MJ The Musical sets Broadway dates and theatre
The world premiere of MJ The Musical is set to begin previews at the Neil Simon Theatre on July 6, 2020, ahead of an official opening on August 13.
Columbia Live Stage and The Michael Jackson Estate have now confirmed that the world premiere of MJ The Musical (previously titled Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough) will begin previews at the Neil Simon Theatre on July 6, 2020, ahead of an official opening on August 13.
As previously reported, MJ The Musical is a new bio-musical based on the life and career of the late music icon Michael Jackson and will feature a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage. Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon is set to direct and choreograph the production.
Ms. Nottage made her Broadway debut in 2017 with Sweat and her numerous off-Broadway credits include Intimate Apparel, Ruined, Mlima's Tale, and By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, among others. Mr. Wheeldon is perhaps best known for his Tony Award-winning choreography of An American in Paris, which he also directed, and he made his Broadway debut in 2002 as the choreographer of Sweet Smell of Success.
Michael Jackson's greatest hits, to be showcased in the eagerly anticipated bio-musical, include the likes of "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," "Rock with You," "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller," "Bad," "Man in the Mirror," "Smooth Criminal," "Black or White," "Heal the World," "You Are Not Alone," and "You Rock My World."
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 and died on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50. Over the course of his career in the music industry as "The King of Pop," he released a total of 10 studio albums, sold an estimated amount of over 350 million records worldwide and won 13 Grammy Awards. He also famously starred as Scarecrow in the 1978 film adaptation of The Wiz.
A musical revue by the name of Thriller Live has been running in London's West End since January 2009, which celebrates the music of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5, and is set to play its final performance there on April 26, 2020.
Casting and additional creative team information for MJ The Musical will be announced in the coming months.
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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