The swanky new Broadway musical about Michael Jackson will take its moonwalk across the United States next year.
Packed with dozens of songs from the King of Pop and others, “MJ” plans to tour 17 cities over two years beginning July 15, 2023 in Chicago at the James M. Nederlander Theater.
“We’re thrilled by Broadway’s response to ‘MJ,’ and are already in preparations to bring this exciting show to Chicago and across the United States,” producer Lia Vollack said in a statement. “Chicago is a premier theater and music destination, and we are excited to begin this journey in one of the Nederlander Organization’s most beautiful locations.”
Upcoming tour stops and full cast will be announced at a later date. The tour will also include a previously revealed two-week engagement at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, from September 26 to October 8, 2023.
The musical includes most of Jackson and the Jackson 5’s greatest hits, such as “ABC”, “Black or White”, “Blame it on the Boogie”, “Bad”, “Billie Jean”, “Off the Wall”, “Thriller” and “I’ll Be There”.
The resource used to frame Jackson’s life is a fictional MTV film crew that has been given access to document the build-up to his 1992 “Dangerous” tour. Jackson travels back in time to explain his career and his approach, showing his side. perfectionist. The play, by playwright Lynn Nottage and director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, has been approved by the estate of Michael Jackson, who died in 2009.
Broadway critics were divided on the musical; many were frustrated that he dodged the sexual abuse accusations that later dogged Jackson. But just about everyone agreed that the songs and dances were top-notch, as was the lead actor, Myles Frost.
