlist, we are transported to pivotal creative moments from his career."[19]

Cast[]

Character Original Broadway Production
(2021)[20][21][22]
Michael Jackson Myles Frost
Joe Jackson / Rob Quentin Earl Darrington
Rachel Whitney Bashor
Alejandro Gabriel Ruíz
Berry Gordy / Nick Antione L. Smith
Dave Joey Sorge
Jackie Jackson John Edwards
Katherine Jackson Ayana George
Quincy Jones / Tito Jackson Apollo Levine
"Michael" Tavon Olds-Sample
"Little Michael" Christian Vance
Jermaine Jackson Lamont Walker II
Marlon Jackson Zelig Williams

References[]

  1. ^ Evans, Greg (January 23, 2019). "Broadway-Bound Michael Jackson Bio-Musical Gets Title And Chicago Dates". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  2. ^ Portwood, Jerry (January 23, 2019). "Michael Jackson Musical to Premiere in Chicago". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  3. ^ McPhee, Ryan (13 May 2020). "Michael Jackson Musical MJ Now Eyeing 2021 Broadway Bow". Playbill.
  4. ^ Murray, Cori (November 4, 2020). "Exclusive: Ephraim Sykes Speaks About Being Cast as Michael Jackson In "MJ" The Musical". Essence. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  5. ^ Lang, Brent (November 21, 2019). "Michael Jackson Musical Finds Its King of Pop". Variety. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  6. ^ Pedersen, Erik (2021-06-29). "Broadway's 'MJ' Has A New Michael Jackson As Myles Frost Replaces Ephraim Sykes". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  7. ^ Evans, Greg (May 11, 2021). "Michael Jackson Musical 'MJ' Hits Broadway In December; Ephraim Sykes In Title Role". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  8. ^ "Michael Jackson Musical Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough Announces Pre-Broadway Run". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  9. ^ "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough Brings Michael Jackson to Broadway – Times Square Chronicles". Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  10. ^ "Michael Jackson Musical Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough Will Move Straight to Broadway; Out-of-Town Run Canceled". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  11. ^ Evans, Greg (2019-02-14). "Actors' Equity Disputes Strike's Impact On Michael Jackson Musical's Canceled Chicago Staging – Update". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-09-10.
  12. ^ Paulson, Michael (February 14, 2019). "Michael Jackson Estate Cancels Chicago Musical Run". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  13. ^ Jevens, Darel (January 23, 2019). "Michael Jackson musical to premiere in Chicago before Broadway". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  14. ^ "A stage musical inspired by Michael Jackson's life and music is heading for Broadway". USA Today. Associated Press. January 23, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  15. ^ Reitman, Shelby (January 23, 2019). "Michael Jackson Musical Set for Broadway in 2020". Billboard. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  16. ^ Huston, Caitlin (March 2, 2020). "'MJ' announces creative team for Broadway run". Broadway News. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  17. ^ Lang, Brent (June 19, 2018). "Michael Jackson Musical Coming to Broadway in 2020". Variety. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  18. ^ Fierberg, Ruthie (September 16, 2018). "What to Expect From the Broadway-Bound Michael Jackson Musical". Playbill. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  19. ^ Wild, Stephi (December 28, 2019). "Something's Coming... What Does 2020 Have in Store For Broadway?". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  20. ^ "MJ The Musical Cast & Creative". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2021-08-10.
  21. ^ "MJ the Musical Broadway Original Cast". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2021-08-10.
  22. ^ Gordon, David. "Broadway's Upcoming Michael Jackson Musical Sets Complete Casting". TheatreMania.com. Retrieved 2021-08-10.

External links[]

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