The Michael Jackson musical, Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, will no longer hit stages in Chicago ahead of its Broadway debut in 2020.
The show was scheduled to debut at the James M. Nederlander Theatre on October 29 in Chicago and close on December 1. However, according to producers of the show, the Jackson estate cancelled the pre-Broadway run after “scheduling difficulties” due to a labor dispute. The Actors’ Equity Association led a five-week job action, which was resolved last week, and it reportedly caused delays for the show’s developmental lab.
However, Actor’s Equity believe they were not to blame for the cancellation since the strike was “modest.” According to KOLA FM, Actor’s Equity Communications Director said it is “disappointing the actors and stage managers were uniformed about a production change before an announcement was made to the media.”
“The developmental lab that was scheduled for this production was delayed by 12 working days during the strike,” he said. “It is difficult to understand how a modest delay in February would impact a run that was scheduled for late October.”
Don’t Stop will now open directly on Broadway in the summer of 2020. The musical, named after Jackson’s 1979 hit tune, is written by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and directed/choreographed by Tony-award winner Christopher Wheeldon. It will revolve around Jackson’s career in his 20s and 30s and is set to feature over 25 of Jackson’s greatest hits.
“The show takes audiences behind the scenes as Michael prepares for the 1992 Dangerous Tour, providing an in-depth look at his process,” a press release notes of the synopsis. “As Michael and his collaborators rehearse their epic setlist, we are transported to pivotal creative moments from his career.”
Look out for Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough tickets on sale later this year
