MJ: The Musical will begin this December; opens February 2022

[BroadwayGuy12]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 8:01am

Myles Frost replaces Ephraim Sykes as Michael Jackson:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Myles-Frost-Will-Make-Broadway-Debut-as-Michael-Jackson-in-MJ-Replacing-Ephraim-Sykes-20210629

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 8:57am

I shouldn't have rushed to get tickets for this. I know telecharge is super great about refunds lately but I hope ticketmaster will offer refunds for this. I'm not at all interested in seeing this without Ephraim Sykes. 

[Ms. Paradice]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 9:07am

I understand being a Sykes fan (don't get me wrong) but Myles could be really good. https://www.instagram.com/p/BWqhx_7AfnI/?utm_medium=copy_link

[PlayItAgain]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 9:20am

Sykes dropping out has red flag written all over it 

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 9:22am

I have tickets. Was looking forward to seeing Ephraim in this but now excited to see this young man make his Broadway debut.

Updated On: 6/29/21 at 09:22 AM

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 9:25am

I agree that him dropping out is a red flag. Unless he makes a statement saying that he got some incredible lead role in a Marvel movie or something of the sort, it seems like he left because he was uncomfortable with the material, production staff or the like. I have tickets and am not wishing I didn’t. Hope we get more info.

[quizking101]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 9:41am

DramaTeach said: "I agree that him dropping out is a red flag. Unless he makes a statement saying that he got some incredible lead role in a Marvel movie or something of the sort, it seems like he left because he was uncomfortable with the material, production staff or the like. I have tickets and am not wishing I didn’t. Hope we get more info."

I mean, he may not be at liberty to disclose what the project is. I don’t necessarily see any red flags and I think they're going to try to sell the material harder than the lead performer. (Outside of here, nobody was going to see this for Ephraim Sykes).

If anything, this may also be an opportunity to experience those super awesome Broadway leading debut performances (I.e Ana Villafañe in “On Your Feet&rdquo

[Ms. Paradice]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 9:43am

quizking101 said: "DramaTeach said: "I agree that him dropping out is a red flag. Unless he makes a statement saying that he got some incredible lead role in a Marvel movie or something of the sort, it seems like he left because he was uncomfortable with the material, production staff or the like. I have tickets and am not wishing I didn’t. Hope we get more info."

I mean, he may not be at liberty to disclose what the project is. I don’t necessarily see any red flags and I think they're going to try to sellthe material harder than the lead performer. (Outside of here, nobody was going to see this for EphraimSykes).

If anything, this may also be an opportunity to experience those super awesomeBroadway leading debut performances (I.e Ana Villafañe in “On Your Feet&rdquo"

I totally agree with you

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 11:44am

I don't agree it's a red flag at all. By the time the show is now set to start previews, it will have been close to 18 months since the show was supposed to premiere. Had the show premiered on time, Sykes would have probably left the show after a year, so by this coming Labor Day, maybe through the holidays? 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 11:49am

Yeah, I don't agree either, most of these people have been out of work for so long, I don't blame him for taking another job. Brilliant performer though. 

[quizking101]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 12:19pm

Plus, who is to say he won’t eventually step into the role at some point when it’s permissible? That is, of course, if the show lasts long enough and, given the spotty track record of recent jukebox musicals, that’s a stretch at best.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 12:35pm

Totally.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 1:06pm

It may or may not be a red flag for the production, but it is beyond naive to think that his leaving is about "unavoidable scheduling conflicts." 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 1:23pm

HogansHero said: "It may or may not be a red flag for the production, but it is beyond naive to think that his leaving is about "unavoidable scheduling conflicts.""

I think this is only part of the reason he is leaving... I'm sure there were issues with the material at hand in some way and he didn't feel comfortable staying with the show.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 1:52pm

No one knows anything, so trying to speculate because you have a problem with the subject matter is also beyond naive. He's been with the production for years at this point and had plenty of time to leave. He got another job, good for him. And Myles slays. Happy for him and look forward to more casting!

