REVIEW MJ: The Musical

Impossible to sit back or sit still, MJ is a feast for the senses. Her Majesty’s Theatre’s

engagement with The King of Pop is nothing short of spectacular. Set during the

development of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour, this jukebox

champions his collaborative and often perfectionist creative process and highlights

literally everyone on and off stage. This show is such a celebration of each facet of

live entertainment, which speaks to its four 2022 Tony Award wins for Best Actor,

Choreography, Lighting Design and Sound Design.

A core belief instilled in Michael by Quincy Jones during the show is letting the music

take the lead, and goodness do we get that. I was so thrilled to see the pit on stage

pre-show, meaning we’d get to watch the iconic music come to life first-hand. This

incredible band - assembled by seasoned musical director Michael Azzopardi - is a

character itself, interacting with Michael and other characters throughout the show. I

can’t think of anyone better suited to step into the rocking shoes of Michael

Jackson’s touring guitarist Jennifer Batten than Australian pit legend Debbie Yap,

taking to the stage early on with Michael for some serious face-melting solo action in

‘Beat It’.

The best thing about experiencing Tyrone Goshe’s expert rhythms on drums and

Lorima Sautu’s funky bass is that you get to feel it in your bones. Designed to mimic

the levels of both rehearsal spaces and arena concerts, the intricate sound design is

felt from all directions and constantly surprises and invites us into how Michael hears

the world.

This production is highly immersive, including a pre-show sneak peak into the pre-

rehearsal arrival of dancers, producers and band members to the studio, prepping

for Michael’s arrival. It starts small, inviting us to witness the groundwork that leads

to his spectacular live shows.

Image Credit: Daniel Boud

This show’s story follows ‘the cost of fame’; the ongoing impact of past traumatic

pressures from Michael’s father, straining finances, mixed public image and to top it

off, an MTV crew documenting his every move in rehearsals for the tour. It transports

us through Michael’s turbulent early years and his rise to stardom. The lighting,

projection, scenery, sound and costumes work cohesively with colour and contrast to

seamlessly transition in space and time, and in a split second you’ll find yourself in

Motown Records, or on the Soul Train soundstage. Set transitions aren’t just

practical but used as a continued vehicle for story. It’s just so technically smart, and

not a moment is wasted.

The role of MJ is shared by Daniel Makunike, Liam Damons and Ilario Grant, who all

capture the familiar essence of each phase of ‘Michael’ throughout his life. Ilario Grant

holds his soft-spoken and playful rehearsal manner beautifully, and commands

the room with a powerful stage presence when donning the signature hat and glove,

leading this production with heart and flair. Derrick Davis is commanding in a

different tone as Michael’s controlling father Joseph Jackson. His sudden character

shifts between tour director Rob and Joseph are powerful and haunting. At this

performance MJ’s mother Katherine was portrayed by powerhouse standby Shewit

Belay, whose vocals soared.

Photo credit: Daniel Boud

The whole company were physically dynamic and strong, and the choreography by

director Christopher Weeldon was both familiar and fresh. A personal highlight was

the opening of Act 2, a masterclass in weaving varied dance influences into a unique

and personal movement style, as Michael Jackson himself perfected. ‘Wanna Be

Startin’ Somethin’ notably – and unexpectedly from the outset – stopped the show

with rapturous applause in the middle Act 1, and the upward momentum never

slowed.

Notably, this production does not include the later allegations against Michael. It

does ask us to separate the art from our thoughts on the artist, particularly as a large

part of the plot explores the challenges of living a life documented – and potentially

manipulated – by mass media. Those attending on either side of the allegations may

have different reactions to the material, but this production itself is an undeniably

impressive tribute to Michael Jackson’s monumental influence and creative legacy,

as well as that of the many incredible artists that he worked with. It leads with joy and

skill, and spotlights the exceptional work of Australian cast, crew and creatives. I felt

a sense of creative celebration in the audience, and left feeling genuinely inspired by

the experience. This is a legacy that this team should be immensely proud of.

4.5 Stars out of 5

Get tickets for MJ: The Musical here