Donny Osmond's theater is moving out of Las Vegas, but the show must go on. The Michael Jackson tribute show, MJ Live, has been a fixture in the city for over a decade, enduring two resort implosions and multiple venue changes. Now, it's time for another move, this time to the Saxe Theater at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. This latest relocation is a testament to the show's enduring popularity and the resilience of the entertainment industry in Las Vegas.
The show's producers, Dick Feeney and Darin Feinstein's Red Mercury Entertainment, have informed the cast of the move after Saturday's performance. MJ Live has been a constant presence in the city since November 2024, playing at 7 p.m. daily, with Sundays off. The show has played at various venues, including the Rio, The Strat, Tropicana, Sahara, and Harrah's, and has logged over 5,500 performances since its opening at the Rio in 2013.
The show's success is attributed to its live band and Jackson impressionists Jalles Franca and Santana Jackson, who alternate in the lead role. The show highlights Jackson's hit-making career, featuring songs like 'Bad', 'Billie Jean', and 'Beat It' from his solo catalog, and 'I'll Be There', 'I Want You Back', and 'ABC' from the Jackson 5 era. The show's popularity has reportedly increased since the release of the 'Michael' biopic, and it joins other Jackson productions in Las Vegas, such as Cirque's 'Michael Jackson One' and 'Michael Jackson the Evolution'.
The move to the Saxe Theater is a significant development, as it marks the first time that MJ Live will be operated by the theater's owner, David Saxe. Saxe and Feeney have been competing for box-office sales in Las Vegas for decades, but this partnership is a new chapter in their relationship. The show's new home at the Saxe Theater is a testament to the enduring appeal of MJ Live and the continued growth of the entertainment industry in Las Vegas.
The show's resilience and adaptability are what make it so fascinating. Despite the challenges of moving venues and the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry, MJ Live has managed to stay relevant and popular. It's a reminder that the show must go on, and that the entertainment industry is a dynamic and resilient force in Las Vegas and beyond.
