“MJ the Musical,” the Broadway musical directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and showcasing the music and moves of the King of Pop, will open its first national tour in Chicago, the producers Lia Vollack Productions, the Michael Jackson Estate and Broadway in Chicago announced jointly Monday morning.
The touring version of the show, which opened to mostly favorable reviews on Broadway at the end of January, will have its technical rehearsals at Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., then play from July 15 to Sept. 10, 2023. From there, it will likely travel to dozens more cities.
Chicago was supposed to be the pre-Broadway tryout city for the jukebox show in 2019, but a combination of worries over controversy surrounding the star, along with scheduling difficulties, torpedoed that initial plan. The pandemic closures further the delayed the show, which features a book by Lynn Nottage and stars the widely acclaimed Myles Frost in the title role as Michael Jackson.
The lengthy booking in the peak tourist months likely will be an economic fillip for the Loop.
Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.