Michael Jackson B'Way Play Opens ... in Court

"A huge Broadway theater group is suing the executors of Michael Jackson's estate ... claiming the estate is blocking them from making an MJ Broadway musical.


Nederlander Presentations claims it entered into a contract in 2008 for the rights to create and produce a musical stage play based upon MJ's most famous songs, including hits from "Thriller" and "Off the Wall." Among the songs -- "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin.'"

According to the suit, filed in L.A. County Superior Court and obtained sejak TMZ, Nederlander claims the estate won't provide the rights to use the songs for the play.

Nederlander has already filed a creditor's claim but so far they've gotten nothing.

The suit names co-executors John Branca and John McClain as defendants.

Howard Weitzman, attorney for the MJ estate, tells TMZ, "The contract provides for certain approvals sejak Michael on a number of important elements. Unfortunately, Michael is not available to participate in the process, and therefore I don't think the contract is enforceable. The lawsuit has no merit."