Make a day out of 'MJ The Musical' in New York City
Explore music landmarks, learn smooth dance moves, and even visit the site of one of the King of Pop's music videos — check out our MJ-themed guide to the city.
Whether you’re an avid Michael Jackson fan or a music lover, MJ The Musical on Broadway is for you. Set during rehearsals for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, the musical unravels his singular career and complex creative process, all to the tune of his biggest hit songs.
But this award-winning show is far from the only NYC attraction for Jackson fans to check out. Why not make a whole day out of seeing MJ: the Musical? We’ve got you covered with this custom guide across the city — explore music landmarks, places notably associated with Jackson, and more, and get tickets to see his thriller of a Broadway show at the Neil Simon Theatre.
Get MJ The Musical tickets now.
Dance class in New York
Michael Jackson is the only recording artist to be inducted into the Dance Hall of Fame. So channel your inner pop icon and Broadway star by booking a modern or hip-hop dance class at Broadway Dance Center, steps away from Broadway theatres. That studio, along with Steps on Broadway on the Upper West Side, offers a wide range of daily classes for everyone from beginners to pros. Be sure to fuel up beforehand!
Address: 322 West 45th St. between Eighth and Ninth Avenues (Broadway Dance Center); 2121 Broadway between 74th and 75th Streets (Steps)
Price: $$
Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets subway station
Visit an iconic music video location with just the swipe of a Metrocard. To step right into the scenery of Jackson’s famous music video for "Bad," you won’t have to head to a museum or a landmark. All you’ll need to do is take the A or C train (both depart from the Times Square station) to the Hoyt–Schermerhorn Street station in Brooklyn to see this familiar underground sight.
The station is located in bustling Downtown Brooklyn, so you can stick around there to shop at the many stores, eat lunch at DeKalb Market Hall, or catch some live music at the Brooklyn Paramount concert hall. Or, it's an easy hop back to Midtown the way you came!
Address: Entrances on Schermerhorn Street between Hoyt and Bond Streets
Price: $
Apollo Theater
Take a trip back through music history by exploring Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater, where Jackson 5 — in addition to countless other history-making artists — performed. It's even the venue where Jackson played his last live performance before his death.
Though the theatre is still in operation and constantly hosts performances, it remains open for tours on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday afternoons, leaving you plenty of time to head back downtown before a matinee or evening performance of MJ The Musical.
If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat after your tour, some of New York City’s best food is in the heart of Harlem — namely, soul food at Sylvia’s, Charles Pan-Fried Chicken, or Red Rooster, to name a few.
Address: 253 W. 125th St. between Frederick Douglass and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevards
Price: $$
Hard Rock Cafe
A meal at the Hard Rock Cafe before or after a show highlighting one of music history’s biggest stars is fitting for the occasion. The displays of rock memorabilia at the Times Square location rotate, and Michael Jackson costume pieces have been known to pop up at Hard Rock Cafes across the globe. Even if you don’t spot something MJ-related when you visit, you’ll be able to peruse props, artifacts, and more from other music legends.
Address: 1501 Broadway at the corner of 43rd Street
Price: $$
Michael Jackson mural
Nestled in the East Village, one of Manhattan’s liveliest neighborhoods, is a vibrant mural of Jackson painted on the black-and-white brick canvas of a five-story building. Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra, who created the painting, is best known for his David Bowie mural in Jersey City, New Jersey. This piece, however, is not as widely known among tourists and travelers, making this hidden gem a must-see for Jackson fans and street art enthusiasts alike. Be sure to snap a photo!
Address: 400 E. 11th St. at the corner of First Avenue
Price: Free
Carlyle Hotel
Michael Jackson was one of many ultra-famous regulars at this luxury Upper East Side hotel. Reportedly, he once found himself on an elevator in awkward silence with Princess Diana and Steve Jobs — until she broke the tension by breaking out into Jackson’s song, “Beat It.” With a gorgeous lobby and exterior, it’s worth getting a peek at Jackson’s home away from home in NYC, whether or not you stay there yourself.
The Carlyle has a theatre connection, too — a famous Tony Awards afterparty takes place there nearly every year, and Broadway stars regularly perform concerts in its Cafe Carlyle restaurant, with ticketed reservations available to the public. It's a splurge, but it's a special experience, even if you just opt for dinner minus a show.
Address: 35 E. 76th St. on the corner of Madison Avenue
Price: $$$$
MJ The Musical
Now, it’s time to dive into one of the most famed music careers in history at MJ The Musical on Broadway. Casual enthusiasts, music nerds, and Michael Jackson megafans alike will enjoy this exploration of the King of Pop’s reign throughout the late 20th century. Not to mention, you'll be rocking with the music and moves (choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon) all night, long after you exit the theatre.
Learn more about MJ The Musical on Broadway.
Get MJ The Musical tickets now.
Photo credit: MJ The Musical on Broadway. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
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