Nederlander Organization to Produce Musical Based on Jackson's "Thriller"

By Andrew Gans
January 26, 2009

The Nederlander Organization has acquired the rights to produce a new musical based on the 14-minute "Thriller," the video spawned from Michael Jackson's top-selling album of the same name.

The musical, according to a 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.

Grammy winner Jackson is expected to be part of the creation of the new musical.

James L. Nederlander, President of the Nederlander Organization, said in a statement, "I love the idea of making 'Thriller' a musical. Girl meets boy, they fall in love, boy has big secret, now what…"

Theatre dates and creative team have yet to be announced.

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

Thriller Live, a celebration of the life and career of Michael Jackson, is currently playing London's Lyric Theatre through April 12.