“MJ: The Musical” sells a kind of nostalgia that appears to be harmless on the surface, but deep down it’s worried that it’s extremely dangerous.
I’ll explain what that means right away, but “danger” is a proper word as the latest jukebox musical of our tour Broadway season is set on the eve of Michael Jackson’s 1992 “dangerous” tour. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has a big bet on the show. This is in town twice the length of a regular Broadway touring show. That’s probably a safe bet. Jackson is the best-selling solo artist of all time, and his bestselling album (“Thriller”) has become his credit.
In “MJ: The Musical,” Michael Jackson answers questions about his life as asked by his therapist. No, wait, sorry. Here is a documentary filmmaker who drives flashbacks and asks questions to provide insight into Jackson’s spirit and creative progress.
It’s shallow insight at best, but the talent pool behind the scenes and behind the scenes is deep. Paul Tazewell’s outfit and Charles G. Lapointe’s wig create iconic moments and beautifully reminisce about various eras. Director Christopher Wheeldon is also choreographed and watched those dancers move. They appear to be directly reflected in videos and concerts from the 1980s and 90s.
What’s more, is Jordan Marx, who plays Michael Jackson in the 1990s. It’s not just a moonwalk, but the way his limbs bend, his pelvis pierces and his head snaps. It was strange, with a memorable whispers of voice and childlike expressions reminiscent of a vulnerable bird.
Two other actors play MJ. Eric Hamilton, like Jackson’s mid-Jackson, makes a strong impression both loudly and physically.
Anastasia Tully firmly gives Michael’s mother a totally misguided dignity. And Devin Bowles has a strong influence in the most complicated and interesting role on the show. He plays Michael’s driving father. He shows love through threats and orders and is Michael’s “dangerous” tour manager.
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Some large productions stand out in particular. Ode to Jackson’s love for dance legends, including Fred Astaire and Bob Fosse. The captivating “smooth criminal” and the thrilling “thriller” figures.
Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynnottage wrote a book for the show, meaning storylines and scripts. I’m a huge Nottage fan. Theatres like “Sweat” light up what our humans click, creating characters and situations that feel realistic and illuminate. Not that in “MJ,” but outside of music it’s a repetitive Rittany. Michael had a bad childhood, and Michael had an abusive father. Michael’s parents did not model his love.
Is this news for everyone? With that common knowledge and awareness of how Jackson’s life is tragically over, Notetage attempts gin with a brief worry about Jackson’s famous Neverland Ranch mortgage, but with no dramatic interests.
Setting up the show in 1992 also avoids talking about accusations of child abuse and subsequent unstable behavior. And that comes from my previous comments about “dangerous” nostalgia.
We live in an age where it is too common to ignore inconvenient truths about our idols and inconvenient facts about our world, and it is too common for us to accept lies if they are in line with the way we want things to. This show of living a prominent life separates us from reality.
Music may satisfy you with the “good old days” – it wasn’t as good as we think – but even with this talent and the number of productions of Razzle Dazzle, it made me incredibly sad to see Michael Jackson’s life falling off the rails.
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“MJ: Musical”
Length: 2:40, with breaks included: Dr. Walt Disney Theatre for Performing Arts, Orlando period at 445 S. Magnolia Avenue: Until March 16 Cost: After $49 Information: Drphillipscenter.org
Original issue: 5am Eastern Standard Time, March 5, 2025
