The Broadway production of “MJ” will welcome a new performer in the role of Little Michael. Emjay Roa will join the company of the long-running musical at the Neil Simon Theatre on May 14. Roa will alternate in the role with current company member Christopher Sean Cooper Jr. Roa will succeed Austin Rankin, who departed the Broadway production on May 11 and is slated to join the “MJ” national tour.
“MJ” will mark the Main Stem debut of Roa, whose regional credits include playing Jerome in “South Pacific” at Goodspeed Opera House and Fletcher in “The Bodyguard” at Theatre by the Sea. Roa recently lent his voice to an episode of “Dora.”
Christopher Wheeldon directs and choreographs the bio-musical which follows the career of Michael Jackson leading up to his 1992 “Dangerous” world tour. “MJ” opened on Feb. 1, 2022, and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning four, including one for Wheeldon’s choreography. The production, which features a book by Lynn Nottage, recouped its $22.5 million investment in 2023.
The current principal cast of “MJ” includes Elijah Rhea Johnspon as MJ, Apollo Levine as Joseph Jackson/Rob, Whitney Bashor as Rachel, Tavon Olds-Sample as Michael, Julius-Raymond Weems IV as Little Marlon and Sasha Allen as Katherine Jackson. Casting is by the Telsey Office and Rachel Hoffman.
“MJ” is produced by Lia Vollack, John Branca and John McClain.
