MJ the Musical

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MJ
THE MUSICAL
Broadway poster
MusicVarious Artists
LyricsVarious Artists
BookLynn Nottage
BasisThe life and music of Michael Jackson
PremiereDecember 6, 2021 (2021-12-06): Neil Simon Theatre, New York City
Productions2022 Broadway

MJ the Musical,[1] also referred to as simply MJ, is a jukebox musical featuring the music of Michael Jackson with a book by Lynn Nottage.[2][3] It tells the story of American singer, songwriter, and dancer Michael Jackson.

MJ was originally scheduled to premiere on Broadway in mid-2020, with direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon. Initial plans to open were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[4] On November 21, 2019, Ephraim Sykes was cast as Michael Jackson,[5][6] but in June 2021 it was announced that the role would be played by Myles Frost.[7] The production opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on February 1, 2022, with previews beginning December 6, 2021.[8]

From its opening, MJ received mixed reviews, but has been a success at the box office. MJ was nominated for 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, with the musical winning four awards, including Best Actor in a Musical for Myles Frost in the title role, as well as Best Choreography, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design. The original cast recording has also been nominated for Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. By November 2022, the musical had grossed $70.6 million, with an attendance of 500,000.

Synopsis

Telling the story of Michael Jackson's life, MJ features over 25 of Michael Jackson's biggest hits.

"The show takes audiences behind the scenes as Michael prepares for the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, providing an in-depth look at his process. As Michael and his collaborators rehearse their epic setlist, we are transported to pivotal creative moments from his career."[9]

Act I

The show starts with the cast members preparing for rehearsals for the upcoming Dangerous World Tour, during which the first show is a few days away. Rob, their manager then tells them to get into their places and warm up. MJ makes his grand entrance and watches the process, which leads to an epic opening number. ("Beat It")

As MJ shares his ideas with Rob, they are interrupted as a woman called Rachel enters with her cameraman in hopes of getting an in-depth interview with MJ (who hadn't been interviewed in 14 years). MJ sits with Rachel and recounts some of the terrors he suffered as a child and some of the happy moments like when Berry Gordy played their hits on his Motown label.

As the interview carries on, MJ shares the good times he had with Quincy Jones, recording Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad together, and how Thriller remained No.1 in the charts for over a year. After Rachel leaves, Rob escorts MJ to a press conference downtown, where he presents his plans for the Heal the World Foundation.

Act II

Act II starts with MJ sharing his new ideas for the tour (Billie Jean/Smooth Criminal) which Rob and Dave tell him are impossible and that he can bankrupt himself. He starts to recount a horrific accident when a spark ignited his hair in the making of an advert for Pepsi-Co. After listening to Rob go on and on with negativity, he reminds him of what Quincy Jones said to him, "Keep the faith. Don't let nobody take you down".

As the rehearsal carries on, MJ tells Rachel how the songs open up to him. However, during a break, commotion starts breaking out. Rob tries to keep Rachel away from MJ and doesn't want her near him. However, MJ manages to find her by disguising himself as a cleaner and tells him how disguising himself is the only way he can go in public which leads to him singing Human Nature.

After the rehearsal, MJ explains to Rachel how emotional he feels about being the King of Pop, being loved by millions of fans, and being teased in the newspapers. He tries to have it both ways by trying to blame everything sad and weird about himself on others (especially the press, who are equated with the zombies in (Thriller) but credit him alone for his every good deed and success.

Later Rob comes to check up on him, telling him all of his creativity would be remembered for decades. MJ recounts how, when he did the Apollo with the Jackson 5 and how he wasn't nervous. Rob tries to tell MJ how everything they created can be remembered for decades but he only replies by asking "Is It Perfect" which starts the penultimate number Man In the Mirror.

The show ends with MJ appearing in the middle of the stage ready to start their first show of the newly created Dangerous World Tour.

