Many in the industry are wondering how the recent, untimely death of the international star might affect the production since Mr. Jackson was expected to be part of the show's creation.

A spokesperson for the Nederlander Organization told The Los Angeles Times, "We just don't know what's going to happen, and that's all we're saying for now . . . Plans for the future are forthcoming, and we may know more in the next week of two. All we're saying for now is that we're mourning the death of Michael Jackson."

The musical, according to the January press release, will be based on the "Thriller" video, which was a "horror film spoof in which a young couple are out on a date on a beautiful full moon evening, when suddenly the young man, played by Jackson, turns into a werewolf." The production will feature songs from both "Thriller" and Jackson's "Off the Wall" albums.

"Thriller," which was originally released in 1982, is the top-selling album of all time.