St. Pete’s Ephraim Sykes leaves Michael Jackson musical

St. Petersburg’s Ephraim Sykes, the singer/dancer/actor who received a Tony Award nomination for his performance as David Ruffin in Broadway’s  Ain’t Too Proud: The Temptations Musical, has withdrawn from the upcoming production MJ The Musical, in which he was to star as Michael Jackson.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I depart MJ,” Sykes said in a statement. “This year has brought a lot of change and opportunity, and although it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to an iconic role and production, I look forward to what is to come.”

Broadway newcomer Myles Frost has assumed the role. With a book from Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ begins previews Dec. 6.

 “Thank you to the MJ team and congratulations to Myles,” Sykes said. “I can’t wait to see you shine as the King of Pop and for us all to celebrate the return of Broadway.”

A graduate of the Pinellas County Center For the Arts, Sykes appeared in the original Broadway production of Hamilton, and has a recurring role on the Netflix series Russian Doll.

He was the 100th guest on our video interview series The Catalyst Sessions: