‘MJ The Musical’ world premiere to open at Neil Simon Theatre in December

Ephraim Sykes will play the King of Pop.

The upcoming world premiere of MJ The Musical will open in 2021, a year after it was first scheduled. MJ The Musical will begin previews at the Neil Simon Theatre on December 6, ahead of an opening night on Feb. 1, 2022.

Ephraim Sykes stays attached to the production, leading the MJ The Musical cast as the titular singer. Previously, Sykes has played David Ruffin in Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.

MJ The Musical is based on the life of Michael Jackson, exploring his early career as a member of the Jackson 5 to becoming a musical superstar. The production will include some of Jackson's greatest hits including "Thriller", "Billie Jean" and "Beat It".

MJ The Musical features an original book by Lynn Nottage, with direction and choreography from Christopher Wheeldon. Scenic design is by Derek McLane, with lighting design by Natasha Katz, costume design by Paul Tazewell and sound design by Gareth Owen.

MJ The Musical is at the Neil Simon Theatre from December 6.

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^{Photo credit: Ephraim Sykes outside the Neil Simon Theatre (Photo by Little Fang)}