Some might argue that Michael Jackson’s story has already been told countless times, and that yet another jukebox musical risks being a predictable, box-ticking addition to the Broadway lineup (and they might not be wrong). Yet thanks to a remarkably strong cast and a musical score that all but guarantees a rush of personal nostalgia for every audience member, MJ the Musical proves itself to be a solid and highly entertaining extravaganza.
On a personal note, the music transported me straight back to buying my very first CD: Michael Jackson's Dangerous. I could almost smell the sharp plastic scent of the case as I peeled off the wrapping for the first time. Few shows manage to trigger memories that visceral, and it’s a testament to the emotional power of Jackson’s catalogue.
Set in the early 1990s during rehearsals for the infamous Dangerous tour, the story unfolds largely within a Los Angeles rehearsal room. Here, MJ is depicted as a fiercely driven, detail-obsessed performer, pushing both himself and his band and dance crew relentlessly in pursuit of perfection.
The framing device of an MTV documentary interview is a clever one, allowing the show to explore Michael’s childhood, creative process, and personal demons. These moments seamlessly propel us through the 1970s and 80s, soundtracked by hits from the Jackson 5, The Jacksons, and Michael’s solo career.
Matte Martinez commands the stage as 90s-era MJ, delivering a convincing embodiment of the King of Pop both physically and vocally. Tavon Olds-Sample is equally compelling as Michael from age 16 through his early 20s in the flashback scenes, while Emjay Roa (whose name suggests his parents may have been fans long before he was born) charms as Little Michael during the early Jackson 5 years.
Another standout is Apollo Levine, who deftly takes on multiple roles, including MJ’s manager Rob and his father Joseph. Levine skillfully differentiates the characters through accent and vocal tone, particularly impressive when both appear in close succession and his soulful vocals provide a welcome contrast to the predominantly pop-driven score.
The scenography begins almost worryingly simple, with just the brick-lined walls of the rehearsal studio visible but effortlessly transforms throughout the show with huge, complex set pieces flying in and out of the stage. A particularly memorable moment features large fragments of broken glass with colorful projections of negative news headlines from across Jackson's career. The glass moving and transforming beautifully while the action plays out on the stage below.
And, of course, the music itself is electrifying. The show features around 40 iconic songs, spanning everything from “ABC” to “Smooth Criminal” and “Black or White.”
Two musical numbers stand above the rest. “Thriller” is cleverly teased throughout the show in fragmented, lo-fi moments before erupting in the second act as a full-throttle spectacle, with Joseph Jackson portrayed as a controlling, zombie-like puppet master. “Man in the Mirror” is equally powerful, delivered as an emotionally charged choral finale that visibly moved much of the audience to tears.
Overall, MJ the Musical delivers exactly what it promises: a thrilling night out packed with big set pieces, dazzling lights, explosive choreography, and even the expected “toaster jump” moment fans will be waiting for.
Now more than three years into its Broadway run at the Neil Simon Theatre, MJ the Musical continues to prove its staying power.
More information and tickets are available here: https://newyork.mjthemusical.com