Theater review: Michael Jackson musical ‘MJ’ hits highest notes and lowest points of an icon
The Michael Jackson musical “MJ” is now on tour, and we saw it in Orlando. Is the show a thriller, or is it just … bad?
Photo by Matthew Murphy
“MJ,” a jukebox musical featuring the music of Michael Jackson, is now playing in Orlando, Fla. and Attractions Magazine was invited to come check it out. “MJ” tells the story of Michael Jackson preparing for his wildly popular “Dangerous World Tour” in the early ’90s. As we get a glimpse of Michael and his team preparing, we’re treated to performances and samples of nearly 40 of the King of Pop’s hits, along with flashbacks of his life story leading up to the landmark tour.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
The story of “MJ” shows Michael as an artist so obsessed that he’s willing to risk everything and work through any pain to achieve perfection. We see bits and pieces of how the iconic tour might have come together as Michael pushes everyone to achieve his vision. An MTV documentary team is also on hand, and it’s through their interactions with Michael that we are taken back in time to see just how the King of Pop became the idiocentric man we would all come to know.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Highlights of the Michael Jackson musical include a number showing off a compilation of iconic dancers and choreographers, such as The Isley Brothers and Bob Fosse, from whom Michael would borrow to create his iconic style. The show itself moves briskly, jumping from iconic song to iconic song showing off music from Michael’s entire life and lingering on some of his biggest hits. “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Earth Song,” “Smooth Criminal” … the list goes on and on and stands as testament to Michael’s creative genius.
The plot of MJ flows in and out of the ’90s tour rehearsals and scenes from the performer’s history with the rest of the “tour’s” cast taking on roles from Berry Gordy to Quincy Jackson and everything in between. While this could have been hokey and reminiscent of “Godspell” or “Pippin,” it actually works well. The conceit especially works when characters from the present play complimentary characters from the past, such as a tour manager playing one of Michael’s previous managers or children on set playing young Michael in The Jackson Five.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
A particular stand-out from the cast is Devin Bowles as both Rob, a sort of choreographer/tour manager, and Jo Jackson, Michael’s domineering father. Both characters are unique in their voice, mannerisms, and even walk, and Bowles transitions between them seamlessly while nailing the portrayals. At no point was I forced to wonder which part he was playing.
Of course, with a biopic-style show, like previous ones that have come through Orlando in recent years (especially where the person in question was such an iconic talent), the Michael Jackson musical lives or dies based on the talent of the lead actor. In our performance, we saw Jordan Markus take on the role of King of Pop and he stepped into the one gloved role with aplomb. Markus captures the strange childlike quirks that made Jackson so unique while also nailing the crisp dancing and dazzling high notes. I had a minor quibble with his speaking voice for Michael, imitating the performer’s quiet whisper-like tone, which came out a little mush-mouthed at times and was hard to understand under the background scoring. Again, minor; and it certainly did not detract from the powerhouse performances happening on the stage.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
“MJ” is very careful when showing Michael’s various problems and personal issues. What is likely his most famous legal issue is barely given a mention (the show taking place before that all really kicked off). The show doesn’t shy away from showing his prescription drug use, which would ultimately lead to his death. While the controversies surrounding Jackson are important to not gloss over, they take a backseat in this production to presenting Michael’s undeniable musical talent and dancing ability.
Literally hit song after hit song after hit song come fast furious in the show, some only lasting a few bars just due to the sheer number of musical performances.
In the end, “MJ” is a top-notch jukebox musical which tells a powerful story surrounded by some of the most iconic songs in music history. Even for those who aren’t specifically fans of Michael Jackson, the unmistakably catchy music, gripping story, and strong performances of the musical may just turn you around. Or you can just blame it on the boogie.
“MJ” is playing now through March 16, 2025 at The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Fla. For tickets, visit DrPhillipsCenter.org. For more information or to find a tour stop near you, visit MJTheMusical.com.
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There is no better Michael Jackson portrayal than Michael Jackson himself. No one else can play him better. Michael was born the same year as me. He was and always be the king of pop and disco also.. long live the king in heaven and in rest and plece…