dbo:abstract
- MJ the Musical, also referred to as simply MJ, is a jukebox musical featuring the music of Michael Jackson with a book by Lynn Nottage. 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. On November 21, 2019, Ephraim Sykes was cast as Michael Jackson, but in June 2021 it was announced that the role would be played by Myles Frost. The production opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on February 1, 2022, with previews beginning December 6, 2021. 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 $72.3 million, with an attendance of 511,000. (en)