Michael Jackson musical MJ announces rescheduled Broadway dates for 2021
The world premiere of MJ The Musical is now scheduled to begin performances at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre on March 8, 2021.
For fans of Michael Jackson, the song "Heal the World" has taken on a whole new meaning over the past couple of months. Now, the current COVID-19 pandemic has caused a delay to the eagerly anticipated world premiere of MJ The Musical on Broadway.
The new bio-musical was originally scheduled to begin previews at the Neil Simon Theatre on July 6, 2020, ahead of an official opening on August 13. However, the Broadway shutdown has now been enforced through (at least) September 6, 2020.
The world premiere production will now begin previews at the same venue on March 8, 2021, with an official opening set for April 15, 2021.
Tony & Grammy Award nominee Ephraim Sykes is still on board to star as Michael Jackson in the musical, with additional casting to be confirmed in the months ahead. Sykes was last seen on Broadway in his Tony & Grammy-nominated run as David Ruffin in Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations at the Imperial Theatre. His previous Broadway credits include Hamilton, Motown The Musical, Memphis, Disney's Newsies, and Disney's The Little Mermaid. He is also known for starring as Seaweed J. Stubbs in NBC's "Hairspray Live!" in 2016 and his other television credits include "Vinyl," Marvel's "Luke Cage," "Smash," and "30 Rock."
MJ The Musical features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage and the greatest hits of The King of Pop, such as "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," "Rock with You," "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller," "Bad," "Man in the Mirror," "Smooth Criminal," and "Black or White," to name just a few.
Under the direction of Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon (who also serves as choreographer), the creative team also features scenic design by Tony and two-time Emmy Award winner Derek McLane, lighting design by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, costume design by Tony and Emmy Award winner Paul Tazewell, sound design by two-time Tony Award nominee Gareth Owen, projection design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini, and hair & wig design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles LaPointe. Music direction is by Tony Award recipient Jason Michael Webb, with musical supervision by David Holcenberg, and orchestrations & arrangements by both Webb and Holcenberg.
MJ The Musical is produced on Broadway by Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate.
(Courtesy of Derek McLane)
MJ The Musical Tickets will be on sale soon.
(Header photo by Little Fang)
Frequently asked questions
What is MJ The Musical about?
See a new side of the cultural trailblazer, complete with gorgeous renditions of his greatest hits and his iconic dance moves, in MJ The Musical. Michael Jackson takes center stage, circa 1992, as an MTV camera crew's interview unlocks memories and key moments of the icon's rise to stardom. Find out more about MJ The Musical tickets.
Where is MJ The Musical playing?
MJ The Musical is playing at Neil Simon Theatre. The theatre is located at 250 West 52nd Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue), New York, 10019.
How long is MJ The Musical?
The running time of MJ The Musical is 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 intermission.
What's the age requirement for MJ The Musical?
The recommended age for MJ The Musical is Ages 8+. Children under 4 are not permitted. .
How do you book tickets for MJ The Musical?
Book tickets for MJ The Musical on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote MJ The Musical?
Lynn Nottage, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, wrote the script for MJ The Musical. The songs were written by more than 50 artists in total, but nearly all the songs are hits made famous by Michael Jackson. A few others are other famous songs from his era.
Who directed and choreographed MJ The Musical?
Christopher Wheeldon is the director and choreographer of MJ The Musical. He won the Best Choreography Tony Award in 2023 for his work. He is also known for his direction and Tony-winning choreography of An American in Paris.
Which Michael Jackson songs are in MJ The Musical?
MJ The Musical includes more than two dozen Michael Jackson songs including "Thriller," "Beat It," "Billie Jean," "Bad," and "Smooth Criminal." The show also features Jackson 5 songs and a few other famous pop songs from his era. Learn more about how Michael Jackson songs are used in MJ The Musical.
Is MJ The Musical appropriate for kids?
MJ The Musical is recommended for ages 8 and up. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
Is MJ The Musical good?
MJ The Musical won four Tony Awards and is among the best-reviewed shows on New York Theatre Guide. Our five-star review reads, "MJ is the platinum standard... the perfect salutation to the life of an imperfect but gifted icon."
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