| MJ | |
|---|---|
| The Musical | |
 Broadway poster | |
| Music | Various artists |
| Lyrics | Various artists |
| Book | Lynn Nottage |
| Basis | The life and music of Michael Jackson |
| Premiere | December 6, 2021: Neil Simon Theatre, New York City |
| Productions | 2021 Broadway 2023 U.S. Tour 2024 West End |
| Awards | Full list |
MJ the Musical is a jukebox musical based on the life of the American entertainer Michael Jackson, focusing on his creative process prior to the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. It features Jackson's music, with a book by Lynn Nottage,[1][2] and direction & choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.
MJ was scheduled to premiere on Broadway in mid-2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City.[3] In November 2019, Ephraim Sykes was cast as Jackson,[4][5] but in June 2021 it was announced that he had been replaced by Myles Frost.[6] The production began previews at the Neil Simon Theatre on December 6, 2021, and officially opened on February 1, 2022.[7] It opened in the London West End in 2024.
MJ received mixed reviews, but has been a success at the box office. It was nominated for 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, with the musical winning four awards, including Best Actor in a Musical for Frost, as well as Best Choreography, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design. The original cast recording was also nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. By June 25, 2024, it has grossed over 200 million dollars[8] and is one of the highest grossing musical theater productions of all time.
- ^ Evans, Greg (January 23, 2019). "Broadway-Bound Michael Jackson Bio-Musical Gets Title And Chicago Dates". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
- ^ Portwood, Jerry (January 23, 2019). "Michael Jackson Musical to Premiere in Chicago". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
- ^ McPhee, Ryan (May 13, 2020). "Michael Jackson Musical MJ Now Eyeing 2021 Broadway Bow". Playbill.
- ^ Murray, Cori (November 4, 2020). "Exclusive: Ephraim Sykes Speaks About Being Cast as Michael Jackson In "MJ" The Musical". Essence. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
- ^ Lang, Brent (November 21, 2019). "Michael Jackson Musical Finds Its King of Pop". Variety. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (June 29, 2021). "Broadway's 'MJ' Has A New Michael Jackson As Myles Frost Replaces Ephraim Sykes". Deadline. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
- ^ Evans, Greg (May 11, 2021). "Michael Jackson Musical 'MJ' Hits Broadway In December; Ephraim Sykes In Title Role". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
- ^ "MJ THE MUSICAL Broadway Grosses". www.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved June 26, 2024.