Matte Martinez to star in 'MJ The Musical' on Broadway
Starting in September, Martinez is the latest actor to play the King of Pop in the Tony Award-winning Michael Jackson bio-musical at the Neil Simon Theatre.
He's got to be startin' somethin'! Matte Martinez will step into the title role of Michael Jackson in MJ The Musical on Broadway starting September 2 at the Neil Simon Theatre.
Martinez made his Broadway debut with the show in October 2023 and has served as the standby for the characters of MJ (the adult Jackson) and Michael (a young adult Jackson) ever since. He will now replace Elijah Rhea Johnson, who will play his final performance as MJ on August 31.
“Matte gives audiences a dazzling portrayal of MJ," director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon said in a statement. “We are excited for him to step in to the part full time and lead the show forward with his exceptional performance.”
Winning four Tony Awards including Best Choreography for Wheeldon, MJ The Musical centers on the King of Pop as a documentary crew comes to film rehearsals for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. The show combines performances of hit Michael Jackson songs and dance moves with a unique look into his life and creative process as he opens up to the cameras.
Get MJ The Musical tickets now.
Photo credit: Matte Martinez as MJ. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
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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