Michael Jackson is one of the most iconic and influential artists of all time. Now, the Tony Award® winning MJ: Musical has been brought from Broadway to the West End. On the first stop on its world tour, Londoners can now experience the dazzling production at the Prince Edward Theatre.
Addressing the elephant in the room, I did second-guess whether I could support an MJ experience. His posthumous allegations certainly tainted his legacy, but the public has never had any definitive answers. The show addresses this grey area by focusing on Michael up until 1992, separating the art from the artist beyond this time. It’s difficult to make an overall judgment call, but there is clear rationale for celebrating Michael Jackson‘s artistry, which the show aims to do.
The story gives a unique insight into Michael’s creative process, looking back at all his experiences leading up to the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Written by two-time Pulitzer Prize® winning writer Lynn Nottage (Clyde’s, Secret Life of Bees, Sweat), the narrative balances MJ’s painful experiences with his roaring successes. As time goes on, we meet Little Michael (Jayden Eastmen, Elliot Mugume, Ethan Sokontwe, Dylan Trigger), Michael during his teenage years and early solo career (Mitchell Zhangazha), and finally as the established icon MJ (Myles Frost).
Michael’s creative genius is, of course, a central theme. His dance and musical inspirations are revealed in fantastic Motown numbers and stunning choreography. We’re also introduced to Michael’s creative collaborators, Quincy Jones (Rohan Pinnock-Hamilton) and Berry Gordy (Matt Mills), who played significant roles in MJ’s musical journey. With all the iconic Jackson 5, Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous album hits, it’s impossible not to groove and sing along.
On the other hand, the story shows how a dictating father (Ashley Zhangazha) instilled MJ’s relentless dedication to perfection and, ultimately, a pill addiction. With vignettes of the brutal words of his father, we learn where the darker undertones of songs like Thriller and Man in the Mirror might have come from.
The show also addresses the disconnect MJ experienced due to his superstardom. The scenes of constant controversies and mobbing show Michael in the vulnerable state he is now known for. The loneliness and depression add layers to the performances of Tabloid Junkie, Price of Fame, and Stranger in Moscow.
The three Michael’s central to the story portray him with clear dedication. All are superstar dancers, singers, and actors, who continuously blew everyone away. Myles Frost‘s MJ resemblance is uncanny, with perfected body language, voice, and movement. With such a skilled and acclaimed performer, it’s no surprise he won the ‘Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical’ Tony Award® as MJ in 2022.
The musical is directed and choreographed by Royal Ballet Associate Artist Christopher Wheeldon OBE, who won the Tony Award® ‘Best Choreography of a Musical’ for MJ. So, unsurprisingly, the visuals are nothing short of mind-blowing. Alongside coaching from Rich + Tone Talauega (who both danced and choreographed with Michael Jackson himself), the cast’s movement and dancing are near perfection – in true MJ fashion.
The lighting, on-stage orchestra, costumes, and colours made the show entirely immersive. The audience was absorbed from the jump and cheered in awe all the way through. Philippa Stefani particularly stunned us with her voice. Playing Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, Stefani brought warmth and tenderness to the stage, perfectly counteracting some of the more intense moments.
Overall, the show was much more nostalgic and emotional than I expected it to be. But as someone raised in an MJ household, maybe that’s not so shocking. The show will undoubtedly bring joy worldwide on its tour and reinvigorate happy memories for many. To make an MJ musical was a bold choice, garnering high expectations, but it has surpassed them. A technical marvel, and just a great time, MJ fans will not want to miss this.
