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MJ The Musical at James M. Nederlander Theatre

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Why see MJ The Musical?

You've Been Hit By MJ The Musical!

Winner of Four Tony awards!

Michael Jackson fans rejoice as a brand new musical all about the iconic superstar is here! With Jackson's plethora of moon-walking hits in tow, MJ the Musical is set to explore the star's life and his stratospheric rise to fame. Now touring North America!

The Michael Jackson Estate and Columbia Live Stage have partnered on the project, with two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (Sweat, Ruined) set to pen the book. Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon (An American In Paris) has been tapped to Choreograph/Direct the musical. With both Nottage and Wheeldon on the scene, admirers of the late artist can rest assured that Michael's incredible story is in safe hands. 

Michael Jackson

Rising to fame as a member of the famous Jackson 5 in the late 60's, Michael Jackson is dubbed as the King of Pop, with the artist becoming one of the most significant cultural figures of the twentieth century and one of the greatest entertainers of all time. When his sudden death was announced in 2009, the news shocked the global community with websites crashing due to over-demand to know what was happening to the beloved musician. His legacy lives on with his 31 top ten hits, 13 Grammy Awards, six Brit Awards and 26 American Music Awards. 

Key Information

Run Time

Two hours and 30 minutes with one interval

Dates

Finished Sep 2, 2023

Cast

Jamaal Fields-Green & Jordan Markus as MJ
Brandon Lee Harris as Michael 
Josiah Benson and Bane Giffith as Little Michael 
Devin Bowles as Joesph Jackson/Rob
Mary Kate Moore as Rachel
J.Daughtry as Berry Gordy/Nick
Josh A. Dawson as Tito Jackson/Quincy Jones 
Bryce A. Holmes as Little Marlon
Matt Loehr as Dave
Da'von T. Moody as Alejandro
Anastasia Talley as Katherine Jackson 

With 
Jojo Carmichael, Croix Diienno, Kellie Drobnick, Kyle Dupree, Zuri Noelle Ford, Jahir L. Hipps, Jacob Kai, Rajane Katurah, Jordan Markus, Matteo Marretta, Skye Jackson-Williams, Jay Mackenzie, Kendrick Mitchell, Chelsea Mitchell-Bonsu, Zion Mikhail Pradier, Ayla Stackhouse, Brion Marquis Watson, Charles P. Way and Malcolm Miles Young 

Creative

Book by Lynn Nottage
Directed by Christopher Wheeldon
Set design by Derek McLane
Lighting design by Natasha Katz
Costume design by Paul Tazewell
Sound Design by Gareth Owen
Projection design by Pete Nigrini
Wid design by Charles LaPointe
Music direction by Jason Michael Webb
Musical supervision by David Holcenberg
Orchestrations by Holcenberg and Webb

Awards

2022 tony award wins


Best Performace by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Best Choreography
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Best Sound Design of a Musical

2022 Tony Nominations

Best Musical
Best Leading Actor in a Musical
Best Direction of a Musical
Best Choreography
Best Orchestrations
Best Book
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Best Sound Design of a Musical

2022 Drama Desk Nominations

Outstanding Actor in a Musical - Myles Frost
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical - Tavon Olds-Sample
Outstanding Choreography
Outstanding Orchestrations
Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical
Outstanding Sound Design in a Musical
Outstanding Wig and Hair Design

Reviews

Customer reviews

66 reviews, average rating: (4.6 Stars)

Emily

It's like I saw MJ and the Jackson 5 live in concert!!

My friend invited me to the show last minute and I went into it without knowing what to expect and all I can say is WOW! The cast was fabulous and I truly felt like I was seeing Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 live in concert! I'm 30 years old and wasn't the biggest MJ fan going into it (for no reason, just never really listened to his music a lot) and now I totally am! Everyone was so incredibly talented and the show was so lively, but also very real and honest about the struggles in his life. It was a great show and I'd recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

Tina Boman

Absolutely Amazing and Unexpected

I really had no idea what to expect and when asked to go with a group of friends I almost declined. Thank goodness that I did go as I was able to see and feel the magic performed on stage. The writers are outstanding! The choreography was perfect and the storytelling stitched throughout was very touching. I have nothing but respect for everyone involved and cannot recommend enough to everyone that has any interest in MJ to go and see this performance. Well done Chicago! ... Read more

PK

MJ the Musical was Spectacular

Attending this Musical was the best decision I made. Here are a few adjectives I would use to to describe the Musical: Wonderful, Superb, Excellent, Awesome, etc., etc., etc. The Cast, Dancers, Musicians, Scenes, Backdrops were all Great!!!! During the show I was wishing I could video or take photos so that I could remember every detail, but because this was not allowed, I now have to rely on my memory and pray it doesn’t fail me 🤗. The musical is GREAT and is highly recommended. ... Read more

News

Michael Jackson vs. Neil Armstrong: Who Had The Best Moonwalk

Michael Jackson vs. Neil Armstrong: Who Had The Best Moonwalk

Kevin, July 11th, 2024
July 20th, 1969, the world watched through their retro TVs as Neil Armstrong made history by setting foot on the Moon, a moment immortalized by his words: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."....
Read more

Michael Jackson vs. Neil Armstrong: Who Had The Best Moonwalk

Michael Jackson vs. Neil Armstrong: Who Had The Best Moonwalk
Kevin, July 11th, 2024
July 20th, 1969, the world watched through their retro TVs as Neil Armstrong made history by setting foot on the Moon, a moment immortalized by his words: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."....
Read more

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