The upcoming jukebox musical 'MJ: The Musical' featuring the biggest hits by the late King of Pop has found a replacement after the original star left the production.
- Jun 30, 2021
AceShowbiz - Ephraim Sykes, the star of the Michael Jackson stageshow, "MJ: The Musical", has been forced to quit the production.
He will be replaced by Myles Frost when the big show premieres later this year (21).
The production was supposed to premiere in 2020, but COVID delayed the premiere, and now a scheduling issue has forced Sykes, who has appeared in "Hamilton" and the Temptations musical "Ain't Too Proud", to step down.
"It's with a heavy heart that I depart MJ," Sykes said in a statement. "This year has brought a lot of change and opportunity, and although it's bittersweet to say goodbye to an iconic role and production, I look forward to what is to come. Thank you to the MJ team and congratulations to Myles. I can't wait to see you shine as the King of Pop and for us all to celebrate the return of Broadway."
The show, set to begin performances at the Neil Simon Theatre in December, will mark Frost's Broadway debut.
The Broadway musical, developed by MJ's estate, was first announced in 2018. Back then, director Christopher Wheeldon teased the dance and choreography, promising to "put quite a lot of Michael's work in the show."
This isn't the first stage show inspired by the late King of Pop - bosses at Cirque Du Soleil previously launched "Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour" and "Michael Jackson: One" in 2011 and 2013, respectively.
