Shamon! Thriller a Broadway musical?

UPDATE: io9 is reporting (via the Chicago Tribune) that the Nederlanders are based in Chicago, so any production that does happen will likely first be staged there.  Reason #397 to love the city of big shoulders.

This has the potential to be the most awesomely awesome awesomeness that ever awesomed ... or fantastically, hideously, soul shreddingly bad.

Broadway producer acquires the rights for a stage version of 'Thriller'
By Associated Press

2:13 PM EST, January 26, 2009
NEW YORK (AP) — "Thriller" a Broadway musical?

Producer James L. Nederlander says he has acquired the rights for a stage version of Michael Jackson's iconic music-video spoof of horror films. The show will include songs from two of the pop king's best-selling albums, "Thriller" and "Off the Wall."

"The Nederlanders and Michael Jackson represent live theater and musical excellence, so let the music begin," Tohme Tohme, a spokesman for Jackson, said Monday in a statement.

"I love the idea of making 'Thriller' a musical. Girl meets boy, they fall in love, boy has big secret, now what?" said Nederlander, head of the company that owns nine Broadway theaters.

No word yet on who will write the book for the show or what songs will be included in the production, or who will direct and choreograph.

On the plus side, casting shouldn't be too difficult.

His bride must be so proud.

Source, and tip o' the hat to Jenleete.