Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

‘MJ,’ ‘Wicked’ top Marcus Center’s 2024-25 Broadway series shows

- Jim Higgins

“MJ” and “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” top the list of shows scheduled for the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s Broadway series season during 2024-25.

Also, MPAC Presents’ jazz and dance series will feature the Martha Graham Dance Company, singer-bassist Esperanza Spalding and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

Here’s a look at the Marcus Center’s plans, organized by series. All performanc­es take place at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St.

Broadway at the Marcus Performing Arts Center

“Beetlejuic­e,” Oct. 1-6. The musical adaptation of Tim Burton’s 1988 movie about ghosts, a demon and an odd teenager.

“Elf The Musical,” Nov. 26-Dec. 1. The musical version of the now-classic Christmas movie about Buddy the Elf ’s mission to New York.

“Chicago,” Jan. 14-19, 2025. The return of a Kander and Ebb classic about celebrity murderers in the Jazz Age.

“The Book of Mormon,” Feb. 25March 2, 2025. Two missionari­es get in way over their heads in this satirical show from the creators of “South Park” and “Avenue Q.”

“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical,” March 25-30, 2025. Diamond helped develop this jukebox musical that draws on his songs and life.

“Annie,” April 25-27, 2025. This story of an orphan’s hard-knock life is an optional add-on to a six- or sevenshow Broadway series subscripti­on.

“MJ,” May 27-June 1, 2025. Michael Jackson’s hit songs are the heart of this jukebox musical.

“Wicked,” July 30-Aug. 17, 2025. The musical that suggests what really happened in Oz returns. Note: “Wicked” can be selected as part of a sevenshow Broadway series subscripti­on.

Casting for these production­s will be announced later.

Subscripti­ons start at $295.41 for six-show packages and $353.28 for seven-show packages including “Wicked.” For subscripti­on info, visit MarcusCent­er.org/Broadway or call (414) 273-7206.

MPAC Jazz series

Esperanza Spalding, Sept. 17. The winner of Grammy and Soul Train awards explores her musical catalog in a distinct format of two musicians and two dancers.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Jan. 30, 2025. Trumpeter-composer Marsalis’ big band usually features Greenfield High School alum Dan Nimmer on piano.

Lakecia Benjamin, April 11, 2025. Saxophonis­t Benjamin blends elements of R&B and hip-hop into her jazz sound.

MPAC Dance series

Complexion­s Contempora­ry Ballet, Feb. 5, 2025. CCB’s program will feature “Star Dust,” its homage to the spirit and constantly changing style of David Bowie.

Martha Graham Dance Company, March 15, 2025. The Graham performanc­e here will salute the company’s 100th anniversar­y.

Ladies of Hip-Hop, April 4, 2025. In “The Black Dancing Bodies Project: Speak My Mind,” this female intergener­ational collective will celebrate the contributi­on of Black women to American dance culture.

For ticket and more info on Marcus Performing Arts Center shows, visit marcuscent­er.org or call (414) 2737206.

 ?? PROVIDED BY MATTHEW MURPHY/MURPHYMADE ?? Roman Banks plays the title character in the national touring company of the musical “MJ.”
PROVIDED BY MATTHEW MURPHY/MURPHYMADE Roman Banks plays the title character in the national touring company of the musical “MJ.”

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