Brazilian performer Benét Monteiro, whose theatrical credits include Hairspray, Into the Woods, The Lion King, Sister Act, Bat Out of Hell, Hamilton, Hercules, and more, will play the title role in the German premiere of MJ the Musical.

Produced by Stage Entertainment, MJ–Das Michael Jackson Musical will begin performances December 1 at Stage Theater an der Elbe Hamburg.

"This is the role I've been waiting for all my life,” said Monteiro in a statement. “Michael Jackson is a genius and the greatest entertainer of all time. To have the opportunity to immerse myself in his world with the title role is the best thing that could have happened to me. It is a great honor, and I will give my best to live up to his legacy and, most importantly, to celebrate his music with our audiences in Hamburg every night starting in December."

Casting Director Ralf Schaedler added, "We were not only looking for an actor who could echo Michael Jackson's singing and dancing performance, but also someone who could create Michael Jackson's unique artistic vibe on the stage. The auditions for this title role were therefore a completely new challenge for us. When I saw Benét Monteiro perform as Michael Jackson for the first time, I knew immediately that he was made for this role. With his charisma, he gives the audience the feeling that they are experiencing a real superstar on stage."

MJ director and choreographer Christopher Weeldon stated, “Benét auditioned for us in London at the very beginning of our process before we had even created the show, and even at that time we were startled and excited by his incredible charisma, star power, and understanding of Michael’s language. I couldn’t be more excited to be working with this incredibly talented young man on MJ in Hamburg.”

The musical features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and a score made up of some of the most popular songs in recording history. Tony winner Wheeldon directs and choreographs.

MJ also has sets by Derek McLane, lighting by Natasha Katz, costumes by Paul Tazewell, sound design by Gareth Owen, projection design by Peter Nigrini, hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe, music direction by Jason Michael Webb, musical supervision by David Holcenberg, and orchestrations by Holcenberg and Webb.

The show took home four Tony Awards in total, including Best Actor in a Musical for Myles Frost, Best Choreography, Best Lighting Design in a Musical, and Best Sound Design in a Musical.

MJ the Musical continues on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre, in London at the Prince Edward, and on a North American tour.

For more information about the German premiere, click here.

Read more about the hit musical in the Playbill Vault. Visit The Playbill Store for show-related merchandise.