The Michael Jackson-based musical, which was derailed for a bit, now plans to head to Broadway in 2020.
The musical, originally dubbed Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, will be called MJ. The show was cancelled this past February due to the recent sexual allegations that surfaced against the late singer. Although the allegations have been around for years, they resurfaced again earlier this year when HBO released the documentary “Saving Neverland,” which focuses on two men who claim Jackson sexually abused them as children. Jackson’s estate, however, has denied these claims.
When the documentary was released, the controversy caused the producers – Columbia Live Stage and the Michael Jackson Estate – to cancel a tryout of the show at Chicago’s Nederlander Theatre. Now, MJ will begin previews at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York City on July 6, 2020, followed by an opening night set for August 13. The venue was recently home to The Cher Show, which closed on Broadway earlier this year.
MJ will feature a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, with direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon. The music will rely heavily on Jackson’s smash-hits like “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Smooth Criminal.” While the musical will not delve into Jackson’s personal life, it will reflect on his career, showcasing Jackson and his collaborators preparing for his 1992 Dangerous Tour.
