Ephraim Sykes to Play Michael Jackson in Upcoming Broadway Musical MJ

Ephraim Sykes, who earned a Tony nomination earlier this year for his performance in Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations, will headline another jukebox bio-musical next year, taking center stage in MJ.

As previously reported, the Michael Jackson-focused show will begin performances July 6, 2020, at the Neil Simon Theatre. Opening night is set for August 13. Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage penned the script, with Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon tapped to direct and choreograph.

In addition to originating the role of David Ruffin in Ain't Too Proud, Sykes has appeared on Broadway in Hamilton, Motown, Newsies, Memphis, and The Little Mermaid. His additional credits include NBC's Hairspray Live!.

30 Jukebox Musicals That Brought Your Favorite Music to Broadway

Hell's Kitchen Broadway Production Photos 2024 HR — 30 Jukebox Musicals That Brought Your Favorite Music to Broadway

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Just In Time Playbill - Opening Night — *Just in Time*

Just in Time Broadway Production Photos 2025 Jonathan Groff HR — Jonathan Groff in *Just in Time*

Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

& Juliet Broadway Production Photos 2025 Gianna Harris HR — Gianna Harris in *& Juliet*

Evan Zimmerman

MJ_Broadway_Production Photos_2022_HR — Myles Frost and company of MJ

Matthew Murphy

Jagged Little Pill Playbill - Opening Night — *Jagged Little Pill* Playbill - Opening Night

Jagged Little Pill_North American Tour_Production Photos_2023_Delaney Brown, Allison Sheppard, Teralin Jones, Elaine Watson_HR — Delaney Brown, Allison Sheppard, Teralin Jones, Elaine Watson and company of *Jagged Little Pill*

Evan Zimmerman

A Beautiful Noise Playbill - Opening Night — *A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical*

A Beautiful Noise Broadway Production Photos 2024 Nick Fradiani HR — Nick Fradiani and company of *A Beautiful Noise*

Julieta Cervantes

Ain't Too Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations Playbill - April 2019 — *Ain't Too Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations* Playbill - April 2019

Ain't Too Proud_Broadway_Production Photos_2019_Derrick Baskin_Jeremy Pope_Jawan M. Jackson_Ephraim Sykes_James-Harkness_HR — Derrick Baskin, Jeremy Pope, Jawan M. Jackson, Ephraim Sykes, and James Harkness

Matthew Murphy

All Shook Up Playbill - Opening Night — All Shook Up

A scene from <i>All Shook Up</i> — A scene from *All Shook Up*

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical Playbill - Opening Night — *Tina: The Tina Turner Musical*

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical_Broadway_Production Photos_2019_Adrienne Warren and cast_HR — Adrienne Warren and cast of *Tina: The Tina Turner Musical*

Manuel Harlan

American Idiot (Broadway 2010) - Stark Sands, John Gallagher, Jr., Michael Esper — Stark Sands, John Gallagher, Jr., and Michael Esper in *American Idiot*

Baby It's You! Playbill - Opening Night, March 2011

Baby_It's_You_Broadway_Production_Photos_2011_Christina_Sajous_Erica_Ash_Kyra_Da_Costa_Crystal_Starr_Knighton_Brandon_Uranowitz_Beth_Leavel_HR — Christina Sajous, Erica Ash, Kyra Da Costa, Crystal Starr Knighton, Brandon Uranowitz, and Beth Leavel in *Baby It's You*

HR- Jessie Mueller in Beautiful.jpg — Jessie Mueller in *Beautiful*

Joan Marcus

The Boy From Oz Playbill - Opening Night, Sept 2003

Hugh Jackman performs "The Boy Next Door" from The Boy From Oz at the 2004 Tony Awards HR — Hugh Jackman in *The Boy From Oz*

Anita and Steve Shevett

The Cher Show Playbill - Opening Night — *The Cher Show*

The_Cher_Show_Broadway_Productin_Photos_2018_Teal_Wicks_Stephanie_J_Block_Micaela_Diamond_HR — Teal Wicks, Stephanie J. Block, and Micaela Diamond

Joan Marcus

Escape to Margaritaville Playbill - Opening Night — *Escape to Margaritaville* Playbill - Opening Night

Escape_to_Margaritaville_La_Jolla_Production_Photo_2017_Paul Alexander Nolan_HR — Paul Alexander Nolan and the cast in *Escape to Margaritaville*

Matthew Murphy

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