Best news we’ve heard all week: Michael Jackson’s landmark album Thriller will be turned into a Broadway musical. Sure, it’s only Wednesday, but we’re pretty sure this is going to be the epic news story of the week–well, unless Gary Coleman decides to release his mixtape “I’m Too Sexy For My Ash, Vol. 1.”
The excitement of it all has taken us over. It’s also got us thinking: who should play the male lead in the musical which will take music from MJ’s albums Thriller and Off The Wall?
Here are some of our picks. Feel free to think of some of your own!
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Chris Brown
Why he should get the role: Chris Brown has been groomed to become the next MJ long before his 2005 debut. The kid can mimmick any MJ move masterfully and without looking like a total copycat. He can also deliver some up-to-par vocals on some MJ classics.
The MJ song we want to hear: “Human Nature” would be a real winner for the 19-year-old. We can hear it now, and we’re swooning at the thought.
Why he shouldn’t get the role: We love C. Breezy, but let’s face it, listening to him talk is slightly painful at times. His rapid-pace talking and slight lisp would completely kill the speaking parts for theatre patrons sitting Row M and back. Shame!
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Kanye West
Why he should get the role: Kanye and his auto-tune headset would offer a new spin on the classic songs. Plus he has no problem wearing the wardrobe–he spends 93% of the time dressed like he’s straight out of the “Billie Jean” video anyway.
The MJ song we want to hear: It’s a toss-up between “Rock With You” and “Get On The Floor.” Both would be pretty-damn-hilarious with an auto-tune remix–then again, this musical isn’t supposed to be a comedy…
Why he shouldn’t get the role:We’ve seen Yeezy dance–not a good look. We’ve heard him when his auto-tune fails him–an even badder look. Plus, 31-year-old West might be a little too mature for the sensitive teen turned zombie role. Rats!
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Ne-Yo
Why he should get the role: Casting singer/songwriter Ne-Yo would almost be a no-brainer. He’s been likened to a young Michael for his similar voice and smooth dance moves.
The MJ song we want to hear: After bearing witness to his unaired performance of “Lady In My Life” at the 1st annual BET Honors last year, we’re convinced the song would be the showstopping moment in the show if performed by Ne-Yo.
Why he shouldn’t get the role: He’s got the voice and the moves, but it’s a colossal shame Ne-Yo’s chances at the role will be diminished by his lack of hair, and sadly, a curly wig would make us all laugh too much to take the show seriously. Harsh!
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David Archuleta
Why he should get the role: Talk about putting butts in seats! Fans will flock to see Archie perform! He’s got a great voice to pull off any song, and we’d totally believe him when he utters the famous “I’m not like most guys” line.
The MJ song we want to hear: We want to see Archie sex it up a bit singing “PYT.” Swoonarific!
Why he shouldn’t get the role: Besides his total lack of dance skills, the producers would force him to tan or use “black face.” Riots will start. Al Sharpton will hold a press conference. It won’t be until the huge public fall-out is over that producers will realize they can just change the role up ala Usher as Billy Flynn in Chicago. Racial!
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Nick Jonas
Why he should get the role: He’s got the hair, the boyish good looks and charm. We have faith he can work on the singing and dancing well enough for a pass. He’d introduce MJ’s music to a new generation by packing the theatre with crazed Jonas Brothers fans looking to see the 16-year-old turn into the hottest freakazoid zombie out there.
The MJ song we want to hear: If you’re not thinking “Beat It” then you’re crazy! Nick may seem like the sweet and pure dreamy boy next door, but deep down he’s tough enough to pull off the MJ smackdown track.
Why he shouldn’t get the role: See David Archuleta. Racial squared!
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Lloyd
Why he should get the role: Lloyd is yet another R&B crooner who has obviously taken cues from the King of Pop’s epic career. Thank goodness he wasn’t convinced to cut his hair, because it alone would get him the role. He also has the voice and does a pretty good shimmy on the dancefloor.
The MJ song we want to hear: Lloyd is at his best when he’s pouring on the sticky-sweet sensitivity, so what better song for him to indulge us with his sinfully delicate voice than “She’s Out Of My Life.”
Why he shouldn’t get the role: We thought about it and we could come up with no good reason why he shouldn’t get the part. Go to the audition, Lloyd. We’re seeing a Tony in your future!
WOW…as I sit here 6:40 in the morning..ice outside on the pavement I am laughing out loud..while missing school for the first time..I am having a good time reading this. Black face would really not be a good idea..LMAO!!
all of the choices here are pretty good, but yall forgot on more person: OMARION!!!
That is a tough one. But I can tell you right now, with Kanye’s recent looks he can definitely be in that fight scene in the Beat It video. Lloyd is a clooooooooooooooose contender.
You are right about David’s voice and putting butts in those seats. People will go and see David perform anything….I just read that they sold nearly 200 tickets in 2 minutes for a pre-sale for his tour that is coming up, but no go with the Michael Jackson thing. I am laughing my head off. David can dance though. He has shown that skill before….blacken David’s beautiful face LMAO…wouldn’t he have to have at least 100 nose jobs also. heheheheheh