MJ: The Musical

MJ is an upcoming jukebox musical with music and lyrics by Michael Jackson, and a book by Lynn Nottage.[1][2]

MJ
The Michael Jackson Musical
MusicMichael Jackson
LyricsMichael Jackson
BookLynn Nottage

The original production of MJ was originally scheduled to premiere on Broadway in mid-2020, with direction by Christopher Wheeldon. On November 21, 2019 Ephraim Sykes was cast as Michael Jackson.[3][4] On May 13, 2020, the production was postponed to March 8, 2021, due to the Broadway shutdown, a result of the COVID-19 epidemic.[5]

Productions

MJ was set to premiere its pre-Broadway run in Chicago, US in October 29, 2019 at the Nederlander Theatre.[6][7] The run would continue through December 1. However, the Michael Jackson estate decided to cancel the planned Chicago tryout, due to scheduling difficulties brought about by an Actors Equity strike.[8] The musical was expected to debut on Broadway in the summer of 2020.[9] However, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the production has been postponed to 2021. The production will be directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, and it features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage.[10][11][12] Scenery for the production will be designed by Derek McLane and costuming will be done by Paul Tazewell. Natasha Katz and Peter Nigrini will be collaborating on lighting and projection designs respectively. Gareth Owen will be designing sound production, and hair and wig design will be done by Charles LaPointe.[13]

The musical was first announced in June 2018.[14] Director 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."[15]

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."[16]

There has been controversy over whether the production will bring up Jackson's sexual assault allegations. The writers have not made a comment on the discussion.

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References
  1. Evans, Greg (2019-01-23). "Broadway-Bound Michael Jackson Bio-Musical Gets Title And Chicago Dates". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  2. Portwood, Jerry (2019-01-23). "Michael Jackson Musical to Premiere in Chicago". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  3. "Exclusive: Ephraim Sykes Speaks About Being Cast as Michael Jackson In "MJ" The Musical". www.essence.com. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  4. Lang, Brent (2019-11-21). "Michael Jackson Musical Finds Its King of Pop". Variety. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  5. https://www.playbill.com/article/michael-jackson-musical-mj-now-eyeing-2021-broadway-bow
  6. "Michael Jackson Musical Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough Announces Pre-Broadway Run". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  7. "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough Brings Michael Jackson to Broadway – Times Square Chronicles". Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  8. "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.
  9. Paulson, Michael (2019-02-14). "Michael Jackson Estate Cancels Chicago Musical Run". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  10. Jevens, Darel (2019-01-23). "Michael Jackson musical to premiere in Chicago before Broadway". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  11. "A stage musical inspired by Michael Jackson's life and music is heading for Broadway". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  12. "Michael Jackson Musical Set for Broadway in 2020". Billboard. 2019-01-23. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  13. Huston, Caitlin (2020-03-02). "'MJ' announces creative team for Broadway run". Broadway News. Retrieved 2020-06-25.
  14. Lang, Brent (2018-06-19). "Michael Jackson Musical Coming to Broadway in 2020". Variety. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  15. Fierberg, Ruthie (September 16, 2018). "What to Expect From the Broadway-Bound Michael Jackson Musical". Playbill. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  16. Wild, Stephi. "Something's Coming... What Does 2020 Have in Store For Broadway?". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
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