Michael Jackson Broadway Musical Back On After Leaving Neverland Fallout

A Broadway musical based on the life and career of Michael Jackson cast its lead actor on Thursday.

Tony Award nominee Ephraim Sykes has been tapped to play the King of Pop on the Great White Way in "MJ the Musical," which will preview on July 6, 2020, at the Neil Simon Theatre with an official opening set for August 13, according to Variety.

The production will feature a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, with Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon directing and choreographing the show. Lia Vollack and the Michael Jackson Estate are producing.

The news comes after the original plan for the musical -- titled "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" -- was put on hold after the HBO documentary "Leaving Neverland" released last January highlighted multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against the late musician, as Wade Robson and James Safechuck claim Jackson abused them when they were young boys; The two men are close to a new trial, per TMZ.

At the time, the producers cancelled a Chicago run for the musical, which is intended to highlight Jackson's legacy by using his hits such as "Thriller", "Billie Jean," and "The Way You Make Me Feel."

Jackson's legacy, however, has been tarnished with sexual abuse allegations since 1993, when the Los Angeles Police Department investigated the entertainer on claims he molested four boys.

Jackson was acquitted in every sexual abuse case against him and maintained his innocence up until he died in 2009 at the age of 50.

Sykes will play the controversial role after earning a Tony nomination for "Ain't Too Proud — The Life and Times of The Temptations." His other Broadway credits include "Hamilton," "Newsies," and "Memphis."

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