Roles and principal casts

Original production casts

Character Original Broadway Production
(2021)[10][11][12]
MJ Myles Frost
Joe Jackson / Rob Quentin Earl Darrington
Rachel Whitney Bashor
Alejandro Gabriel Ruíz
Berry Gordy / Nick Antione L. Smith
Dave Joey Sorge
Jackie Jackson John Edwards
Katherine Jackson Ayana George
Quincy Jones / Tito Jackson Apollo Levine
Michael Tavon Olds-Sample
Little Michael Christian Vance
Jermaine Jackson Lamont Walker II
Marlon Jackson Zelig Williams
Randy Jackson Raymond Baynard

Musical numbers

Recordings

Main article: MJ (album)

Recording for the original Broadway cast album took place on February 7 and 8, 2022.[13] The original Broadway cast recording was released on July 15, 2022.[14] The original cast recording is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.[15]

Productions

Broadway (2021–present)

Branding of the Broadway production, as seen on the Neil Simon Theatre

MJ was set to premiere its pre-Broadway run in Chicago, US on October 29, 2019, at the Nederlander Theatre.[16][17] The run would continue through December 1. The Michael Jackson estate decided to cancel the planned Chicago tryout, ostensibly due to "scheduling difficulties" brought about by an Actors' Equity Association strike.[18] Actors Equity wasn't shouldering the blame for the cancellation, stating "It is difficult to understand how a modest delay in February would impact a run that was scheduled for late October."[19]

The musical was expected to debut on Broadway in the summer of 2020.[20] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the production was postponed to 2021. The production is directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, and it features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage.[21][22][23] Scenery for the production is designed by Derek McLane with costuming by Paul Tazewell. Natasha Katz and Peter Nigrini are collaborating on lighting and projection designs respectively. Gareth Owen designed sound production, with hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe.[24]

The musical was first announced in June 2018.[25] Wheeldon spoke about the musical, stating, "The show is very much anchored in one particular moment in time. – I always bring up the fabulous movie that Spielberg made about Lincoln: You take one key moment, I suppose, in the history of someone's life and then sort of use that as an anchor point for past storytelling and, perhaps, some kind of prophecy of what's to come. We'll be doing that with this story." Asked about the dance and choreography, he said he "intend[s] to put quite a lot of Michael's work in the show".[26]

The musical is a collaboration between The Michael Jackson Estate and Columbia Live Stage.

North American touring productions (2023)

It was announced on March 21, 2022, that the show will kick off its national tour at the Nederlander Theatre, running from July 15 through September 10, 2023, with additional tour dates and casting for the tour to be announced at a later date.[27]

West End (2024)

It was announced on October 17, 2022, that the show will come to West End of London at the Prince Edward Theatre in March, 2024, with casting to be announced at a later date.[28]

Box office and business

MJ has been very successful at the box office, averaging over a million dollars each week on Broadway.[29][30][31] Following the Tonys, the show's weekly gross jumped to $1,661,000 with sold-out shows every day and advance sales booming. It was the biggest box office jump that week on Broadway and a new high for the show.[32] By September 4, 2022, it broke the Neil Simon theater's box office record 5 times with a total cumulative gross of $49.4 million.[33] As of November 2022, MJ the Musical grossed around $70.6 million with 500,639 attendance and 341 performance.[34]

Public reception

The show has attracted numerous celebrities such as Pierce Brosnan, Stevie Wonder, Paula Abdul, Lindsay Lohan, Jay-Z, Beyoncé Knowles, Madonna, Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey and the cast of Stranger Things.[35][36][37][38] Madonna would go on and say that the show made her cry, calling the performance "extraordinary"[39]

Critical response

MJ has divided critics, with the show receiving mixed to negative reviews.[40] Charles Isherwood of Broadway News criticized Lynn Nottage's book, in particular, writing, "where MJ loses its fleet footing is in the bland, exposition-heavy and often trite dialogue supplied by Nottage...Clichés, preachy speeches, and baldly obvious dialogue abound."[41] Adam Feldman of Time Out wrote, "'Listen to my music,' says Michael to his interviewer. 'It answers any questions you might have.' Does it? I left the theater entertained, but not convinced I had seen the man in the smoke and mirrors."[42] Critic Maya Phillips of The New York Times wrote, "The musical is inherently hollow; the opacity of Michael Jackson and his life of traumas and controversies make it difficult to find material compelling and cohesive enough to tell a story onstage".[43]

Positive attention for the show includes Deadline reporter Greg Evans who said it was "visually & sonically ravishing!",[44] while the Chicago Tribune called the show's scenery gorgeous and the show "beautiful to experience throughout, which one almost never can say about jukebox musicals".[45] Peter Marks of The Washington Post also praised the show and the cast, especially the "utterly persuasive" Myles Frost, and called MJ "a riveting, adrenaline rush of a show".[46] Linda Armstrong of Amsterdam News called the production "spectacular", "stunning" and "off-the-charts".[47] Joe Westerfield of Newsweek said, "In many ways MJ is a living, breathing, even breathless, music video, but with that touch of inspiration, drive and art that only Michael Jackson can provide."[48]

