Michael Jackson Musical Coming to Broadway in 2020

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 10:37am

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-Michael-Jackson-Musical-Coming-to-Broadway-in-2020-20180619

Lynn Nottage and Christopher Wheeldon is... an interesting combo.

Updated On: 6/19/18 at 10:37 AM

[CukorLover]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 10:40am

As talented as Mr. Wheeldon is when it comes to ballet, he'd be the last person I'd think of to choreograph, as well as direct a Michael Jackson musical.

Updated On: 6/19/18 at 10:40 AM

[BwayLB]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 10:48am

Christopher Wheeldon sounds like a surprising choice. I loved his choreography in An American in Paris. Especially the dream portion of the title where ballet where Lise imagines Jerry as her dance partner.

[Impossible2]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 11:03am

BwayLB said: "Christopher Wheeldon sounds like a surprising choice. I loved his choreography in An American in Paris. Especially the dream portion of the title where ballet where Lise imagines Jerry as her dance partner."

Jackson only had about 5 distinctive 'moves' there's no way a whole show could be sustained on that. Plus he was a fan of old movie musicals so an old school choreographer is probably more suitable. I even think An American in Paris was his favourite film which is maybe why the family were drawn to him.

[RJ14]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 11:11am

Damn. Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, and Cher. Britney's in the work too. Who else 

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 11:28am

RJ14 said: "Damn. Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, and Cher. Britney's in the work too. Who else"

My first thought, as well.  

Though I must admit, that of all of those whose lives have received treatment through jukebox musicals of late, and in the future, his is one that I might find entertaining.  I'd be interested to see where they start, and how far they go with it. He really was an interesting personality.  Starting with his days of the Jackson 5, right up to the end.   And the music is just super.

These jukebox musicals do create somewhat of a conundrum for me though.  While I enjoy the music of Carole King, and actually did enjoy Beautiful, and while I do like the music of the Four Seasons and did enjoy Jersey Boys.....all the rest....are just pushing the envelope in my opinion.  

I could see Tina Turner's musical embodying a great deal of drama in addition to the music, but just not interested.  

Cher...her life has been lived like an open book, what more else is there to say?  Just not interested.

And Britney?  Don't even get me started.   Who.  Cares.

Even as much as I like the music of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, I just couldn't get myself interested in that story either.  I've heard her story, and I love her music, but I don't have to see it on Broadway.

For some reason though, Michael Jackson might work.  And would be interested to see where CW goes with it.

 

Updated On: 6/19/18 at 11:28 AM

[buhbuhbilly]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 11:29am

Christopher Wheeldon directing??? ... i'm good..

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 11:36am

It sounds to me like they're going the Mamma Mia route and not telling his story? I think that's smart. Also, wonder how this will effect "Thriller Live" which has been playing in London for years. 

And the Britney musical is def a campy, Mamma Mia style musical. It's not about her life. There are different versions of a "jukebox musicals." Not everything is a bio. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 11:36am

It sounds to me like they're going the Mamma Mia route and not telling his story? I think that's smart. Also, wonder how this will effect "Thriller Live" which has been playing in London for years. 

And the Britney musical is def a campy, Mamma Mia style musical. It's not about her life. There are different versions of a "jukebox musicals." Not everything is a bio. 

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 11:38am

Can this be the last one for a while?

[Elegance101]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 11:42am

RippedMan said: "It sounds to me like they're going the Mamma Mia route and not telling his story? I think that's smart. Also, wonder how this will effect "Thriller Live" which has been playing in London for years.

And the Britney musical is def a campy, Mamma Mia style musical. It's not about her life. There are different versions of a "jukebox musicals." Not everything is a bio."

Does it say that anywhere? I was under the impression that the MJ musical will be about his life. That being said, you are right about Britney, which is a good move on their part.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 11:44am

Where'd you get your impression from? 

[Elegance101]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 11:47am

RippedMan said: "Where'd you get your impression from?"

"The Michael Jackson Estate and Columbia Live Stage have announced that they are developing a stage musical inspired by the life of 'The King of Pop.'"

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 11:52am

Indeed, RippedMan.  Very true.  

And to be honest, I find them even less interesting if they are just the artist's music set to another storyline.  

Though I plead guilty to having seen HOH at the Curran in SF last month.  

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 11:52am

Oh, gotcha. Eh, I wish they'd go a different route. I just feel like we already all know that story and how much more in-depth will they go? I thought maybe with Nottage's talents they'd let her do an original story. Pass. 

[Elegance101]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 12:10pm

I agree with you, RippedMan. I can't imagine this will be that fascinating. Maybe I'll see it, depending on who they cast as Michael. Beautiful was worth it to me with Jessie Mueller as the lead (I only saw it because of her, not even Carole King). 

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 12:10pm

Why isn’t someone like Kenny Leon or George C. Wolfe directing?

[broadwaynerdnewbie]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 12:24pm

Lynn Nottage being involved has me intrigued and makes me think this will be good. I’m cautiously optimistic.

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 12:37pm

Local news is about to do a report on it.

[devonian.t]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 12:38pm

It's only a matter of time till the Madonna musical is announced...

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 12:52pm

Was waiting for the "why isn't there a black director" question...

And a Madonna style musical - a la Mamma Mia/ Escape to Margaritaville would be fun.

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 12:57pm

News just said that it will be inspired by his life.

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow2]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 1:01pm

It makes sense that it'll be about his life. His life is probably more interesting to dramatize than whatever plot they would shoe-horn into his discography and it's probably what the people want to see.

[Impossible2]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 1:16pm

I'd MUCH rather it be about his life.

We already have Thriller and a million other tribute shows around the world as well as the Cirque show in Vegas.

We don't need another jukebox musical, Broadway is already flooded with them.

Updated On: 6/19/18 at 01:16 PM

[little_sally]

Posted: 6/19/18 at 1:33pm

I feel like this is going to be pointless because they're just going to sugarcoat the negative parts of his life.