With a sparkly glove, original sound and a love for dramatics, Michael Jackson made an everlasting impact on the music industry and the world. From his early days in the Jackson 5 to hit songs like “Thriller,” Jackson’s music has captivated audiences, christening him the king of pop. In light of Michael Jackson’s world-renowned talent, it is only right that he be honored on the big stage: Broadway.
MJ the musical highlights Jackson’s rise to fame and preparations for his Dangerous World Tour, as well as the role of family and fan pressures in his mental health struggles. From an early age, Michael Jackson’s father pushed him and his brothers into music to achieve the level of fame that he himself did not. With artful parallels between Jackson’s childhood, “Thriller” era and adult self, the audience is met with behind-the-scenes glimpses of Jackson’s ambition, struggle and life achievement.
The musical opens in a rehearsal studio setting with choreography and preparations for Jackson’s upcoming tour. Throughout, we see an interviewer taping the sessions and asking Jackson personal questions, revealing underlying, and yet unknown, tensions. Upon a question about his rise to fame, the story flashes back to his days in the Jackson 5 with his brothers when they received their deal with Motown. The memories are skillfully displayed as though Jackson is watching and reflecting, drawing connections between his past and his current fame. With his dad living vicariously through him, the pressure to be the best indeed formed a diamond.
The musical showcases Jackson’s growth as an artist from his “Soul Train” performance, leaving Motown at 16, filming The Wiz in New York City, moving to produce his own albums, breaking into the industry with his “Thriller” album, winning eight Grammy Awards at the 26th Grammy Awards in 1984 and continuing to use his success to provide for his family. Under pressures from the public and his long-standing personal issues, painkillers continue to circulate through the scenes of the musical.
As Michael Jackson rose to fame, MTV still would not play his music videos due to racial bias, but that all changed with “Thriller.” Managing to break into the industry, Jackson’s streak of success was not fleeting; the dynamic nature of Jackson’s music and public image is emphasized through the eras of music showcased. Toward the end of the musical, “Thriller” is performed by both the young and adult versions of Jackson; interestingly, the monster is portrayed by the same actor who plays Jackson’s father, further commenting upon Jackson’s uneasy family dynamic.
Song after song, move after move, the cast lived up to Michael Jackson’s eccentricity and love for dramatics.
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Storyline
For the storyline and plot of this musical, I would give the show 4.5 stars. I loved the progression from Jackson’s youth, to his teen years and then to his adulthood leading up to his “Dangerous” tour. The portrayal of Jackson’s rocky relationship with his father was done extremely well, with intricate details giving way to obvious tensions. I was on the edge of my seat, longing to give little Michael a hug for all he experienced under the expectation that he was responsible for being the family’s savior.
The reason I take off half a point is due to the confusion of what the audience was meant to feel in each moment, due to some actors playing multiple roles. Apollo Levine played both Michael Jackson’s father, Joseph, and a representation of Jackson’s adult-life tour managers, Rob. This element caused uncertainty in my interpretation of whether Jackson felt similarly about his father as about his manager, or if it was just to keep the cast more familiar.
I loved that the story encompassed three areas of Jackson’s life, allowing the audience to connect past pressures and experiences to his future actions and performance aspects. With these moments experienced simultaneously as if Jackson is reflecting upon his life, onlookers receive an intimate glimpse at the origins of Jackson’s future mannerisms.
His rise to fame is shown as humble but ambitious, ultimately highlighting his love for the music itself and for giving back to his charity, Heal the World Foundation. With popularity comes scrutiny, which Jackson knew all too well, facing the fire for alleged skin-bleaching, plastic surgery, bad press and more. After his hair caught fire in a Pepsi Co. commercial in his youth, Jackson never quite quit the painkillers, which is a prevalent motif in the musical.
I have been to many plays and musicals, but never have I been able to sit for two hours and still be so engaged with a performance. Michael Jackson’s repertoire of songs is so entertaining and timeless that I was thrilled to hear each and every one, many of which I grew up listening to.
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Actor Performance
All I have to say is wow… immediately 5 stars. Upon my visit, Michael Jackson was played by the alternate actor Roman Banks. Some audience members may recognize him from his role as Howie in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” or his Broadway debut as the first BIPOC actor to play Evan in Dear Evan Hansen.
