Ephraim Sykes will appear as Michael Jackson in ‘MJ.’ (Photo: Little Fang Photo)
Michael Jackson fans will soon have more than the Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil option for their entertainment pleasure.
Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate announced today the official cast for the upcoming World Premiere of MJ the musical on Broadway. Preview performances will begin on Monday, July 6, with opening night set for Thursday, August 13, at the Neil Simon Theatre.
Joining the previously announced Ephraim Sykes — the Tony and Grammy Award-nominee who has been cast to star as Michael Jackson — will be Grammy Award nominee Quentin Earl Darrington, Whitney Bashor, Gabriel Ruiz, Antoine L. Smith, Joey Sorge, Darius Barnes, Raymond Baynard, Coral Dolphin, John Edwards, Ayana George, Kali May Grinder, Apollo Levine, Ryan VanDenBoom, Lamont Walker II, Naomi C. Walley, and Zelig Williams.
MJ will feature a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (Sweat) and a score including some of the best-loved, top-selling, and most iconic songs in recording history. Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon (An American in Paris) will direct and choreograph.
The production has also announced a multi-city search for actors of all ages, including young performers to play Michael Jackson at age 10. Actors are being sought for Broadway stage roles as well as to understudy and must possess the singing and dancing chops for the role of Michael Jackson at various stages of his life.
Auditions will take place across the country throughout January in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Atlanta, New York City, and Los Angeles.
