MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical to launch International Asian Tour
Michael Cassel, Lia Vollack, John Branca and John McClain today announced the first ever International Asian Tour of the global sensation MJ: THE MICHAEL JACKSON MUSICAL. Set to launch in October 2026, the tour will travel to major cities for an initial two-year period, bringing the electrifying Broadway production to audiences throughout Asia.
The announcement marks a major milestone in the continued global success of MJ, which has already been seen by more than 5 million audience members globally through acclaimed productions on Broadway, in London’s West End, Hamburg, Sydney, and across the U.S. National Tour. With Melbourne set to welcome the award-winning production this September, the global fervour for MJ continues to grow. Featuring over 25 of Michael Jackson’s most iconic hits, the production has been praised for its innovative storytelling, high-octane performances and celebration of one of the most influential entertainers of all time.
An entirely new international company will be assembled to bring MJ to life for audiences across Asia, with casting and tour stops to be revealed in the coming months.
“MJ has proven to be a global phenomenon,” said Michael Cassel, Producer and CEO of the Michael Cassel Group. “Audiences from New York to Sydney have been blown away by the artistry, energy, and humanity of this show. We now have the great privilege of bringing this production, as originally conceived by Christopher Wheeldon and his incredible creative team, to audiences throughout Asia.”
Producer Lia Vollack commented:
We can’t wait to share this theatrical experience with even more fans as we take MJ on the road throughout Asia, and we are thrilled that this tour will allow us bring the music and legacy of Michael Jackson to audiences in their home regions.
Set in 1992, MJ offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson’s iconic Dangerous World Tour. The production goes far beyond the signature moves and global hits, inviting audiences in to share in the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status, brought to life through the lens of an MTV journalist granted rare rehearsal-room access. From the mind of two-time Pulitzer Prize winning Lynn Nottage (Ruined, Sweat), MJ explores intimate moments from the complex history of Jackson’s life as he attempts to align the Dangerous World Tour to his creative genius.
Enjoyed by over 5 million audience members worldwide, MJ was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning four including Best Choreography for the show’s creator, Artistic Associate of The Royal Ballet Christopher Wheeldon OBE (An American in Paris) and Best Actor in a Musical for the show’s original Broadway star, Myles Frost. Most recently, MJ received three Olivier Awards nominations, with Christopher Wheeldon OBE taking home the award for Best Theatre Choreography.
Featuring more than 25 of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits – including Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Man in The Mirror and Thriller – MJ has captured the hearts and imaginations of packed houses around the world. Australian fans have gone wild for MJ, describing it as “the most incredible thing I’ve seen in my life” and “mind-blowing”.
The internationally renowned creative team for MJ also includes Scenic Design by Tony Award and two-time Emmy Award winner Derek McLane (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Lighting Design by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz (Once), Costume Design by Tony, Emmy, and most recently Academy Award winner Paul Tazewell (Hamilton, Wicked), Sound Design by Tony Award and Olivier Award winning Gareth Owen (Come From Away), Projection Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen), Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles LaPointe (The Color Purple) and Make-up Design by Joe Dulude II. Musical Supervision is by Tony Award nominee David Holcenberg (Matilda), and the Orchestrations and Arrangements are by David Holcenberg and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb (The Color Purple). Casting Director for the Australian Production is Lauren Wiley with Additional Casting by The Telsey Office (Rachel Hoffman, CSA & Lindsay Levine, CSA).
Tour dates, locations and further casting announcements will be made in the lead-up to the tour’s launch. For updates and more information, visit mjthemusicalasia.com.
