MJ the Musical: History and Key Facts

MJ the Musical is a jukebox musical based on the life of the American entertainer Michael Jackson, focusing on his preparations for the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. It features Jackson's music, a book by Lynn Nottage, and direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.

MJ the Musical was originally scheduled to premiere on Broadway, Manhattan, on August 13, 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. In November 2019, Ephraim Sykes was cast as Jackson, but in June 2021 it was announced that he had been replaced by Myles Frost. MJ began previews at the Neil Simon Theatre on December 6, 2021, and opened on February 1, 2022. It opened in the London West End on March 27, 2024 and closed on February 28, 2026.

MJ the Musical received mixed reviews. It was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and won Best Actor in a Musical for Frost, Best Choreography, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design. The cast recording was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. By March 2026, the Broadway production had grossed over $319 million and sold more than seven million tickets worldwide.

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