He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry has finally arrived on Broadway in a brand-new musical. Centered around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, and created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status.
As one might expect for a production that worked hand-in-sequined-glove “by special arrangement with the Estate of Michael Jackson,” the image reflected is nuanced, but noble. The man in this mirror is a misunderstood genius whose talents will transform music, dance, and global pop culture, and whose demons drive him to a multitude of extravagant and odd behaviors—but nothing that would tarnish a legacy. Neverland Ranch, Bubbles the Chimp, hyperbaric chambers, plastic surgery, rumors of skin-bleaching, financial distress, even addiction—all are relatively fair game. Charges of child sexual assault—not so much.
The exhilarating numbers come fast and furious, from iconic moments like The Jackson Five on The Ed Sullivan Show and Soul Train – when young Michael (Josiah Benson/Ethan Joseph) puts on that iconic 70’s purple hat for their Soul Train debut, it’s a moment – the paradigm shift that occurred when he moonwalked across the stage during the live broadcast of Motown 25, to his record and groundbreaking Thriller, Beat It, and Smooth Criminal videos. A heart and show-stopping, mid-show standing ovation came after the culmination of Thriller ends in Jackson winning 9 Grammys in one night. I have never seen this in my life and it certainly felt like the minutes long ovation was just as much for Jackson himself as for the performers on stage. Even 15 years after his death, it’s clear he still has super fans with people actually screaming “We love you, Michael!” from the audience as if they were indeed at a concert.
2022 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
2023 | US Tour |
North American Tour US Tour |
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