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MJ The Musical at Neil Simon Theater

Why see MJ The Musical?

The Four-Time Tony Award Winner

Michael Jackson fans rejoice as the musical all about the iconic superstar continues at Broadway's Neil Simon Theater.  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. 

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 overdemand to know what was happening to the beloved musician. His legacy lives on to this day, with his 31 top ten hits, 13 Grammy Awards, six Brit Awards and 26 American Music Awards. 

Key Information

Audience

Recommended for ages eight years and older

Run Time

Two hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission

Dates

Showing until Apr 27, 2025

Cast

  • Elijah Rhea Johnson as Michael Jackson
  • Apollo Levine as Joseph Jackson and Rob
  • Gabriel Ruiz as Alejandro
  • Antoine L. Smith as Berry Gordy and Nick
  • John Edwards as Jackie Jackson
  • Ayana Jackson as Katherine Jackson
  • Matthew Frederick Harris as Quincy Jones and Tito Jackson
  • Tavon Olds-Sample as Michael
  • Nick T. Daly as Jermaine Jackson
  • Lloyd A. Boyd III as Randy Jackson
  • Zachary Downer as Marlon Jackson
  • Jace Bently as Little Marlon
  • Gabriel Ruiz as Alejandro
  • Antoine L. Smith as Berry Gordy/Nick
  • Joey Sorge as Dave
  • Ilario Grant as Standby Michael Jackson and Michael
  • Matte Martinez as Standby Michael Jackson and Michael
  • Whitney Bashor as Rachel
  • Sage Lee as Standby Michael Jackson and Michael
  • Jackson Hayes, Austin Rankin and Eric Williams alternating as Little Michael

Further cast

Blu Allen, Dasia Amos, Alex Aquilino, Tre Fraizer, Kali May Grinder, Michael Harmon, David Hughey, Skye Jackson-Williams, D. Jerome, Carole Denise Jones, Carina-Kay Louchiey, Michelle Mercedes, Sarah Sigman, Ryan Vandenboom and Brandon Whitmore

Creative

  • Lynn Nottage
  • Christopher Wheeldon
  • Derek McLane
  • Natasha Katz
  • Paul Tazewell
  • Gareth Owen
  • Pete Nigrini
  • Charles LaPointe
  • Jason Michael Webb
  • David Holcenberg
  • Holcenberg and Webb

Awards

2022 Tony Awards

  • Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
  • Best Choreography
  • Best Lighting Design of a Musical
  • Best Sound Design of a Musical
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 Awards

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)

SelinaK

BEYOND MY EXPECTATIONS!

This was the best musical I have seen in a LONG time. I didn't know what to expect, and it actually turned out to be a complete STORY with emotion, drama, love, loss, pain and joy. The actors and singers were STELLAR. At one point everyone was crying during a pivotal scene with Little MJ, and another point -- The Thriller portion, you could hear a pin drop. What a beautiful look into the life and story of MJ. There were THREE standing ovations during my viewing of the show. THREE. At one point people just stopped sitting down. A tour de force. Definitely worth a watch and rewatch! I'm taking my family next time!!! ... Read more

SLP Manhattan.

Phenomenal! Go see it. It’s an absolute gem.

Actors are tremendous, dancing is spectacular, all of the MJs are tremendously gifted entertainers and had you believing Michael was right in front of you. One of the best performances I’ve seen in a long time. ... Read more

Shelley

Thriller

This show stopped time for my 15 year old and I. We both love theatre, and this show so far exceeded anything we’ve seen before, we are worried we are ruined. So moving so raw so entertaining, the music, the music, the music wanted to dance and move so much. The story bouncing thru 3 periods was so well done. The costumes. The choreography, I can’t even. Thriller, OMG. I love nyc and will see this show again. It was flawless imo. ... Read more

News

What Did The Critics Think Of MJ?

What Did The Critics Think Of MJ?

Scarlet, February 7th, 2022
With a score made up of some of the greatest songs in pop history, a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and choreography and direction by Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon, surely MJ has all the ingredients for success?...
Read more

What Did The Critics Think Of MJ?

What Did The Critics Think Of MJ?
Scarlet, February 7th, 2022
With a score made up of some of the greatest songs in pop history, a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and choreography and direction by Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon, surely MJ has all the ingredients for success?...
Read more

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