Experience the Magic of Michael Jackson in ‘MJ, The Musical’
Headed to NYC? Snag tickets for ‘MJ, the Musical’ for a thrilling performance.
When a young, exceptionally talented individual’s life is tragically cut short, the moment and location of where you first heard the news become etched in your memory. Legendary figures such as JFK, Princess Diana, and John Lennon come to mind.
Similarly, the passing of Michael Jackson in 2009, at the age of 50, left an indelible mark. I recall being in a hair salon when someone glanced at their phone and announced his death, causing customers and stylists alike to shed tears.
Michael Jackson’s music, dance, and meteoric rise to fame profoundly impacted American music, dance, and culture.
So it’s no surprise that his life story, warts and all, would serve as the perfect canvas for a Broadway musical: ‘MJ, the Musical.’
The Making of ‘MJ, the Musical’
Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage wrote the script for this wonderful musical.
Although the play was supposed to open in the Summer of 2020, the premiere was delayed due to a writers’ strike and the onset of the COVID pandemic that dimmed the lights on Broadway.
MJ, the Musical opened on February 1, 2022 and is still running at the magnificent Neil Simon Theater, renamed in honor of the playwright, whose Brighton Beach Memoirs opened there in 1983.
This historic, neoclassical-style theater was built in 1927. Herbert J. Krapp, its innovative architect, designed 15 of the remaining theaters on Broadway and pioneered the use of stadium seating.
The hallowed space is a spectacular setting for the show, offering excellent vision lines and acoustics.
A Slice of Michael’s Life
As the show begins, the musical production immerses the audience in backstage rehearsals with Michael (portrayed by the multi-talented Elijah Rhea Johnson) and his team, who are preparing for the monumental Dangerous tour in 1992.
During the rehearsal, Rachel, an MTV reporter (played by Carole Denise Jones), along with her cameraman, interview Michael. As Rachel interacts with Michael and his team, he shares glimpses of his past and aspirations for his future. The iconic Jackson tunes woven throughout the production help narrate the story.
The show gently delves into Michael’s troubled childhood as he rose to fame, initially as part of The Jackson Five and later as the King of Pop.
As the next-to-youngest of ten children, Michael endured a tumultuous upbringing. His abusive father, Joseph Jackson (played by Apollo Levine, whose resonant voice fills the theater), relentlessly demanded perfection from his sons, but Michael was singled out for particular bullying and criticism about his appearance.
Joseph, a failed businessman, harbored a mix of emotions towards Michael’s immense talent, seeing his son as a potential cash cow for their struggling family.
Given this upbringing, it is understandable that Michael became excessively demanding of himself and others. He underwent numerous cosmetic procedures to alter his nose and lighten his skin. With relentless energy, Michael was laser-focused on perfecting his music and dance.
The production also introduces characters like Berry Gordy and Quincy Jones, music industry luminaries who played pivotal roles in shaping Michael’s career.
Electrifying Vocals Coupled with Vibrant Music and Dance
The cast’s amazing musical performances (voice and dance), the show’s set design, and the use of light and sound almost compel the audience to jump out of their seats and follow the beat.
The Playbill requests that cell phones be turned off and tactfully cautions, ”Do not sing along with the actors.”
The message was prescient since many audience members were staunch fans of Michael Jackson and dozens of his hits on the show’s playlist. These included rousing renditions of Beat It, Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher, I’ll Be There, Dancing Machine, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough, Billie Jean, She’s Out Of My Life, Bad, Price of Fame, Thriller and Man in the Mirror.
The inventive choreography of Christopher Peter Wheeldon, including Michael’s moonwalk, is performed flawlessly.
A Not-To-Be-Missed Broadway Musical
While the show sensitively navigates the complexities of Michael Jackson’s life (which included failed marriages and tawdry rumors of child molestation), it ultimately celebrates his undeniable talent and the music that continues to inspire generations.
The abbreviated timeline portrayed in ‘MJ: The Musical’ (which doesn’t go beyond 1992) doesn’t allow the telling of the whole story.
But it offers a moving portrait of an artist driven by his passion and haunted by his past.
The show’s energy and heart, coupled with its award-winning music, make it a must-see for any visitor to New York.
The production has been recognized with 38 Grammy nominations and 13 Grammy wins.
Disclosure: The author was a guest of Imagine, PR but any opinions expressed in this post are her own.
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