MJ The Musical, currently playing at the Neil Simon Theatre, is a biographical jukebox musical that celebrates the life, legacy, and incomparable artistry of the King of Pop: Michael Jackson. Focusing on the making of Michael’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour, this show highlights some of his most globally cherished greatest hits. Here’s a list of every Michael Jackson song featured in MJ The Musical on Broadway.
“Beat It”
Album: Thriller (1982)
Written by: Michael Jackson
Performed by: MJ and the Company of MJ The Musical
As the opening number, “Beat It” sets the scene in Munich 1992, where the company of the Dangerous World Tour is preparing for their first show.
“Tabloid Junkie” and “Price of Fame”
Albums: HIStory – Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995), Bad 25th Anniversary (2012)
Written by: Michael Jackson
Performed by: MJ and Rachel
MJ is interviewed by journalist Rachel who hopes to learn about details from his life.
“The Love You Save,” “I Want You Back,” and “ABC”
Albums: ABC (1970), Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 (1969)
Written by: Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell, and Deke Richards
Performed by: Little Michael, Little Marlon, Jermaine, Tito, and Jackie
MJ recounts his childhood memories with Rachel. This medley showcases the beginning of the Jackson 5.
“I’ll Be There”
Album: Third Album (1970)
Written by: Berry Gordy, Hal Davis, Bob West, and Willie Hutch
Performed by: Katherine, Little Michael, and MJ
Little Michael and his mom Katherine share a tender moment with this emotional ballad.
“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Blame It on the Boogie,” and “Dancing Machine”
Albums: Off the Wall (1979), Destiny (1978), Dancing Machine (1974)
Written by: Michael Jackson; Mick Jackson, Dave Jackson, and Elmar Krohn; Hal Davis, Don Fletcher, and Dean Parks
Performed by: MJ, Michael, Marlon, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and the Company of MJ The Musical
MJ joins teenage Michael and his brothers in a high energy, disco-infused dance number.
“Stranger in Moscow”
Album: HIStory – Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995)
Written by: Michael Jackson
Performed by: MJ
MJ laments over his loneliness and the negative impact of the media.
“You Can’t Win”
Album: The Wiz (1978)
Written by: Charlie Smalls
Performed by: Michael and Berry Gordy
A teenage Michael duets with Berry Gordy, the founder of the Motown Records label, who brought The Jackson 5 into the limelight.
“I Can’t Help It”
Album: Off the Wall (1979)
Written by: Susaye Greene and Stevie Wonder
Performed by: Michael and Quincy Jones
Michael’s new mentor Quincy Jones coaches him as he navigates life, identity, and love.
“Keep the Faith”
Album: Dangerous (1991)
Written by: Michael Jackson, Glen Ballard, and Siedah Garrett
Performed by: Michael and Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones gives Michael advice and encourages him not to let anyone bring him down.
“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”
Album: Thriller (1982)
Written by: Michael Jackson
Performed by: Michael, MJ, and the Company of MJ The Musical
Michael grapples with his superstardom and the press’s obsession over him.
“Earth Song” and “They Don’t Care About Us”
Album: HIStory – Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995)
Written by: Michael Jackson
Performed by: MJ and the Company of MJ The Musical
At the end of Act I, Michael has a press conference at Radio City Music Hall, where he reveals his goal of raising money for the Heal the World Foundation.
“Billie Jean”
Album: Thriller (1982)
Written by: Michael Jackson
Performed by: MJ
In the opening of Act II, we see Michael in his iconic glove, jacket, and fedora, performing his Motown 25 dance sequence and introducing the world to his signature moves.
“Smooth Criminal”
Album: Bad (1987)
Written by: Michael Jackson
Performed by: MJ and the Company of MJ The Musical
Michael and his dancers perform the “Smooth Criminal” music video.
“Can You Feel It”
Album: Triumph (1980)
Written by: Michael Jackson and Jackie Jackson
Performed by: Joseph Jackson, Michael, Marlon, Jermaine, Tito, and Jackie
MJ has a flashback to when he and his brothers first rose to fame, highlighting his complicated relationship with his father.
“Money”
Album: HIStory – Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995)
Written by: Michael Jackson
Performed by: Joseph Jackson
As the scene grows darker, Joseph Jackson controls a young Michael and pressures him to rehearse.
“She’s Out of My Life”
Album: Off the Wall (1979)
Written by: Tom Bahler
Performed by: MJ and Michael
MJ reflects on his past struggles with romantic connections and his own isolation.
“Human Nature”
Album: Thriller (1982)
Written by: Steve Porcaro and John Bettis
Performed by: MJ and Rachel
MJ struggles to have a private life away from his superstar persona.
“Bad” and “2 Bad”
Albums: Bad (1987), HIStory – Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995)
Written by: Michael Jackson; Dallas Austin, Michael Jackson, René Moore, and Bruce Swedien
Performed by: MJ and the Company of MJ The Musical
MJ feels the pressure of fame as he begins to unravel during tour rehearsals.
“Thriller”
Album: Thriller (1982)
Written by: Rod Temperton
Performed by: Little Michael, MJ, Joseph Jackson, and the Company of MJ The Musical
MJ is overcome by his past traumas as the scene transforms into his iconic “Thriller” music video.
“Man in the Mirror”
Album: Bad (1987)
Written by: Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett
Performed by: The Company of MJ The Musical
MJ’s loved ones encourage him to look deeper inside himself and see his worth as an individual.
“Jam” and “Black or White”
Album: Dangerous (1991)
Written by: Michael Jackson, René Moore, Bruce Swedien and Teddy Riley; Michael Jackson and Bill Bottrell
Performed by: The Company of MJ The Musical
The musical ends with a show-stopping finale and call to action as the cast breaks out into iconic choreography.