Blogs have been favorable to the show. Ayanna Prescod of the New York Theatre Guide gave the musical a perfect score and called it "a flawless production".[49] Patrick Christiano of Theater Life called it a "thrilling tribute of - the greatest entertainer of all time" and said "If audience reaction is any indication MJ is a hit worthy of The King of Pop’s impeccable standards".[50] Brittany Crowell of The Front Row Center also almost gave it a near perfect score, stating that the show is "full of skill, craft and true entertainment".[51]

Awards and nominations

Original Broadway productions

Year Award Category Nominee Result Ref.
2022 Drama League Awards Outstanding Production of a Musical Nominated [52]
Outstanding Direction of a Musical Christopher Wheeldon Nominated
Distinguished Performance Myles Frost Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway Musical Nominated [53]
[54]
Outstanding Director of a Musical Christopher Wheeldon Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Myles Frost Nominated
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Quentin Earl Darrington Nominated
Outstanding Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and Rich + Tone Talauega Won
Outstanding Orchestrations David Holcenberg and Jason Michael Webb Nominated
Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) Natasha Katz Nominated
Theatre World Awards Outstanding Debut Performance Myles Frost Won [55]
Tony Awards Best Musical Nominated
Best Actor in a Musical Myles Frost Won
Best Direction of a Musical Christopher Wheeldon Nominated
Best Book of a Musical Lynn Nottage Nominated
Best Choreography Christopher Wheeldon and Rich + Tone Talauega Won
Best Orchestrations David Holcenberg and Jason Michael Webb Nominated
Best Scenic Design of a Musical Derek McLane and Peter Nigrini Nominated
Best Costume Design of a Musical Paul Tazewell Nominated
Best Lighting Design of a Musical Natasha Katz Won
Best Sound Design of a Musical Gareth Owen Won
Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor in a Musical Myles Frost Nominated [56]
[57]
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Tavon Olds-Sample Nominated
Outstanding Choreography Christopher Wheeldon, Michael Balderrama, Rich and Tone Taleuega Nominated
Outstanding Orchestrations Jason Michael Webb and David Holcenberg Won
Outstanding Lighting Design Natasha Katz Won
Outstanding Sound Design in a Musical Gareth Owen Won
Outstanding Wig and Hair Design Charles LaPointe Nominated
Chita Rivera Awards Outstanding Choreography in a Broadway Show Christopher Wheeldon Nominated [58]
[59]
Outstanding Male Dancer in a Broadway Show Myles Frost Won
Outstanding Ensemble in a Broadway Show Nominated
Theatre Fans' Choice Awards Best Musical Nominated [60]
[61]
Best Book of a Musical Lynn Nottage Nominated
Best Direction of a Musical Christopher Wheeldon Nominated
Best Orchestrations David Holcenberg, Jason Michael Webb Nominated
Best Choreography Christopher Wheeldon, Rich + Tone Talauega Nominated
Best Costume Design Paul Tazewell Nominated
Best Lighting Design Natasha Katz Nominated
Best Scenic Design Derek McLane, Peter Nigrini Nominated
Best Sound Design of a Musical Gareth Owen Nominated
Best Featured Actor in a Musical Walter Russell III/Christian Wilson Nominated
Gabriel Ruiz Nominated
Quentin Earl Darrington Nominated
Tavon Olds-Sample Nominated
Joey Sorge Nominated
Best Featured Actress in a Musical Ayana George Nominated
Whitney Bashor Nominated
Best Leading Actor in a Musical Myles Frost Nominated
Best Ensemble Nominated
Antonyo Awards Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Broadway) Tavon Olds-Sample Pending [62]
Ayana George Pending
Best Costume Design (Broadway) Paul Tazewell Pending
Best Musical Ensemble Pending
Best Orchestration Jason Michael Webb Pending
Best Book of a Musical Lynn Nottage Pending
Best Actor in a Musical (Broadway) Myles Frost Pending
2023 Grammy Awards Best Musical Theater Album Myles Frost (principal vocalist), Tavon Olds-Sample (principal vocalist), David Holcenberg (producer), Derik Lee (producer), Jason Michael Webb (producer) Pending [63]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Audition Information". MJ the Musical. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  2. ^ Evans, Greg (January 23, 2019). "Broadway-Bound Michael Jackson Bio-Musical Gets Title And Chicago Dates". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 4, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ Portwood, Jerry (January 23, 2019). "Michael Jackson Musical to Premiere in Chicago". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 4, 2020.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ McPhee, Ryan (May 13, 2020). "Michael Jackson Musical MJ Now Eyeing 2021 Broadway Bow". Playbill.
