Michael Jackson musical to have world premiere on Broadway in 2020
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough cancels its pre-Broadway world premiere in Chicago and will open directly on the Great White Way.
Columbia Live Stage and the Michael Jackson Estate have announced that the upcoming biographical musical Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough will now stage its world premiere directly on Broadway.
The musical is based around the life and career of Michael Jackson, who became known as "The King of Pop," releasing 10 studio albums throughout his career. The show's title is taken after the singer's number one hit, released on July 28, 1979.
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough will feature a book written by Lynn Nottage, who is a double Pulitzer Prize-winning writer for her 2009 play Ruined and the 2017 play Sweat, with the latter also receiving three Tony Award nominations.
Christopher Wheeldon, who won a Tony Award in 2015 for his choreography for An American in Paris, will direct and choreograph the production.
The score will feature the greatest hits of Michael Jackson, with some of the artist's biggest-selling tracks including "Thriller," "Smooth Criminal," and "Billie Jean".
It was previously announced that the musical would receive its world premiere at Chicago's James M. Nederlander Theatre, which has now been cancelled due to "scheduling difficulties brought about by the recent Actors Equity strike," and the production will now be staged for the first time on Broadway. Producers have also promised that the show's First National Tour will be launched in Chicago instead.
A venue, exact dates and casting information for Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough will be announced in the coming months. A developmental work session for the musical will take place later in the year.
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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