Whether it's through annual block parties or spontaneous subway singalongs, the spirit of global superstar and alleged child molester Michael Jackson lives on as a regular presence in the city. And soon enough, he'll reach the highest pantheon in a pop singer's life: immortality via a tourist-friendly jukebox musical.
Jackson's estate, along with Columbia Live Stage, announced today that they are developing a new stage musical inspired by Jackson's life and music. It's unclear what parts of his life will be left out.
There is already an accomplished team lined up to bring it to life as well: two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage will write a book for the musical, which will incorporate Jackson's many hits. Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon will direct and choreograph.
Producers hope the show will make its Broadway debut in 2020. As the Times points out, this isn't the first time Jackson has been the subject of various staged or live events: there's also Thriller Live in London, Cirque de Soleil's Vegas show Michael Jackson ONE, and documentaries including Michael Jackson’s This Is It, and Spike Lee's Michael Jackson’s Journey From Motown to Off the Wall
Hopefully they will make the wise choice to cast human actors to play Jackson, rather than bring out the hologram from storage.