  5. ^ Murray, Cori (November 4, 2020). "Exclusive: Ephraim Sykes Speaks About Being Cast as Michael Jackson In "MJ" The Musical". Essence. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  6. ^ Lang, Brent (November 21, 2019). "Michael Jackson Musical Finds Its King of Pop". Variety. Retrieved March 4, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ^ Pedersen, Erik (June 29, 2021). "Broadway's 'MJ' Has A New Michael Jackson As Myles Frost Replaces Ephraim Sykes". Deadline. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  8. ^ Evans, Greg (May 11, 2021). "Michael Jackson Musical 'MJ' Hits Broadway In December; Ephraim Sykes In Title Role". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  9. ^ Wild, Stephi (December 28, 2019). "Something's Coming... What Does 2020 Have in Store For Broadway?". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  10. ^ "MJ The Musical Cast & Creative". Broadway.com. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  11. ^ "MJ the Musical Broadway Original Cast". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  12. ^ Gordon, David (August 10, 2021). "Broadway's Upcoming Michael Jackson Musical Sets Complete Casting". TheaterMania.com. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  13. ^ "MJ The Musical: The Original Broadway Cast Recording". MJVibe.com. February 8, 2022.
  14. ^ Wild, Stephi (June 10, 2022). "Preorder MJ THE MUSICAL Original Cast Recording Today". Broadwayworld.
  15. ^ "Grammy Awards 2023: The Full List of Nominees". The New York Times. November 15, 2022.
  16. ^ Lefkowitz, Andy (January 23, 2019). "Michael Jackson Musical Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough Announces Pre-Broadway Run". Broadway.com. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  17. ^ Bowling, Suzanna (January 24, 2019). "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough Brings Michael Jackson to Broadway". Times Square Chronicles. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  18. ^ Lefkowitz, Andy (February 14, 2019). "Michael Jackson Musical Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough Will Move Straight to Broadway; Out-of-Town Run Canceled". Broadway.com. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  19. ^ Evans, Greg (February 14, 2019). "Actors' Equity Disputes Strike's Impact On Michael Jackson Musical's Canceled Chicago Staging – Update". Deadline. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  20. ^ Paulson, Michael (February 14, 2019). "Michael Jackson Estate Cancels Chicago Musical Run". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  21. ^ Jevens, Darel (January 23, 2019). "Michael Jackson musical to premiere in Chicago before Broadway". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  22. ^ "A stage musical inspired by Michael Jackson's life and music is heading for Broadway". USA Today. Associated Press. January 23, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  23. ^ Reitman, Shelby (January 23, 2019). "Michael Jackson Musical Set for Broadway in 2020". Billboard. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  24. ^ Huston, Caitlin (March 2, 2020). "'MJ' announces creative team for Broadway run". Broadway News. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  25. ^ Lang, Brent (June 19, 2018). "Michael Jackson Musical Coming to Broadway in 2020". Variety. Retrieved March 4, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. ^ Fierberg, Ruthie (September 16, 2018). "What to Expect From the Broadway-Bound Michael Jackson Musical". Playbill. Retrieved March 4, 2020.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. ^ "Michael Jackson Broadway Musical to Launch 2023 National Tour". Billboard. March 22, 2022.
  28. ^ "Michael Jackson Musical 'MJ' Announces London Production". October 17, 2022.
  29. ^ Evans, Greg (March 22, 2022). "Broadway Box Office Climbs 19% To $26.6M; 'The Music Man' Takes $3.4M As Industry Resumes Detailed Weekly Reports". Deadline.
  30. ^ "Grosses - MJ THE MUSICAL, Week Ending 3/20/2022". The Broadway League.
  31. ^ "MJ THE MUSICAL Broadway Grosses". BroadwayWorld.
