He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry is heading to the West End in the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical MJ.
Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status.
Created by Tony Award®-winning Director / Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ will open at the Prince Edward Theatre in March 2024.
Two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Lynn Nottage, pens a syrupy story heavily reliant on the doubling of MJ’s stern father Joseph and his present-day manager Rob, both played by a mercurial Ashley Zhangazha. Jackson is a perpetual victim at the hands of financially ravenous record producers or the vampiric media. All he wants to do is 'Keep the Faith' and 'Heal the World'. Some musicals are pure escapism: step inside and forget your problems. Here you forget Jackson’s problems too. Or at least his estate wants you to.
A more challenging staging might have taken this hinge point in his life — at the peak of fame, yet on the verge of a controversy that would torpedo his reputation — and made something interesting from it. But unsurprisingly that isn’t the Jackson estate’s ambition for MJ the Musical. Despite its pedigree — the book is by playwright Lynn Nottage, the only woman to win two Pulitzer prizes for drama, while ballet eminence Christopher Wheeldon is director and choreographer — the production’s main rationale is to get as many songs on the jukebox as possible. Cue ecstatic applause for “Thriller”, “Billie Jean” etc.
2024 | West End |
West End |
West End |
West End |
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