MJ Delivers the Music and Moves of a Legend
The touring production of MJ, the Michael Jackson musical, is a big, bold tribute, filled with music, dance, and imaginative artistry from the first note to the final curtain call. Playwright Lynn Nottage weaves the singer’s personal history, including the rumors and speculation, into a compelling story and director Christopher Wheeldon guides the show with intention and a focus on both the artistry and effort of its star. And, while the show doesn’t delve deeply into the details that cast shadows and aspersions on Jackson’s legacy, they are a constant presence in the story. The result is an often spectacular production that celebrates the star without excusing the controversies.
Set in 1992 at a Los Angeles rehearsal studio in the days leading up to Jackson’s “Dangerous” world tour, the show starts with dancers and musicians warming up as they wait for Jackson to arrive. To remain relevant and stay on top of the pop music mountain, Jackson has imagined, and reimagined, his touring show to ensure that he delivers an experience that’s much more than just a concert. With the constant presence of a documentary filmmaker and cameraman recording every move, the ensemble works to set and perfect each element of the show to achieve Jackson’s vision. The problem is, Jackson keeps changing and adding elements to an already complicated and expensive production. The documentary director’s probing questions and the producer’s concerns about money and logistics add tension and conflict that magnify Jackson’s inner turmoil and physical pain in ways that are both revealing and, at times, a bit painful to watch.
Jackson’s family history, troubling speculation about his personal life, and questions about his seeming dependence on pain killers, are deftly interwoven into a story about his creative process, and Jordan Markus fully commits to the role. From the first chords of “Beat It” through the finale, Markus transforms into the icon. It’s an electrifying and inspiring performance that captures the many facets of the star, from his soft, almost airy speaking voice to his gravity defying dance moves and unmistakable vocal affectations to his protective, often defensive reaction to questions about his personal life and motivation. Markus moves through the character with exuberance and a sense of urgency that reflects an understanding of the precarious nature of fame and the work it takes to remain not just relevant, but exceptional.
Gifted with an exceptional singing voice and obsessed with choreography and dance from a young age, Jackson grew up in the spotlight under the watchful eye and frequent wrath of his demanding father, played with conviction by Devin Bowles (who’s much kinder and more supportive in his role as production director Rob). A poignant performance of “I’ll Be There,” by Rajané Katurah, as matriarch Katherine Jackson, and Eric Wiltz, as young Michael, is both touching and revealing. Brandon Lee Harris, performing as Michael during his solo breakout and initial rise to super-stardom, brings sympathy, lots of charisma, and real star power.
Michael Nero and Kendrick Mitchell lead a strong supporting ensemble that features a number of standout moments throughout the show, including the well choreographed and costumed Jackson 5 flashbacks. Other notable scenes include a montage of popular Black musicians that paved the way for the Jacksons, featuring Jackie Wilson (Andy Golden), the Isley Brothers (Avilon Trust Tate, vocals, and Rachel Lockhart and Zuri Noelle Ford, dancers), and James Brown (Treston J. Henderson, vocals, and Buna McCreery-Njie, dancer) as well as a captivating dance montage with MJ and his favorite dancers: the Nicholas Brothers (Ford and McCreery-Njie), Fred Astaire (Matteo Marretta), and Bob Fosse (Kolby Colmary). Guitarist Julia Levin absolutely shreds on the Eddie Van Halen solo, and music director Nathanael Wilkerson keeps the beat constant, driving the musical forward with a mix of touring and local musicians featured on-stage and in the pit.
First and foremost, the musical MJ celebrates the artistic genius of Michael Jackson and his ability to connect with audiences and elevate the experience through a relentless drive for perfection. While it doesn’t offer any answers, the musical also probes the artist’s complicated persona, delving into the creative process – and the inner demons and pain that have come to define his enduring but conflicted legacy. The show ends with the spectacular opening number from the groundbreaking tour – an unqualified success that raised the expectation for pop music and enshrined Jackson as the indisputable King of Pop. Suitable and entertaining for most audiences, fans of Michael Jackson and pop music are certain to enjoy this energetic, artfully layered, and truly engaging production.
