A young man in a red jacket and white shirt stands in front of a microphone with his hands raised, appearing to sing or perform on stage under purple lighting.

Photo credit: Brandon Lee Harris as Michael in MJ The Musical. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Brandon Lee Harris to join 'MJ The Musical' Broadway cast

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

He will succeed original cast member Tavon Olds-Sample, who will depart the show in May after playing over 2,000 performances at the Neil Simon Theatre.

Summary

Brandon Lee Harris will play Michael in MJ The Musical on Broadway from July 7
He reprises the role he originated on the national tour
Original cast member Tavon Olds-Sample departs the role May 31 after over 2000 performances

Gillian RussoApril 14, 2026, 04:00

Thrilling news: Brandon Lee Harris will join the cast of MJ The Musical on Broadway this summer, stepping into the role of Michael from July 14. He reprises the role he originated on the show's first national tour, appearing in more than 500 performances across the country.

Harris succeeds original Broadway cast member Tavon Olds-Sample, who has played over 2,000 Broadway performances as Michael. He departs May 31, and the role will be played by MJ's swings and understudies until Harris joins.

Set during rehearsals for Michael Jackson's 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ The Musical uses the King of Pop's hit songs to explore his life and creative process. As Jackson relives his memories, he's played by three actors at three stages of his life: as Little Michael, young adult Michael, and adult MJ.

The four-time Tony Award-winning musical, directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, has played at the Neil Simon Theatre since 2021.

Learn more about MJ The Musical.

Get MJ The Musical tickets now.

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 recommendation 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.

Originally published on Apr 14, 202613:33