He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Nashville in MJ, the multiple Tony Award® – winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Created by Tony Award® – winning Director / Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.
It has thrilled sold-out crowds on Broadway; in cities across North America; London’s West End; Hamburg, Germany…and now MJ is startin’ somethin’ in Nashville as it makes its premiere at Tennessee Performing Arts Center this April. MJ is recommended for ages 8 and up.
In Act I, in June 1992, the cast members are preparing for rehearsals for Jackson’s upcoming Dangerous World Tour; the first show in Munich, Germany is in two days. Rob, their manager, tells them to get into their places and warm up. Jackson arrives and watches the process, which leads to the opening number (“Beat It”).
As Jackson shares his newest ideas with Rob, Rachel arrives with her cameraman, Alejandro, in hopes of getting an interview with Jackson. He sits with Rachel and recounts some of the terrors he suffered as a child and some of the memorable times when Berry Gordy played his family’s hits on his Motown label. Jackson also discusses his collaboration with Quincy Jones and recording his albums “Off the Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad” with Jones.
Rob and Nick escort Jackson to the press conference at Radio City Music Hall, where he presents his tour and hopes to raise $100 million for the Heal the World Foundation by Christmas 1993 (“Earth Song” / “They Don’t Care About Us”).
In Act II, Jackson proposes new ideas for the tour (“Billie Jean” / “Smooth Criminal”), which Rob and Dave tell him are impractical and that they cannot afford it. Jackson recounts the horrific accident in 1984 when a spark ignited his hair in the making of an advertisement for Pepsi. After listening to Rob’s negative feedback, Jackson reminds him of something Quincy said to him, “Keep the faith. Don’t let nobody take you down.” Come see the show to find out how they weave “Human Nature,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Jam,” “Black or White,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” among the 17 songs in Act II alone, after featuring more than 20 in Act I.
Presented by HCA Healthcare / TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC in partnership with Nissan, MJ performances in Jackson Hall are Tuesday, April 29, 7:30 PM; Wednesday, April 30, 7:30 PM; Thursday, May 1, 7:30 PM; Friday, May 2, 7:30 PM Saturday, May 3, 2:00 PM; Saturday, May 3, 7:30 PM; and Sunday, May 4, 1:00 PM.
Jordan Markus plays MJ, leading a large cast, mostly African Americans, in this production. Learn more about the cast members and the production on the tour website: https://tour.mjthemusical.com/
