Next year, the new, flashy Broadway musical about Michael Jackson will moonwalk across America.
Starting in 2023, “MJ,” a show featuring dozens of songs by the King of Pop and others, will tour 17 major cities over two years. On July 15, 2023, it will premiere at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago.
In a statement, producer Lia Vollack said, “We are pleased by the Broadway response to ‘MJ,’ and that we are already deep in plans to bring this electrifying show to Chicago and across the United States.” “Chicago is a great theater and music destination, and we’re thrilled to be able to kick off our adventure in one of the Nederlander Organization’s most stunning locations.”
The full cast and more tour dates will be revealed at a later date. The tour will also feature a previously announced two-week engagement at Charlotte’s Blumenthal Performing Arts Center from September 26 to October 8, 2023.
The musical includes “ABC,” “Black or White,” “Blame it on the Boogie,” “Bad,” “Billie Jean,” “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “I’ll Be There,” among Jackson’s and the Jackson 5’s biggest songs.
The bio’s framing device is a fictional MTV film crew that has gained access to Jackson’s 1992 “Dangerous” tour rehearsals. Jackson travels through time to discuss his career and attitude, displaying a perfectionist streak. Lynn Nottage wrote the play, and Christopher Wheeldon directed and choreographed the production. The estate of Michael Jackson, who died in 2009, has given their blessing to the musical.
Many Broadway critics were dissatisfied with the musical because it avoided the allegations of abuse that eventually haunted Jackson. However, almost everyone thought that the music and dancing, as well as the lead actor, Myles Frost, were excellent.
