Michael Jackson musical ‘MJ’ is coming to the West End after successful New York run

Hit Broadway show is scheduled to debut in London’s Prince Edward Theatre in 2024
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A hit Broadway show titled ‘MJ’ surrounding Michael Jackson’s 1992/3 Dangerous world tour is making its way to London’s West End in spring 2024.

The musical has been a record-breaking success in New York, picking up four Tony Awards after opening in February of this year, but has been criticised by some for painting a “sanitised” version of the late singer’s life.

The King of Pop was best friends with Kathy Hilton (Pic:Getty)The King of Pop was best friends with Kathy Hilton (Pic:Getty)
The King of Pop was best friends with Kathy Hilton (Pic:Getty)
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Jackson’s career was plagued by rumours of child abuse allegations, with the 2019 documentary ‘Leaving Neverland’ detailing the claims of two alleged victims: Wade Robinson and James Safechuck.

The Michael Jackson Estate has always denied all allegations and the singer was acquitted of child molestation in 2005.

The West End musical has been written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lynn Nottage, with direction and choreography from Christopher Wheeldon OBE.

Nottage said that “as a Black musician and a pioneering voice in the music industry, Michael Jackson demanded inclusion, broke incredible barriers and … made indelible music”.

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She added that she was drawn to his “complicated, singular and uncompromising creative process, and to understand where, why and how he made his music”.

Wheeldon said that the show “has offered us the opportunity to put one of the greatest catalogues of pop music ever written up on stage in a show that combines the thrill and energy of a Michael Jackson concert with a glimpse into a pivotal moment of his pioneering career.”

The New York production of MJ has starred Myles Frost in the lead role but the casting for the London show has yet to be confirmed.

Tickets for MJ in the Prince Edward Theatre in Leicester Square will go on sale in spring of next year ahead of a 2024 opening.

MJ has been produced by Lia Vollack Productions as well as The Michael Jackson Estate and features songs from across Jackson’s back catalogue.