  32. ^ "Broadway's 'MJ' gets a box office bump after the Tony Awards". Associated Press. June 22, 2022.
  33. ^ "MJ Breaks Neil Simon Theatre Box Office Record for the 5th Time". Broadway World. September 6, 2022.
  34. ^ "MJ THE MUSICAL". Broadway World. November 29, 2022.
  35. ^ "Cast of "MJ the Musical" sings "Happy Birthday" to Stevie Wonder in audience". CBS News.
  36. ^ "Madonna, Lindsay Lohan wear opposite outfits to Michael Jackson musical". August 2, 2022.
  37. ^ https://www.musictimes.com/articles/86490/20220823/paula-abdul-risks-being-ill-to-watch-mj-the-musical-as-beyonce-and-fam-arrive-in-style.htm
  38. ^ "Chloe x Halle attended MJ the Musical".
  39. ^ "Madonna Praises Michael Jackson Broadway Musical: 'Made Me Cry'".
  40. ^ "MJ the Musical". Did They Like It?. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  41. ^ Isherwood, Charles (February 2, 2022). "Review: A flashy 'MJ' dazzles and distracts with dance". Broadway News. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  42. ^ Feldman, Adam. "The Michael Jackson musical dances around the big question". Time Out New York. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  43. ^ Green, Jesse; Phillips, Maya; Soloski, Alexis; Collins-Hughes, Laura; Vincentelli, Elisabeth; Testa, Jessica (June 13, 2022). "Worst Attempt at Nostalgia: Not So 'Smooth Criminal'". The New York Times. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  44. ^ Evans, Greg (February 1, 2022). "'MJ' Review: Michael Jackson Lives Again In Lynn Nottage's Thriller Of A Broadway Musical". Deadline.
  45. ^ Jones, Chris (February 1, 2022). "Review: 'MJ' on Broadway elevates the art of Michael Jackson as it dances away from controversy". Chicago Tribune.
  46. ^ Marks, Peter (February 1, 2022). "I wasn't looking forward to sitting through the new Michael Jackson musical. Then I saw it". The Washington Post.
  47. ^ Armstrong, Linda (February 25, 2022). "'MJ' reveals The Man In The Mirror with great grace". Amsterdam News.
  48. ^ Westerfield, Joe (February 1, 2022). "'MJ,' the Michael Jackson Musical, Is a Thriller on Broadway". Newsweek.
  49. ^ Prescod, Ayanna (February 1, 2022). "'MJ The Musical' review — a flawless tribute to a flawed icon". New York Theatre Guide.
  50. ^ Christiano, Patrick (April 29, 2022). "MJ". Theaterlife.
  51. ^ Crowell, Brittany (April 29, 2022). "MJ". The Front Row Center.
  52. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (April 15, 2022). "Kenita R. Miller, Bonnie Milligan, Jaquel Spivey Among 2022 Drama League Award Nominees; See the Full List". Playbill.
  53. ^ Gans, Andrew (April 26, 2022). "Nominees for 71st Annual Outer Critics Circle Awards Announced". Playbill. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  54. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (May 17, 2022). "The Lehman Trilogy Leads 2022 Outer Critics Circle Awards, Six Wins Best Musical; See the Complete List of Winners". Playbill. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  55. ^ Gans, Andrew (May 6, 2022). "Sharon D Clarke, Patrick J. Adams, Jaquel Spivey, More Are 2022 Theatre World Award Winners". Playbill. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  56. ^ Stewart, Zachary (May 16, 2022). "Six and Kimberly Akimbo Lead the 2022 Drama Desk Nominations". Theatermania. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  57. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (June 8, 2022). "Clyde's, Company, SIX: The Musical Lead 2022 Drama Desk Awards; See the Full List of Winners". Playbill. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  58. ^ "2022 Chita Rivera Award Nominations". Newyorktheater. May 17, 2022.
  59. ^ Cristi, A.A. (June 21, 2022). "MJ, PARADISE SQUARE, TICK, TICK...BOOM! and More Win 2022 Chita Rivera Awards". Broadwayworld.
  60. ^ "Final Chance To Vote For The 19th Annual Theatre Fans' Choice Awards - SIX Leads Best Ensemble & Best Musical, THE MUSIC MAN Leads Best Revival & More!". Broadwayworld. May 31, 2022.
  61. ^ "Winners Announced For The 19th Annual Theatre Fans' Choice Awards - SIX, THE MUSIC MAN, POTUS, FOR COLORED GIRLS & More!". Broadwayworld. June 7, 2022.
  62. ^ "The 2nd Annual Antonyo Award Nominations". Broadwayblack. June 21, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  63. ^ Cite error: The named reference Grammy was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

External links

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