It was announced today that Ilario Grant will assume the titular role of MJ in Broadway’s smash-hit musical MJ. Grant, who made his Broadway debut as a standby for MJ and Michael at the Neil Simon Theatre in 2023, will begin performances on Tuesday, September 15, and will succeed Matte Martinez, who will play his final performance on Sunday, September 13.
Following his debut on Broadway, Grant played MJ in Australia, opening the Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane productions, where critics called his portrayal of Michael Jackson “nothing short of astonishing” (X-Press) and “a powerhouse performance” (The West Australian).
In a statement, director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Ilario back to New York to star as MJ. Having risen through this company and gone on to dazzle audiences as MJ in Australia, Ilario takes his rightful place on Broadway, bringing audiences his stunning interpretation of the King of Pop.”
What is MJ on Broadway about?
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry has finally arrived on Broadway in a brand-new musical. Centered around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, and 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 Jackson into legendary status. Turn it up, Broadway — MJ is here!
Who is in the cast of MJ on Broadway?
Currently, the principal cast of MJ includes Matte Martinez as MJ, Apollo Levine as Joseph Jackson/Rob, Christopher Sean Cooper Jr. as Little Michael, Brandon Lee Harris as Michael, Jackson Robert Vann as Little Michael, Sasha Allen as Katherine Jackson, Blake Channing Taylor as Little Marlon, Rebecca Faulkenberry as Rachel, Matthew Frederick Harris as Tito Jackson/Quincy Jones, Gabriel Ruiz as Alejandro, Antoine L. Smith as Berry Gordy/Nick, and Joey Sorge as Dave.
The ensemble and swings include Blu Allen, Dasia Amos, Lloyd A. Boyd III, Nick T. Daly, Kellie Drobnick, John Edwards, Aydin Eyikan, Tré Frazier, Chantelle Good, Michael Harmon, Skye Jackson-Williams, Chelsea Mitchell-Bonsu, Zion Mikhail Pradier, Dustin Praylow, Sarah Sigman, Ryan Vandenboom, and Brion Marquis Watson. The understudies and standbys include Melvin Gray Jr., Samuel Nelson III, Jayden K. White, Carole Denise Jones, and Nyla Sostre.
Who is on the creative team of MJ on Broadway?
MJ features music and lyrics by Michael Jackson, a book by Lynn Nottage, and direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.
The remainder of the creative team includes David Holcenberg as musical supervisor, orchestrator and arranger, Jason Michael Webb as musical director, orchestrator and arranger, Derek McLane as scenic designer, Natasha Katz as lighting designer, Paul Tazewell as costume designer, Gareth Owen as sound designer, Peter Nigrini as projection designer, Charles LaPointe as hair and wig designer, Joe Dulude II as makeup designer, Dontee Kiehn as global associate director, Michael Balderrama as global associate choreographer, Victoria Davidjohn as resident director, The Telsey Office, Rachel Hoffman, CSA, and Lindsay Levine, CSA as casting, Carol M. Oune as company manager, Gregory T. Livoti as production supervisor, Rich & Tone Talauega as Michael Jackson movement, Strange Cranium, Billy Jay Stein, and Hiro Iida as electronic music design, and John Miller as music coordinator.
Where can I get official tickets to MJ on Broadway?
Broadway Direct is the official primary ticket source for MJ on Broadway. Tickets can be found here.
