What’s the buzz about MJ?

[suicidalmickeymouse]

Posted: 6/3/21 at 7:12pm

Starting to think about my fall/winter show line up. Is it supposed to be good? Are any of you planning to see it?

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 6/3/21 at 7:15pm

The Michael Jackson estate cancelled the planned pre-Broadway tryout in 2019, so it is opening cold in NY and nobody knows just yet if it is good or "Bad." (haha)

I'm sure Ephraim Sykes is going to kill it though. 

Updated On: 6/3/21 at 07:15 PM

[JayElle]

Posted: 6/3/21 at 7:15pm

I have tickets.   The creative team is impressive, as is the cast.

[JayElle]

Posted: 6/3/21 at 7:29pm

Excerpt.  Don't know if you need a subscription to NYTimes to read entire article, but with Ephraim (formerly of Ain't Too Proud) as well as Nottage and Wheeldon, it's got to be good.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/10/theater/michael-jackson-musical-broadway.html

"The show is being produced by the Michael Jackson Estate and Columbia Live Stage, and features a book by Lynn Nottage, a playwright who has won two Pulitzer Prizes, for “Ruined” and “Sweat.” The show is being directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, a Tony winner for “An American in Paris.”

Ms. Nottage and Mr. Wheeldon have previously said that the musical would focus on a period of time in the early 1990s when Jackson was preparing for a tour to promote his “Dangerous” album. Asked if the show would address the abuse allegations — which Jackson always denied — Mr. Wheeldon said in April that they would endeavor to “lean into the complexities, lean into the darkness, but also recognize the great amount of music and film and choreography that Michael left behind.” 

 

 

[gibsons2]

Posted: 6/3/21 at 10:56pm

I'm looking forward to seeing it, preferably in December. Just waiting for a discount code to get a decent seat.

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/3/21 at 11:04pm

Seeing it the first week of previews. In answer to your question, we won't know how good it is until it starts performances. 

Updated On: 6/4/21 at 11:04 PM

[suicidalmickeymouse]

Posted: 6/3/21 at 11:08pm

I just went ahead and grabbed tickets for 12/18, pickings were already kinda slim! Front mezz on the side, hope it’ll be decent.

I had no idea the team was that good! Definitely swayed me.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/3/21 at 11:16pm

The team really is THAT good. And Ephraim? Holy GOD.



 

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 12:28am

What has Wheedon done since American in Paris to make him “that good?” I saw the show on Broadway it was fine. Very dance heavy show. This feels more book driven given Nottage’s involvement. I love her works but she’s never done a musical. So I don’t know that I’d say it’s a “must see” given the team.

But I’m curious to see how much of a “production” this is.

[JayElle]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 1:40am

Looks like Wheeldon has been very busy worldwide since American in Paris.. 

https://christopherwheeldon.com/biography. 


 

Updated On: 6/4/21 at 01:40 AM

[JayElle]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 2:12am

Click on link to see stage design.  I couldn't figure out how to post the pic alone the way Sutton Ross did.. But it is stunning. Think I'll buy another tkt.

https://res.cloudinary.com/broadwaybrands/image/upload/f_auto,g_auto,w_1392,h_952,c_fill/v1/broadway-news/2020/03/02102233/MJ-first-look-sketch-by-Derek-McLane.jpg
 

Here's story.

https://broadwaynews.com/2020/03/02/mj-announces-creative-team-for-broadway-run/

Updated On: 6/4/21 at 02:12 AM

[JayElle]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 2:27am

Casting notice:

https://broadwaynews.com/2020/01/06/mj-musical-to-host-nationwide-casting-search/ 

So, is this enough "buzz about MJ?" If not, I can get more. LOL

 

Updated On: 6/4/21 at 02:27 AM

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 2:52am

I’ve seen that picture but it looks like mostly projections which is less exciting.

And I’m not dissing Wheedon, but who here has seen his other works? Again not crapping on him, but to say that you have to get a ticket based on their resume is silly. This is a new beast entirely out of all their wheelhouses.

Trust me, based on the creatives I’d have thought Cher Show would be a master piece.

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 2:52am

I’ve seen that picture but it looks like mostly projections which is less exciting.

And I’m not dissing Wheedon, but who here has seen his other works? Again not crapping on him, but to say that you have to get a ticket based on their resume is silly. This is a new beast entirely out of all their wheelhouses.

