Fans of the legendary pop icon Michael Jackson can reminisce the singer’s life in a new musical, set to hit the Broadway stage in 2020.
Jackson’s estate, along with Columbia Live Stage, announced the agreement to develop a stage musical on Tuesday. The production, which is unnamed as of now, will reflect on Jackson’s life throughout the years. It will be written by Lynn Nottage, who has won Pulitzers for Ruined and Sweat, and Tony Award-winner and artistic associate of London’s Royal Ballet Christopher Wheeldon will direct and choreograph the show.
The show will reflect on the popstar’s life, showcasing his rise to stardom with the Jackson 5, and his various endeavors throughout his 50 years. It will feature songs from his catalogue, including famous hit tracks like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller,” and “Smooth Criminal.”
Jackson has been commemorated in the staged concert “Thriller Live” in London and Vegas’s Cirque du Soleil project “Michael Jackson ONE,” as well as the 2017 compilation Scream and posthumous albums Michael and Xscape. However, this will be the first time that his life and music will be combined in a theater show.
The jukebox musical will follow suit with other hit shows now playing, including Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, and Escape to Margaritaville. Additionally, The Cher Show is set to open later this year, along with the Go-Go’s Head Over Heels and Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill, both running in previews.
The estate has not announced which theater they will book for the run yet.