Michael Jackson Bway Musical Still a Possibility

According to WENN, a Broadway musical based on Michael Jackson's Thriller, may still be viable despite the pop star's death last year.  Producers at Nederlander Presentations are reportedly in talks with his estate to bless the project.  

WENN reports that Nederlander Presentations had entered into a deal with Jackson directly before he died last June after the company purchased the video's stage rights in early 2009. The project faced early challenges when John Landis, the director of the Thriller video, sued Jackson for money he believed he was owed for his work on the video.  That law suit is still pending. 

The Nederlander Organization has appealed to the courts to order Jackson's estate to allow the project to move forward and honor the existing contract. If their request is honored, work on the musical could begin as early as 2011. The organization could be in for a fight, however, as Jackson's estate lawyer Howard Weitzman has told TMZ.com, "I've seen their creditor's claim. I don't agree with their request."

Michael Jackson is currently represented on stage in the West End at the Lyric Theatre with THRILLER - LIVE, the spectacular, high-octane concert-style show specially created to celebrate the career of the King of Pop.  The production recently celebrated its 1st birthday in the West End with a new updated version featuring 6 new songs, a new opening and extra choreography.

THRILLER - LIVE has been nominated for two 2010 Whatsonstage Theatregoers Awards, including Best New Musical and Best Choreographer for Gary Lloyd's work. THRILLER - LIVE was originally conceived and created by Executive Director of the show, AdrIan Grant, a long time associate of Michael Jackson, and author of "Michael Jackson - The Visual Documentary." For tickets and more information visit www.thrillerlive.com.