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 2:35pm

HogansHero said: "It may or may not be a red flag for the production, but it is beyond naive to think that his leaving is about "unavoidable scheduling conflicts.""

After waiting close to two years, he'd have to commit to at least another year with this production before it even starts. He's a performer on the rise, why should he have to wait when there are other great roles in front of him. Clearly he's looking to branch out, for all we know 2021-2022 was supposed to the be time where his plan was to branch out into other media. 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 6:04pm

Sutton Ross said: "No one knows anything, so trying to speculate because you have a problem with the subject matter is also beyond naive. He's been with the production for years at this point and had plenty of time to leave. He got another job, good for him. And Myles slays. Happy for him and look forward to more casting!"

I am not projecting anything from the subject matter. It's naive because stars of shows don't leave in these circumstances because they got another job. Let's hide and see what that other job is. 

You are correct that he has been attached for quite a while, but nothing was happening. Only now may he have something to react to. You don't want me to speculate but you are doing just that. I'm sure they hired a replacement they feel will acquit themself well. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 6:28pm

He's not a name, it's not that deep and his replacement sounds so much like MJ, it's insane.

This is a non event for people who aren't interested in the show. Period.

Looking forward!

[HogansHero]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 6:39pm

Sutton Ross said: "He's not a name, it's not that deep and his replacement sounds so much like MJ, it's insane.

This is a non event for people who aren't interested in the show. Period.

Looking forward!"

How does any of this address anything that I said? Who mentioned Sykes being a name? What is the relevance of how much Frost sounds like Jackson? (TBH, I always thought tribute acts were cheesy and still do.) [Are you suggesting the perpetrators of this jukebox show pushed Sykes out?] How does this being an event or non-event speak to this casting change?  I am glad you have something to look forward to. I hope all of us do, and I am delighted we seem to be headed in that direction. I also pray we still are in February, because this show is going desperately to need people in February who are not "us."

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 8:32pm

It’s not worth engaging, Hogan. 
 

I think your speculation is pretty spot on though. A major new show, he’s the star, and he’s been committed to it for so long and then it’s finally set to open and he jumps ship. Maybe trying to avoid the bad press who knows 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/29/21 at 11:38pm

Hogan yeah this show needs tourists badly. Come February, we will know the deal.

Updated On: 6/30/21 at 11:38 PM

[JayElle]

Posted: 6/30/21 at 1:05am

Phantom4ever said: "I shouldn't have rushed to get tickets for this. I know telecharge is super great about refunds lately but I hope ticketmaster will offer refunds for this. I'm not at all interested in seeing this without Ephraim Sykes."

Tktmaster will refund.  Open yr account. Click on ticket. Click contact us. Drop down menu gives refund option. Click refund or credit. Then choose refund.  So far all of their bway shows are refund eligible.

[Ms. Paradice]

Posted: 6/30/21 at 8:01am

SouthernCakes said: "It’s not worth engaging, Hogan.


I think your speculation is pretty spot on though. A major new show, he’s the star, and he’s been committed to it for so long and then it’s finally set to open and he jumps ship. Maybe trying to avoid the bad press who knows"

 

This is not me disagreeing with you BUT is it possible that he just is interested in doing something different.  A number of performers have found new or different creative outlets which could be what he's doing.  If we've learned anything this past year, it's that time is precious and we should do whatever not only fulfills out but makes us happy.  I say, good luck Mr. Sykes for whatever is coming soon and CONGRATS Myles 

 

[Kad]

Posted: 6/30/21 at 9:09am

The only thing that strikes me is that Myles Frost seems very young to be playing Jackson at the time the show is allegedly set. From what I can find from a cursory search, he’s around 22 or 23. Sykes is 35. Jackson was around 34.

There’s a lot we don’t know about the show, including how it will be handling Jackson’s changing appearance.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/30/21 at 5:06pm

It absolutely does remain. Forever. 

“We are extremely excited about Myles,” said the musical’s director and choreographer, Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon. “All of his talents point towards a new rising star. I’m very much looking forward to working with him to shape the role of Michael Jackson for MJ.”