Michael Jackson musical to open on Broadway in 2020

MJ: The Musical opens July 2020.

October 10, 2019
Michael Jackson musical to open on Broadway in 2020 Jim Ruymen - Pool/Getty Images

Earlier this year, HBO aired Leaving Neverland, a two-part, four-hour documentary about the impact Michael Jackson’s history of alleged child molestation and sexual abuse has on his alleged victims, and how the cult of celebrity around the star shielded him from proper accountability. In light of #MeToo, the documentary had significant impact, bringing renewed interest to the allegations years after they first arose, and causing institutions such as The Simpsons and Louis Vuitton to shelve historical and forthcoming Jackson-themed projects, respectively.

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Still, the avalanche of definitively bad press that Leaving Neverland caused hasn’t stopped many people from defending the late singer including, it seems, the producers of MJ: The Musical, a planned about the musician's life. The New York Times is reporting that the musical, originally called Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough, will begin previews in July 2020. The play is produced by Michael Jackson’s Estate, who have doggedly attempted to quell all the bad press that Leaving Neverland has caused, with tactics including very public responses to Emmy wins, serving HBO a lawsuit, and strategically airing unreleased Jackson concert films at the same time as Leaving Neverland. The musical is written by Pulitzer winner Lynn Nottage and directed by Tony-winner Christopher Wheedon; view a 15-second teaser below.

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Michael Jackson musical to open on Broadway in 2020