If you enjoy Michael Jackson’s music and his unique contributions to the music and dance industry, then don’t miss this excellent musical about the man and his lifetime story!
The musical, simply entitled, “MJ,” is led by Jordan Markus and his alternate, DeAundre’ Woods, who portray Michael at different stages of his life. The entire cast delivers marvelous performances with memorable voices and dance routines.
Act one is set in the rehearsal hall for Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. In a classic Jackson presentation, the audience is teased as the first actor portraying a member of Jackson’s dance troupe, walks down a hallway onto the stage and immediately begins stretching and warming up for a dance rehearsal. One by one, additional dancers appear, building excitement as the audience anticipates Michael Jackson’s entrance.
In the production that I saw, the audience broke into thunderous applause when the actor playing Michael entered the stage.
As the production unfolds, you’re back to various stages in Michael’s life, beginning with his early childhood as the lead singer for the Jackson Five.
Although the play touches on delicate subjects such as his relationship with his abusive father and the contributions he made to the Jackson family’s finances, the poignant focus of “MJ” rests upon Michael’s personal artistry, and perfectionistic details that made his shows exciting.
Jackson was a master at capturing, holding and building an audience’s anticipation with deliberate, well planned and slowly executed, “milked” maneuvers, such as changing his clothes on stage, adjusting his hat and having his hair and makeup fixed and donning his famous glove. These acts were staged as forefronts leading into his next song.
The only disappointing factor in the musical, was the often-abrupt ending to a song, which left the audience temporarily hanging and yearning for more. Particularly during the big Thriller moment.
Nevertheless, a production that leaves you wanting more is a good thing! Furthermore, “MJ” is family-friendly and great fun for the kids, too! And dress up if you want! In the production I saw several audience members did.