'MJ,' 'Wicked,' Neil Diamond musicals top list of Marcus Center's 2024-'25 Broadway series

Jim Higgins, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·3 min read

"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. 25-March 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 seven-show Broadway series subscription.

Roman Banks plays the title character in the national touring company of the musical "MJ."
Roman Banks plays the title character in the national touring company of the musical "MJ."

"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 seven-show 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 Greenfield 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) 273-7206.

More: What you need to know about Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's 2024-'25 season

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 'MJ,' 'Wicked' top Marcus Center's 2024-'25 Broadway series