Michael Jackson moonwalks across North America in a new musical inspired by his life
MJ had a choice: sugar-coated jukebox confection or brutally honest portrayal. With two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage penning the script, MJ takes the latter route, diving headfirst into the darkness that perpetually followed Michael Jackson — as far as a musical meant to appeal to the masses can, anyway.Thanks to Nottage’s thoughtful book, Christopher Wheeldon’s direction and electric choreography, and a rundown of greatest hits, the first national tour of the multiple Tony Award-winning MJ the Musical is at once a joyous and heartbreaking tribute to one of the industry’s most gifted and complex artists.The pop singer’s catalog inspires a retelling of some of our favorite princess fairy tales with plenty of hip hop.
MJ opens in 1992 Los Angeles when the already-crowned King of Pop (Roman Banks) is rehearsing for the “Dangerous” world tour — his most elaborate, creative, and expensive yet.
Two days until opening, Michael’s sure he can take it even further with a fantastic idea for a jaw-dropping entrance, but his tour manager (Devin Bowles) and others are concerned about his safety.Though he’s planning to donate all tour profits to charity, Michael’s already in serious financial trouble, on the verge of losing his beloved Neverland ranch, and has become mired in never-quite-named controversy.
Hoping to get an in-depth interview with the exceedingly private artist who’s been in the public eye since childhood thanks to his ruthlessly ambitious father (also played by Bowles), an MTV reporter (Mary Kate Moore) and cameraman (Da’Von Moody) enter the rehearsal space.
