Update on Michael Jackson's Thriller musical on Broadway

July 2, 2:28 PMHorror Happenings ExaminerCharles F. Rosenay aka Cryptmaster Chiller Chucky

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Imagine the monster video "Thriller" performed on the Broadway stage, with all those choreographed rotting zombies dancing live(?) in front of theater-goers. Done right, it could have been the biggest hit in ages, pleasing every age and demographic. Just a few days ago, we reported on the sad passing of Michael Jackson by discussing "Thriller," the greatest scary music video of all time, if not one of the greatest videos of all time - scary or not. We reminded our readers (and ourselves - because we'd forgotten) that in January, there were reports of a very cool Horror Happening, as Michael Jackson ’s “Thriller” was set to make the jump to Broadway. Broadway bigwigs (the Nederlander Organization) acquired the rights to make a new musical based on Jackson’s famous werewolves-and-zombies video. With Michael gone, will it ever make it to a stage? If it does, will it be an even bigger hit?

Michael Jackson in Thriller Video : Photo By ALLSTAR

In yesterday's New York Post newspaper, Michael Riedel, who is always on top of everything regarding stage productions in New York (and everywhere else!) in his "Broadway Matinee" column, reported on the status of the "Thriller" musical.

First, he noted that a run-of-the-mill show of the same name, but with nothing in common with the great video - was recently doing good box office numbers in London, with nothing special aside from some Michael Jackson impersonators.

Then, he noted that the Nedelander producers were sitting on a goldmine with the show, but we wouldn't be seeing it for a while. Why? First, it hasn't been written for the stage. Secondly, there was some controversy over millions of dollars allegedly owed to director John Landis. An added dilemma is that Michael is not here to finish it himself. He was supposed to write new songs for it. But yet another fear is that an inheritance battle may push the "Thriller" musical into theater limbo. There are other concerns. But what if the show had come out when Michael was still alive?!?

Mr. Riedel compared the proposed "Thriller stage production's potential to "Mamma Mia," which has grossed over one billion dollars. Abba owns 75% of that, so they've made a pretty penny on the show. As composer, lyricist and co-creator of "Thriller," it boggles the mind to try and calculate what Michael could have grossed on a live "Thriller" musical. . . not to mention sales of a new original soundtrack of the production, touring versions, an eventual full-length film of the musical, etc. Needless to say, he could have been completely out of debt. And had the show already come out and been a success, perhaps the lack of financial stress would have made MJ healthier. And had he been healthier, he wouldn't have needed as many prescribed drugs. And had he not had needed those drugs....