#THEATRE: MIRVISH PRODUCTIONS PRESENT “MJ THE MUSICAL”

The King of Pop Michael Jackson certainly needs no introduction. To this day, his title remains undisputed. Perhaps MJ THE MUSICAL -nominated for ten TONY Awards – is that closure many fans never got with his premature passing, or even the chance to see and feel him live when they never got the opportunity. Whatever your reason, the production with a book by Lynn Nottage, and direction & choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, is a resounding smash, not to be missed as it runs at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, here only till November 2, 2025 before it tours other cities in Canada.

Completely floored by the attention to detail, the seamless transitions, the singing, the dancing, how in-sync the Cast were with one another, particularly the three Actors playing Jackson at various stages in his life: Quentin Blanton Jr., Brandon Lee Harris, and Jordan Markus. Absolutely tremendous and I am already itching to see it a second time!

Severable notables were in attendance for the Toronto Premiere of MJ THE MUSICAL including The Podemski Sisters, members of the Toronto Raptors, Jully Black, Erica Ehm, and more!

Some highlights from the evening:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

Tickets are on-sale now here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “THRILLER 40”

Paramount+ today announced that the new documentary feature THRILLER 40 will make its debut on Paramount+ in Canada on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” – the best-selling album of all time worldwide – Director Nelson George takes fans back in time to experience the making of the record-breaking album and the release of the accompanying short films that forever redefined the music video format. Featuring never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews, THRILLER 40 chronicles the creation of a pre-internet global phenomenon unlike anything before it or since. “Thriller” launched Michael Jackson into mega-stardom and to this day continues to influence all aspects of culture and entertainment, including the worlds of music, dance and fashion. Music and entertainment luminaries including Usher, Mary J. Blige, Will.I.Am, Mark Ronson, Misty Copeland, Maxwell and John Landis are featured in the documentary.

THRILLER 40 is produced by Optimum Productions and Company Name. Colin Hanks, Sean Stuart, John Branca and John McClain serve as producers.

#BBMAs: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE WINS 7 AWARDS AT THE 2014 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS

Justin Timberlake was the big Winner at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards this evening, held in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena! The R&B Crooner took home a whopping seven trophies, including wins for Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Male Artist (Female went to Katy Perry), Top Billboard 200 Album for The 20/20 Experience and more!  Timberlake, like Perry, had accepted his Awards via satellite.

Following behind closely were Rock Outfit Imagine Dragons, who are slated to visit Toronto next month for the MuchMusic Video Awards. The Quartet won Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Duo/Group and Top Rock Artist.  

Controversial Hit Blurred Lines earned Robin Thicke, Pharrell and T.I. a total four Billboard Music Awards tonight including Top Hot 100 Song, Top Digital Song, Top Radio Song and Top R&B Song.

Country Star and former American Idol was awarded the  Milestone Award, while Multimedia Empire Jennifer Lopez was given the important Icon Award, on-hand to accept the honour with a heart-felt speech.

Many tonight were talking about Michael Jackson‘s resurrection in Hologram form, performing new posthumous Single, Slave to the Rhyhtm. The surprise struck a chord with Audience members, some seen tearing-up.

Watch it below:

Miley Cyrus also turned a few heads paying homage to The Beatles with a Cover of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds:

Complete List of Winners here.

(Photo/video credit: ABC)