Halloween is coming early — and apparently staying for the entire month of October!
For years, MJ The Musical on Broadway has celebrated Halloween with a very special tradition. After the regular performance, the cast would return to the stage for an extra-special rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” recreating the legendary choreography from the 1983 short film and turning the Neil Simon Theatre into one giant Halloween party.
But this year, Broadway appears to be taking things to another level.
Instead of waiting until Halloween night, audiences visiting MJ The Musical throughout October 2026 can experience the “Thriller” magic every night!
The special “Thriller” number has become one of the most anticipated annual moments for fans of the musical. While “Thriller” is already performed as part of MJ The Musical’s regular storyline, the Halloween version is something completely different. The cast comes together for the iconic short-film choreography, complete with costumes, lighting and projections inspired by Michael Jackson’s legendary production.
The tradition began several years ago, with the Broadway cast surprising audiences with a special post-show performance on Halloween. MJVibe reported on the tradition in 2022, when the production once again brought the famous “Thriller” choreography to the Neil Simon Theatre for a special October 31 performance.
In 2023 and 2024, the tradition continued, with BroadwayWorld describing the Halloween performance as a special post-show celebration featuring the iconic music-video choreography, one-night-only costumes, lighting and projections.
Then came 2025 — and things became truly global.
Last Halloween, the casts of MJ The Musical productions around the world united for a special “Thriller” takeover. New York, London and Australia all joined in, giving fans across three continents the chance to see the cast celebrate Halloween with the same unforgettable Michael Jackson routine.
Now, in 2026, Broadway seems determined to make October one long “Thriller” night.
Rather than saving the full Halloween atmosphere for October 31, audiences throughout the month can experience the cast bringing the iconic routine to life. That means fans visiting New York during October have considerably more opportunities to see this special celebration on stage.
And, of course, October 31 should still be something particularly special.
Imagine sitting inside the Neil Simon Theatre on Halloween night, watching MJ The Musical, and then seeing the cast return for “Thriller” with the theatre already buzzing with Halloween excitement.
It is difficult to think of a better way for Michael Jackson fans to spend Halloween in New York.
MJ The Musical continues to play at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York, with performances currently on sale through May 2027. The production features more than 25 of Michael Jackson’s greatest songs, including “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and “Smooth Criminal.”
So if you are heading to New York this October, you might want to make sure you leave some room in your itinerary for a little moonwalking, a few zombies and a whole lot of “Thriller.”
Because this year, at MJ The Musical on Broadway…
It’s Thriller Night.
Every night.
Get your ticket HERE
