Michael Jackson Still a 'Thriller' in London

It's not so well known in the United States, but Michael Jackson has a strong connection to theater in Europe.

As fans and entertainers around the world react to Jackson's death, his music continues to wow audiences in London. Many on this side of the ocean are unaware that Thriller Live, a stage show based on both Jackson's solo career and The Jackson 5, has been very successful in England.

The show, which features many of Jackson's hits plus the electric dancing that helped make him a cultural icon, posted three successful national tours in England and toured the Continent before settling down at the West End's Lyric Stage. After his death was announced, fans gathered in front of the Lyric to remember him.

And there may be a U.S. connection to theater for Jackson. We blogged in January about the Nederlander organization grabbing rights for a stage version of Jackson's 14-minuted Thriller video.