Posted: 1/23/19 at 11:30am
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Michael-Jackson-DONT-STOP-TIL-YOU-GET-ENOUGH-to-Premiere-in-Chicago-Broadway-Bound-2020-20190123
I’ll admit, my interest is peaked.
Updated On: 1/23/19 at 11:30 AM
Posted: 1/23/19 at 11:55am
I'm guessing this is going to be pretty white-washed as far as controversy. I mean he had a crazy life, but I have a feeling we're just going to get another rags to riches story. And the title is bad. It's too wordy. Most shows have a very short, quick title. But I don't mind the artwork.
Posted: 1/23/19 at 12:00pm
The participation of Lynn Nottage, one of our greatest living playwrights and who has tackled hard questions of race throughout her career, gives me some hope. I can't imagine her working on some boilerplate bio-musical. She doesn't need to.
Updated On: 1/23/19 at 12:00 PM
Posted: 1/23/19 at 12:01pm
I could absolutely see the title changing, but who knows. On paper, this certainly seems like it could be exciting. I mean, Lynn Nottage and Christopher Wheeldon? Talk about prestige. Again, who knows.
If they actually give a complex view of Michael instead of just a musicalized hagiography, this could be really exciting. His music is second to none in the pop world.
Updated On: 1/23/19 at 12:01 PM
Posted: 1/23/19 at 12:23pm
I think it would be nearly impossible to stop people from loving Michael Jackson's body of work at this point. If he were still alive, possibly it would've made a difference.
Posted: 1/23/19 at 1:24pm
If its going to inspire by Michael Jacksons life how are they going to address his changing skin colour?
I remember reading that this show would focus on a very specific and pivotal point in Jackson's life. It's not intended to be a lifetime bio.
Posted: 1/23/19 at 1:24pm
Per Chris Jones, the musical is only going to focus on the Dangerous World Tour, so they've at least limited the show to a particular period in his life/career.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/ct-ent-michael-jackson-show-chicago-0124-story.html
Posted: 1/23/19 at 2:05pm
I didn't realize that the Dangerous album was so significant in his body of work. I mean I like the songs on it but certainly a very limited part of his overall work. This reminds me of the This Is It documentary that came out after his death. Hopefully this will be treated a bit differently.
Posted: 1/23/19 at 2:31pm
Posted: 1/23/19 at 2:55pm
I hear you! I'm not a fan of the bio/musical anyway, it isn't often very interesting for me. Not my cup of tea...but add to that the sheer number of them lately, it's just a feeling of dread. (And before anyone jumps on me, I KNOW I don't have to see the show - and I won't.)
I don't mind as much the jukebox musical where they re-purpose the catalogue (Mamma Mia, Head Over Heels) but they aren't my favorite, either.
Posted: 1/23/19 at 3:19pm
They are obviously centering it around The Dangerous World Tour because that allows them to use all of his most famous songs. This is a money-making endeavor and nothing more, let's be honest (but isn't that most true of most bio/jukebox musicals?).
Here's my real issue though: I enjoy Michael Jackson's music, but I have NEVER understood why so many people are able to simply look past his alleged behavior with young boys. True, it was settled out of court and we'll never know for sure what really happened. But it doesn't look good.
And there's this, per the Chicago Tribune article:
"The tour, which included an HBO taping and a Super Bowl XXVII halftime appearance, along with atypically fantastical elements for its era, ended earlier than expected after Jackson, devastated by a civil lawsuit alleging inappropriate behavior with a 13-year-old boy, declared exhaustion."
So does the musical end with the accusation? Will it be addressed at all in the musical? I feel like it has to be, at least briefly, otherwise this will be just be the tribute musical that Lynn Nottage goes out of her way of saying that it's not going to be.
Posted: 1/23/19 at 3:35pm
I love that people are crapping on the title as is Summer: The Donna Summer Musical was a rousing, inspired title
Nobody ever said "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" was a good title. And the show flopped. What is your point? "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" really isn't a good title. Maybe they could call it "Bad".
Posted: 1/23/19 at 4:07pm
JeaniusIsMe said: "Per Chris Jones, the musical is only going to focus on the Dangerous World Tour, so they've at least limited the show to a particular period in his life/career.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/ct-ent-michael-jackson-show-chicago-0124-story.html"
If this is still the case, the title is even worse. Why not call it DANGEROUS (especially since that era was when the abuse allegations first arose), or at least title it after a song that was on the setlist for that tour?
Posted: 1/23/19 at 5:56pm
Personally, I am sooooo sick of juke box musicals, even good ones. The Cher Show, Tina, this thing, The Temptations show. How many do we need I fear there will be a day when no-one is writing new and accessible scores for Broadway because all people want is music they are already familiar with.
I know I am being hyperbolic here, but I really worry that all these 'sure things' -- like Summer -- are taking investor money that might have gone to a new musical with a new score.
I am thankful that we are enjoying such an increase in play productions, particularly new plays, because were it not for that,I would think Broadway is at risk of turning into Las Vegas East. Again, a little hyperbole, but these are the types of things that have been playing in LV forever.
