If you're a fan of jukebox musicals, it may interest you to know that a musical featuring the songs of Michael Jackson is currently in development, and is expected to hit the Broadway stage in 2020. Matching the talent in the music are two heavy hitters: Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon, as director and choreographer, and the twice-winning Pulitzer Prize playwright Lynn Nottage, who is writing the book for the production. The musical, which is yet to be titled, is inspired by the life of Jackson, with the cooperation of the Michael Jackson Estate. Other performers who have recently been the focus of jukebox musicals include Carole King and the Temptations.
Also in the works is a new stage musical based on the holiday Juneteenth, which celebrates the date that Texas landowners were required by the U.S. Army to free the remaining slaves following the Civil War, making it the last day of slavery in the United States. The musical will feature two families, one in the present time, and the other during the Civil War. Kenya Barris, the talent behind the ABC series “Blackish,” is writing the book, while music and lyrics are being written by 10-time Grammy winner Pharrell Williams.
Closer to home, the Prairie Pines Mystery Theater is serving up a four-course dinner and drinks, along with a murder mystery, I Now Pronounce You Murdered. The food is provided by Culinary Catering; alcohol is not included in the ticket price. This show is currently on stage through July 14.