Trust me, based on the creatives I’d have thought Cher Show would be a master piece.

[JayElle]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 5:33am

I didn't see Cher.  Intentionally.  Knew her work for decades.  Didn't need a fashion show. 

I've seen Wheeldon's work. I will watch anything he choreographs.  Also seen Sykes several times in Temps. It should be dance and music focused because that is who Michael was.

If I like the way a show looks, I'll see it...multiple times.  That is not silly; dissing a show on negative presumptions is.

Sounds like  you won't be going. I have 2 tickets. Guess I'll get a 3rd.  

[Alexander Lamar]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 6:03am

I wonder if they have the rights to his choreography. That’s what people will want to see.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 7:05am

JayElle said: "If I like the way a show looks, I'll see it...multiple times. That is not silly; dissing a show on negative presumptions is.

Sounds like you won't be going. I have 2 tickets. Guess I'll get a 3rd."

 

How is NOT wanting to see a show on negative presumptions any different than seeing a show for positive ones?   Same thing, different outcome.  

I would never buy additional tickets for any show until after I've seen it once.  When I was a teen, I remember going to see Phantom, and was SO sure I would love it as I had for nearly every other bway show, I bought a sweatshirt even before the show began.

I hated it, truly.  THEN I lived with the regret for spending even more money on the sweatshirt.  (Which, for a teen was a LOT of money.)

 

To each his own.

 

[JayElle]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 11:23am

Alexander Lamar said: "I wonder if they have the rights to his choreography. That’s what people will want to see."

Could that be why they brought in Wheeldon?  To create new?  Permission from original events?  

I hope they do Thriller.

[JayElle]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 12:06pm

dramamama611 said: "JayElle said: "If I like the way a show looks, I'll see it...multiple times. That is not silly; dissing a show on negative presumptions is. Sounds like you won't be going. I have 2 tickets. Guess I'll get a 3rd."

How is NOT wanting to see a show on negative presumptions any different than seeing a show for positive ones? Same thing, different outcome.

SouthernCakes said,"Again not crapping on him, but to say that you have to get a ticket based on their resume is silly."

I referenced the aforementioned statement.   An artist's body of work is their resume. I'll see shows just to see one cast member.   I like MJ's music/dancing, Emphriam Sykes talent,  and Wheeldon's choreography. Reasons enough for me.  They could turn it into a concert & I'd be okay with it. 

 

 

 

 

 

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 12:22pm

JayElle said: "I didn't see Cher. Intentionally. Knew her work for decades. Didn't need a fashion show.

I've seen Wheeldon's work. I will watch anything he choreographs.Also seen Sykes several times in Temps. It should be dance and music focused because that is who Michael was.

If I like the way a show looks, I'll see it...multiple times. That is not silly; dissing a show on negative presumptions is.

Sounds like you won't be going. I have 2 tickets. Guess I'll get a 3rd. "

I’m not a fan of his music nor am I interested in his story. I like Nottage though so curious how the story is. But no I probably won’t be going at first. Good for you, go as many times as you’d like. 

[JayElle]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 12:27pm

If you don't like his music or story, then it's understandable you wouldn't have a strong interest. I like Lynn Nottage, but even with a weak book (which I doubt), I'd still be gravitated to the show.

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 12:32pm

I hope additional casting comes out soon. Looking forward to this for Christmas. And yes, how can they not do Thriller?!

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 2:40pm

Alexander Lamar said: "I wonder if they have the rights to his choreography. That’s what people will want to see."

That crossed my mind but I can't see them doing a show about MJ and not including at least his signature moves. Especially the moonwalk. Also in the clip of the marquee going up Ephraim is doing bits and pieces of moves MJ was known for on the sidewalk. But we will see.

 

[JayElle]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 3:08pm

Sutton Ross said: "I hope additional casting comes out soon. Looking forward to this for Christmas. And yes, how can they not do Thriller?!"

Yes Sutton, must have thriller...  Well, even Philippine prisoners enjoy MJ. It's their daily workout.  Now just picture the B'way audience getting up and doing this in the aisles! It would be great.

Start at 3:50 mins/seconds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyPm_cqH9iQ

Billie Jean:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn3M-xC6KbY

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 3:15pm

He will always be SO huge internationally. If his Vegas show is any indication, international tourists will flock to this production.

Cannot WAIT.

Thanks for the vids!!