MJ The Musical is a Broadway musical that celebrates the artistry of Michael Jackson. It features the King of Pop’s iconic music and highlights different aspects of his legendary career. MJ The Musical aims to provide an inside look into Michael Jackson’s creative process and explores the man behind the music. Since opening on Broadway in February 2022, MJ The Musical has received positive reviews and become one of the hottest tickets in New York City.
Show Overview
MJ The Musical is a jukebox musical, meaning it features songs previously recorded by Michael Jackson. The show includes over 25 of his biggest hits such as “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” “ABC,” “Black or White,” “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man in the Mirror,” and more. The musical was conceived by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon. It aims to celebrate Michael Jackson’s artistry while also examining more complex aspects of his life and career.
The musical takes place in 1992 as Jackson and his team prepare for his Dangerous World Tour. It goes behind the scenes to showcase Michael’s creative process as he gets ready for his first tour in over a decade. Audiences get a glimpse at how he crafted his iconic music, dance moves, and fashion. The show also explores Michael’s relationships with those closest to him, including his mother, Katherine, his brothers from The Jackson 5, and his later friend and mentor, Elizabeth Taylor. Interspersed throughout are some of Jackson’s biggest hits, immersively performed using Tony Award-winning choreography.
Show Length
MJ The Musical is a two-act musical. Each act is approximately 90 minutes long, with an intermission in between acts. This means the full length of the show is about 3 hours, including a 15 minute intermission. The show plays 8 performances a week at the Neil Simon Theatre.
Here is a breakdown of the show length:
- Act 1: Approximately 90 minutes
- Intermission: Approximately 15 minutes
- Act 2: Approximately 90 minutes
- Total Running Time: Approximately 3 hours
Since most Broadway musicals tend to run 2-3 hours in length, MJ falls right within the typical range. The intermission provides audiences a quick break halfway through the performance. Given the energy of the musical numbers, this mid-show breather is likely appreciated by most viewers!
Broadway Run
MJ The Musical opened on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre on February 1, 2022, after several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The show was originally slated to open in summer 2020.
As of October 2023, MJ The Musical is still running on Broadway. The show has been well received by audiences and critics alike.Here is an overview of its Broadway run so far:
- First preview: December 6, 2021
- Opening night: February 1, 2022
- Current status: Open-ended run as of October 2023
- Number of preview performances: 76
- Number of performances so far: Over 300
The producers of MJ The Musical have not yet announced a closing date for the show. Based on its popularity and box office success so far, the show may run for quite some time on Broadway. Many hit musicals continue for years or even decades.
Ticket Availability
Due to high demand, MJ The Musical tickets can be difficult to secure. The show routinely sells out and has very limited ticket availability, especially for peak dates and times.
Here are a few tips for getting MJ The Musical Broadway tickets:
- Book well in advance – try booking 6-12 months ahead if possible.
- Aim for weeknights or matinees – these tend to be less crowded than weekend evenings.
- Check back often for ticket releases – new seats open up as casts change.
- Consider lotteries and rush tickets – some tickets are held for day-of sales.
- Buy from official seller – avoid reseller markups by buying from Telecharge.
Premium tickets for the best seats go fast, but if you’re flexible on dates it’s still possible to get seats. Booking as far ahead as possible and checking back often is key to securing tickets.
Positive Reviews
MJ The Musical has received largely positive reviews from theatre critics:
- Entertainment Weekly – “A splashy, stylish, and undeniably fun celebration.”
- The Hollywood Reporter – “An uplifting, inspiring punctuation to Jackson’s life and legacy.”
- The Guardian – “A riveting piece of musical theatre that acknowledges Jackson’s sins while swiveling hips to his songs.”
- Variety – “The songs and dancing achieve a transcendence that the story itself does not.”
Many reviews praised the show as an entertaining tribute to Michael Jackson’s incomparable music and groundbreaking artistry. The musical performances, choreography and production values have been highlights for critics.
While some noted that the show glossed over Michael’s controversies, most agreed MJ is a joyous celebration packed with fantastically-performed hit songs.
Cast and Creative Team
MJ The Musical has assembled an talented cast and creative team to bring Michael Jackson’s story to the stage:
- Myles Frost as Michael Jackson – Frost makes his Broadway debut as the King of Pop after being discovered through a national casting call. He delivers impressive vocals and moonwalking skills in the lead role.
- Quentin Earl Darrington as Rob – A Broadway veteran who portrays Jackson’s manager.
- Whitney Bashor as Rachel – An original character created for the show, Rachel is a fictional filmmaker documenting Michael’s tour prep.
- Ray Mercer as Joseph Jackson – Actor and former heavyweight boxer portrays Michael’s father.
- Ayana George as Katherine Jackson – The caring mother of Michael and the Jackson 5.
In addition to the cast, Tony Award winners Christopher Wheeldon and Lynn Nottage helped create the original musical as director/choreographer and book writer. Broadway orchestrator David Holcenberg brings Michael’s hits to life with lush new arrangements. Overall, the show assembled a first-rate team to showcase the King of Pop’s music.
Impact on Jackson’s Legacy
MJ The Musical aimed to celebrate Michael Jackson’s contributions to music and culture while also presenting a more nuanced view of his life. Though the show does not ignore Jackson’s controversies, it focuses more on his artistic legacy.
Since opening, the show has exposed a new generation of fans to Michael’s catalogue of hits. Hearing songs like “Beat It” and “Billie Jean” performed live on stage has created new appreciation for his talent. The show’s popularity demonstrates that Michael Jackson still holds a special place in pop culture and that his music remains as catchy as ever.
While no piece of theatre can definitively shape an artist’s legacy, MJ The Musical adds a new dimension to how people understand Michael Jackson. It serves as a reminder of his massive contributions to music, dance, fashion, and more. Michael Jackson’s artistry changed pop culture forever, and this musical celebrates that enduring legacy.
Why a Michael Jackson Musical Now?
Some may wonder why Michael Jackson’s story is being told on Broadway now, over a decade after his tragic death. Here are some reasons why the timing is right for MJ The Musical:
- Perspective of time – Enough time has passed to look back on Michael’s career highlights and controversies with perspective. We can now focus more on celebrating his creative legacy.
- Next generation of fans – Younger generations may be less familiar with Michael’s career and influence. The musical exposes new audiences to his hits.
- Renewed interest – Michael Jackson’s profile was rising again prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with new documentaries and plans for a Broadway show.
- Technical advances – New technology allows the show to recreate some of Michael’s signature dance moves and choreography in exciting new ways.
Overall, the combination of nostalgia for Michael Jackson’s music and renewed distance from controversies makes now an ideal time for a Broadway show celebrating his life and artistry.
Conclusion
MJ The Musical is an electrifying celebration of Michael Jackson’s career currently running open-ended on Broadway. The two-act show features over 25 of his greatest hits and examines his complex life. Strong reviews and sold-out crowds demonstrate the enduring popularity of Jackson’s music. Those hoping to see MJ on Broadway should book tickets far in advance, as availability is limited. The show provides a joyous, well-crafted tribute to the King of Pop that both highlights his artistic legacy and examines his controversial life. For Broadway musical fans and Michael Jackson devotees alike, MJ The Musical is a must-see event.