Elijah Rhea Johnson to star in 'MJ The Musical' on Broadway
He will assume the role of Michael Jackson from Myles Frost, who won a 2022 Tony Award for Best Actor for his performance, in April at the Neil Simon Theatre.
He's gonna be startin' somethin'! Elijah Rhea Johnson will make his Broadway debut as Michael Jackson in MJ The Musical on Broadway this spring. He begins performances at the Neil Simon Theatre on April 4.
Johnson makes his Broadway debut in the role; however, this isn't his first time with MJ. He played the role of a younger Michael Jackson in pre-Broadway workshops of MJ, and he also starred in touring and Las Vegas productions of The Lion King as a child.
Johnson takes over the role from Myles Frost, who departs MJ The Musical on April 2. Frost made history in 2022 as the youngest solo actor to win the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical at 22 years old.
MJ The Musical recounts the life and career of Michael Jackson through all his hit songs. When an MTV camera crew arrives at tour rehearsals to film a documentary about Jackson, he and audiences look back through his most formative memories and career highlights.
Director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon won the Best Choreography Tony Award for MJ, and the script is by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage.
Who is in the MJ The Musical Broadway cast?
In addition to Johnson as Michael Jackson, the principal cast of MJ The Musical also includes Tavon Olds-Sample, Bane Griffith, Christian Wilson, Quentin Earl Darrington, Whitney Bashor, Gabriel Ruiz, Antoine L. Smith, Joey Sorge, Ayana George, Apollo Levine, John Edwards, Lamont Walker II, and Zelig Williams.
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Photo credit: Elijah Rhea Johnson. (Photo by Drew Elhamalawy)
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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