Elijah Rhea Johnson to star as Michael Jackson on Broadway
Broadway’s iconic MJ the Musical is set to welcome a new Michael Jackson to its stage, and fans are already buzzing with excitement. Elijah Rhea Johnson, a seasoned performer with an impressive background, is set to take on the role of the King of Pop, following in the footsteps of Myles Frost who originated the role and won a Tony Award for his performance.
With a career that began at a young age, Johnson has already amassed a wealth of experience, having played Simba in The Lion King in Las Vegas, and touring across the country as a member of the popular children’s group, Kidz Bop. But it was during pre-Broadway workshops for MJ that Johnson helped develop the character of Middle Michael, earning high praise from the show’s director and Tony-winning choreographer, Christopher Wheeldon.
Though Johnson was unable to join the original Broadway cast due to his schedule, those who worked with him during the developmental workshops knew that his remarkable talent was too great to be ignored. And now, as he steps into the role of adult Michael, it is clear to Wheeldon that Johnson was born to play this iconic part.
But following in the footsteps of Frost, who became the youngest solo winner in the category of the best leading actor in a musical, is no easy feat. Frost’s Tony-winning performance set the bar high, but Johnson is more than ready to take on the challenge, and bring his own unique perspective to the character.
As the eldest of three versions of Michael Jackson, alongside “Middle Michael” and “Little Michael,” Johnson’s portrayal is sure to be a standout performance in a show that has already captivated audiences around the world.
So mark your calendars for April 4th, when MJ welcomes its newest Michael Jackson to the stage. With Elijah Rhea Johnson at the helm, this musical sensation is sure to continue its reign as one of Broadway’s hottest tickets.