MJ The Musical
Click here if you liked this article 14 
Date Reviewed: 16/09/2025
Some shows entertain, others astonish ... and every so often, one sweeps past every expectation, leaving you exhilarated and transformed. For me, the opening night of MJ The Musical in Melbourne was exactly that - it transcended the jukebox-musical mould, exploding into a visual and auditory feast that was impossible to witness passively. Song after song, the energy was infectious, compelling not just applause but joyous, spontaneous outbursts from the audience. Helmed by Lynn Nottage and Christopher Wheeldon, the production masterfully wove Jackson’s iconic music with a narrative of his relentless dedication, perfectionism, and visionary spirit. It felt less like a simple biography and more like a kinetic concert fused with a poignant window into the man behind the music.
The dramatic framework is a 1992 interview, with MTV reporter Rachel (a sharp Penny McNamee) and her cameraman Alejandro (Yashith Fernando) documenting rehearsals for the impending Dangerous world tour. As Michael reflects, flashbacks transport us into his past, introducing the formidable figure of his father, Joseph. A standout performance comes from Derrick Davis, who takes on the dual roles of Joseph and Rob, the present-day tour producer. Davis shifted seamlessly between the two: one a domineering parent whose cruelty left lasting scars, the other a measured collaborator. The stark contrast poignantly illustrated the complex ways authority shaped Michael’s world.
There were moments when the performance felt almost visited by Michael’s spirit. Not the man himself, but his essence coursed across the stage in a way that was both powerful and uncanny. Broadway star Ilario Grant carried that illusion with astonishing skill, nailing Jackson’s iconic movements and vocal timbre while also revealing the profound vulnerability beneath the legend. Alongside him, Liam Damons offered a moving portrayal of a younger Michael, and together they created a compelling living timeline: past meeting present, tracing the journey of the boy who would become an icon.
The ensemble were absolute powerhouses: any single one could have stolen the spotlight, but together they were an unstoppable, precision-driven force. It’s no surprise the choreography felt so electric; flipping through the program later, I discovered that Rich and Tone Talauega, who actually worked with MJ on his HIStory tour, were the consultants. You could feel that heartbeat of authenticity in every step, every synchronized kick.
The staging was a marvel of modern theatre; constantly in motion, bursting with colour, and employing clever, cinematic scene changes that flowed mid-song. The true magic, however, was in the synthesis of design. Costumes (Paul Tazewell), lighting (Natasha Katz), projections (Peter Nigrini), and sound (Gareth Owen) didn’t just complement each other; they conspired to create a totally immersive sensory experience.
What struck me most was the production’s deft balance of spectacle with intimacy. Scenes deconstructing Michael’s songs, where a single beat or vocal riff blossomed into the music we know, drew us close to his raw, creative genius. Interludes of childhood memories and family struggles were woven throughout, reminding us how early pain fuelled his creative drive. The result was a production steeped in devotion, unity, and deep respect.
In the end, MJ The Musical wasn’t just entertainment; it was a vibrant, heartfelt homage. It reminded me why Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to resonate across generations. The show gave us all a taste of the artist, not just the legend immortalised on screen, but the vulnerable, relentless visionary who changed everything.
Credits
- Book: Lynn Nottage
- Director & Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon OBE
- Music Director (Australia): Michael Azzopardi
- Orchestrations & Arrangements: David Holcenberg, Jason Michael Webb
- Choreography Consultants: Rich & Tone Talauega
- Scenic Design: Derek McLane
- Lighting Design: Natasha Katz
- Costume Design: Paul Tazewell
- Projection Design: Peter Nigrini
- Sound Design: Gareth Owen