If he was the alternate, then consider me dumbfounded, because I don’t know how this show could be any better. With the costuming and makeup, I could scarcely tell a difference between him and the real Michael Jackson. His choreography had a very fluid nature and yet such solid strength of motion, and I was extremely impressed with the flawless precision with which he pulled off Michael Jackson’s distinct tone of voice.
I was in awe of the cohesion of Michael’s character across the three time periods. Rowan Banks played adult Michael, Jayden K. White played him in adolescence and Lincoln Alejandro Collier played him in childhood. All three gentlemen had such outstanding vocal talent, sending chills of voice recognition down my spine; with this stylistic choice, I was really able to feel Jackson’s musical progression. From my third-row seat, I had a close-up view of how each character played their role through their eyes and expressions; I was leaning toward the stage, held captive by the mesmerizing performance.
Apollo Levine played both Rob, Jackson’s manager, and Jackson’s father, Joseph Jackson. I was ensnared by his strong portrayal of merciless ambition in the father’s interactions with the Jackson boys; he perfectly displayed a lack of compromise, a vice that Michael Jackson’s perfectionism may have originated from.
Nyla Sostre, who played Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds in the first Hamilton national tour, took on the role of Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s mother. Her duet with Lincoln Alejandro Collier touched my soul, communicating the warmth and love between mother and son.
Bailey McCall, who just completed the national tour of Cabaret as Sally Bowles, played Rachel, the woman interviewing Michael Jackson in his adulthood. I found her character emotionally sterile, but she indeed embodied the nosy nature of an investigative journalist.
Style Interpretation
Overall, I give the style interpretation a 4.5-star rating. The choice to include three ages of Michael Jackson showcases the progression of his music and public image, using the format of an interview to incorporate a reflective type of storytelling. I thought that the way the story was told through interviews, performances and past reflections was creative and innovative. The transitions between past and present flow smoothly, interconnecting during moments that further the story through inferential details. By using this layout, the audience can interpret Jackson’s motivations as a result of his father’s past words and influence as a sort of distorted “Jiminy Cricket” figure in his ear.
The musical resonates with me personally because I picked up on the ingrained belief that applause and achievement are how love is earned. The world didn’t know enough back then about mental health and the ease of addiction to be empathetic toward Jackson’s situation, making his fate as a sort of anti-hero all the more sorrowful. As someone who never got to be a kid, it is then easy to understand why he poured so much intention into his Neverland Ranch oasis.
Sets and Costumes
I award 4.5 stars for the sets and costuming because it is hard to mess these up with such a distinct, prevalent figure as Michael Jackson. Derek McLane, who designed the Academy Awards six times and sets for many other live and televised plays, executed set designs. The sets showcased all of the glitz and glam we expect from Michael Jackson, with artistic scenes to match his jazzy beats.
From the fog machines, monster masks, and iconic red jacket for “Thriller” to the neon lights, white suit, and fedora for “Smooth Criminal,” my expectations were exceeded and my senses rather pleased. I have to say, my favorite part was most definitely Roman Banks popping out from under the stage using a heavy-duty hydraulic stage lift; it was a surprising treat. In addition, the sets aligned with what we know the image of Michael Jackson to be, and yet they were also very dynamic. The quick transitions allowed for smoother storytelling.
The costuming was done by Paul Tazewell, who produced the original costuming for Hamilton, The Color Purple, etc. The actors were outfitted with classic trends from Jackson’s time period. Key pieces were the renowned sequined glove, loafers, leathers and button-downs, eccentric jackets, gold decadence and more. I thought they were fitting for the story, and furthered his image of grandeur and style.
Music and Choreography
Two words: dance break. There wasn’t a single moment that I nodded off during the play; it would be unbearable to miss a single song when such talent was on display. Let’s just say the king of pop has no bad songs.
Every motion was sharp, enthralling the audience with pure adeptness. Rich and Tone Talauega are the mastermind choreographers behind this musical; having worked with stars like Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Usher, The Black Eyed Peas and even Michael Jackson himself, the choreography showed spectacular expertise and expressiveness.
All in all, MJ the musical offers an enchanting experience full of conflicting emotions, anticipation, joy and nostalgia for a time of great dancing and even better music. While I may be biased due to my love for theater, this musical remains unmatched in its innovative, enrapturing nature. I’m thankful I received the opportunity to experience this show up close, and it is not a musical I will soon forget.
MJ continues to offer shows on Broadway in NYC at the Neil Simon Theatre.
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