AUSTRALIAN DANCE ICON TSEHAY HAWKINS TO MAKE SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE IN MJ THE MUSICAL

Australian producer Michael Cassel, alongside original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain, is thrilled to announce that beloved performer Tsehay Hawkins will appear in the Melbourne production of MJ THE MUSICAL on 17 January, making her theatrical stage debut.

An award-winning dancer, Hawkins is an advocate for representation in Australian media, best known for her role in entertainment group “The Wiggles”.

On her special guest appearance, Hawkins said:

“As a huge Michael Jackson fan, performing in MJ the Musical is an absolute dream come true! Dancing, singing, and celebrating his incredible music on stage is such an honour, and sharing it with this amazing cast makes it even more special. My family will also be in the audience, which is so exciting for me. I love it when they are there cheering me on!”

Australian producer Michael Cassel said:

“Tsehay Hawkins is a phenomenal talent and an important voice in Australian performance, so having her join MJ for this special Melbourne appearance feels exceptionally meaningful to us all. Tsehay has been a huge supporter of MJ since we opened in Sydney last year, and now it’s her turn to bring her infectious spirit, artistry and deep connection to the music to the stage. This is a moment we’re immensely proud to share with our Melbourne audience.”

MJ THE MUSICAL must close at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre on 13 March.

Set in 1992, MJ offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson’s iconic Dangerous World Tour. The production goes far beyond the signature moves and global hits, inviting audiences to share in the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status, brought to life through the lens of an MTV journalist granted rare rehearsal-room access. From the mind of two-time Pulitzer Prize winning Lynn Nottage (Ruined, Sweat), MJ explores intimate moments from the complex history of Jackson’s life as he attempts to align the Dangerous World Tour to his creative genius.

Enjoyed by over 5 million audience members worldwide, MJ was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning four including Best Choreography for the show’s creator, Artistic Associate of The Royal Ballet Christopher Wheeldon OBE(An American in Paris) and Best Actor in a Musical for the show’s original Broadway star, Myles Frost. Most recently, MJ received three Olivier Award nominations, with Christopher Wheeldon OBE taking home the award for Best Theatre Choreography.

Featuring more than 25 of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits – including Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Man in The Mirror and Thriller – MJ has captured the hearts and imaginations of packed houses around the world. Australian fans have gone wild for MJ, describing it as “the most incredible thing I’ve seen in my life” and “mind-blowing”.

The internationally renowned creative team for MJ also includes Scenic Design by Tony Award and two-time Emmy Award winner Derek McLane (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Lighting Design by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz (Once), Costume Design by Tony, Emmy, and most recently Academy Award winner Paul Tazewell (Hamilton, Wicked), Sound Design by Tony Award and Olivier Award winning Gareth Owen (Come From Away), Projection Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen), Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles LaPointe (The Color Purple) and Make-up Design by Joe Dulude II. Musical Supervision is by Tony Award nominee David Holcenberg (Matilda), and the Orchestrations and Arrangements are by David Holcenberg and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb (The Color Purple). Casting Director for the Australian Production is Lauren Wiley with Additional Casting by The Telsey Office (Rachel Hoffman, CSA & Lindsay Levine, CSA).