MJ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (December 10, 2024) – Producers Lia Vollack, John Branca and John McClain, along with Ensemble Arts Philly and The Shubert Organization, are thrilled to announce that Jordan Markus will ascend to the title role on the National Tour of the four-time Tony Award-winning musical, MJ beginning December 31. The Academy of Music engagement will mark Jordan’s U.S. debut in the title role. The current tour ‘MJ,’ Jamaal Fields-Green, departs to take over the title role in London’s West End beginning January 14, 2025. His final tour performance is December 22. 

The smash-hit musical, MJ, centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, will debut in Philadelphia at the Academy of Music from January 8 – 19, 2025. This presentation is part of the 2024–25 Broadway Season.
 

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Philadelphia 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’s thrilling sold out crowds on Broadway; in cities across North America; London’s West End; Hamburg, Germany… and now MJ is startin’ somethin’ in Philadelphia as it makes its premiere at the Academy of Music in January.

“MJ focuses on its namesake’s extraordinary talent, showcasing his one-of-a-kind music and mesmerizing dance moves with hit after hit after hit,” said Frances Egler, Vice President of Theatrical Programming and Presentations. “In many ways a ‘jump to your feet and dance in your seat’ experience, we are excited to bring this Tony winner directly from Broadway to Broad Street for the very first time and thrilled to be the first U.S. city with the immensely talented Jordan Markus in the title role.”

Beginning December 31, Jordan Markus takes over the title role of ‘MJ’ on the First National Tour having played the role twice a week as the ‘MJ - Alternate’ since August 2024. A singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer, he made his Broadway and National tour debuts playing both roles of ‘MJ’ and ‘Michael’ in MJ. Markus is an original cast member of the First National Tour Company.

Jordan Markus is joined on tour by DeAundre’ Woods (MJ – Alternate) who will play the role twice a week, Erik Hamilton (Michael), Josiah Benson (Little Michael), Bane Griffith (Little Michael), Devin Bowles (Joseph Jackson/Rob), J. Daughtry (Berry Gordy/Nick), Josh A. Dawson (Tito Jackson/Quincy Jones), Anthony J. Garcia (Alejandro), Bryce A. Holmes (Little Marlon), Cecilia Petrush (Rachel), Jed Resnick (Dave), and Anastasia Talley (Katherine Jackson/Kate). 

The ensemble includes JoJo Carmichael (Swing/Dance Captain), Joshua Dawson (Swing), Croix DiIenno (Ensemble/Assistant Dance Captain), Kellie Drobnick (Ensemble), Zuri Noelle Ford (Swing), Ui-Seng François (Swing), Jahir L. Hipps (Swing), Skye Jackson-Williams (Swing), Faith Jones (Swing), Rajané Katurah (Swing), Matteo Marretta (Ensemble), Jay McKenzie (Ensemble), Kendrick Mitchell (Swing), Zion Mikhail Pradier (Swing), Tyrone Reese (Universal Swing), Avilon Trust Tate (Ensemble), Brion Marquis Watson (Ensemble), Charles P. Way (Swing), and Malcolm Miles Young (Ensemble).

The MJ creative team features Scenic Design by two-time Tony and Emmy Award winner Derek McLane, Lighting Design by seven-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, Costume Design by Tony and Emmy Award winner Paul Tazewell, Sound Design by Tony Award winner Gareth Owen, Projection Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini, Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles G. LaPointe, and Makeup Design by Emmy nominee Joe Dulude II. The creative team also features Musical Supervision by Tony Award nominee David Holcenberg, Orchestrations and Arrangements by David Holcenberg and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb, and Music Direction by Nathanael Wilkerson and Jason Yarcho.  Casting by The Telsey Office / Rachel Hoffman, CSA, Lindsay Levine, CSA.

The MJ First National Tour is general managed by Bespoke Theatricals. The stage management team is led by Production Stage Manager Nicole Olson, Stage Manager Xavier Khan and Assistant Stage Managers Alexander Pierce, Christopher K Anaya-Gorman and Lauren Taylor Winston. The company management team is led by Company Manager Eric Armstrong and Assistant Company Manager Bianca Jean-Charles.  

For more information worldwide, visit:  www.mjthemusical.com  ● Facebook ● Twitter ● Instagram.

TICKETS   
Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org. In-person ticket sales can be conducted daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street. See www.ensembleartsphilly.org for more information.

MJ
Academy of Music
January 8 – 19, 2025
Times Vary
ASL and Audio Description performance: Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM

THE SHUBERT ORGANIZATION 
The Shubert Organization is America’s oldest professional theatre company and the largest theatre owner on Broadway. Since the dawn of the 20th century, Shubert has operated hundreds of theatres and produced hundreds of plays and musicals both in New York City and throughout the United States. Shubert currently owns and operates 17 Broadway theatres, six off-Broadway venues, and the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia. Under the leadership of Robert E. Wankel, Chairman and CEO, The Shubert Organization continues to be a leader in the theatre industry. Shubert delivers innovative ticketing solutions via its Telecharge interface, API distribution, and private-label technology, offering unparalleled distribution and marketing to the theatre industry and beyond. Its consumer-facing brands—Telecharge for retail ticket sales and Broadway Inbound for group buyers, tour operators, and the travel industry—sell millions of tickets each year. The Shubert Foundation, sole shareholder of The Shubert Organization, Inc., is dedicated to sustaining and advancing live performing arts in the United States. The Foundation provides general operating support to not-for-profit theatres and dance companies. Foundation grants in 2023 totaled $37.9 million to 635 grantees. For more information, visit www.shubert.nyc.

ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY      
For more information about ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.       

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 First National Tour production photos with Jordan Markus are available HERE
Jordan Markus announcement video is available HERE

Click here for a PDF version of this press release.