Johnson returns to the production after assisting in creating the character of “Middle Michael” during the show’s workshop process.

Tony Award winner Myles Frost will leave the production on April 2 after a year and a half in the role.

Director Christopher Wheeldon said of Anderson’s casting, “Those of us who worked with Elijah during the developmental workshops knew, when his schedule didn’t allow him to join the original Broadway cast, we hadn’t seen the last of him or his remarkable talent. Though we might have initially seen him as ‘Middle Michael’ it is so clear to me now that adult Michael is who he was born to play. Myles is leaving behind some pretty big loafers to fill, and Elijah is more than ready to wear them.”

MJ, was written by Lynn Nottage and is directed by Christopher Wheeldon. The show has won four 2022 Tony Awards, including Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Frost) and Best Choreography (Wheeldon).

Johnson previously starred on stage for The Lion King. He was also a lead singer for Kidz Bop and was a member of the former boy band, Mindless Behavior.

Elijah Rhea Johnson