‘MJ’ fans are furious after watching a show full of stunt doubles

The Understudies took over the Broadway show “MJ: The Musical” on Saturday – and fans weren’t happy with their moonwalk at the Neil Simon Theater.

After spending over $200 apiece on tickets for their family, one source told us, “It was very disappointing that the cast fell out … so many understudies didn’t make for a great show!”

Eight cast members were absent – including the lead role of Michael Jackson played by Myles Frost.

The show’s replacement, Aramie Payton, has been the King of Pop since January 13, while Frost is on vacation.

But the show’s other stars are apparently battling winter bugs, including COVID-19, and “as is common in Broadway plays and musicals, backstage protocol requires performers to refrain from performing if they test positive for COVID “. a spokesman told Page Six.

The rep confirmed that “there have been a lot of cases on ‘MJ’ lately,” but said that hasn’t stopped the cast from giving it their all.

“Our extraordinary understudies are trained to act at any time when needed. Understudies perform rigorous rehearsals and help ensure viewers get the performance they paid for,” the spokesperson continued.

Another Broadway insider also told us that this doesn’t just happen on MJ.

Unfortunately, “performers get sick this time of year. ‘MJ’ is brutal to the body because it’s so dance-driven… and of course, behind-the-scenes health has taken on extra seriousness with COVID,” they said.

Getty’s paintings

Getty’s paintings

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In fact, the shows hired even more understudies “to make sure there was scope to do shows. The cast has grown,” the source added.

The show continues to be a hit on Broadway anyway. “More than 500,000 people got the thrill,” the show boasted on its Instagram page. “In 2023, we are on track to exceed 1 million,” the producers wrote.