JADAR

★★★☆☆

“You can’t tell a Michael Jackson story without the struggle.” Rachel, an MTV reporter played by Philippa Stefani says when interviewing Michael Jackson during Act 2. Except, that’s exactly what MJ The Musical does. It shies away from the struggles in favour of shining lights and superficial entertainment.

MJ The Musical is a multiple Tony Award-winning musical that tells the King of Pop’s story, covering the very early musical moments in Michael Jackson’s life during his time in the Jackson Five through to the current day where we see him preparing for the DANGEROUS tour. We join MJ and his team in the rehearsal room as they run through the set list, watching as he continuously butts heads with his tour manager on meticulous expensive details of set designs, pyro technics and toaster lifts all while an MTV crew is interviewing him, the first interview with the popstar in 14 years.

It is fair to say that I went into this musical pretty much blind: I know Michael Jackson, I know his story and his songs (as do probably most of the audience) but that was as far as my knowledge of the musical went. I was deeply curious how the show was going to play it all out as a form of musical theatre. Luckily, I wasn’t given much time to speculate as, before I knew it, the sound of ‘Beat It’ is playing, and out walks Jamaal Fields Green, donned in a pair of black loafers, white socks and a shiny fedora, and I was suddenly swept away by this very unsettling feeling that out has walked the real Michael Jackson on stage at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Fields-Green has already performed the titular role of MJ the Musical on Broadway, and it’s clear from his vocals, his posture and his dancing that he has embodied this role fully in both heart and soul. He dazzles the audience from the very first second, bringing a drive to the role that only mirrors that of the character MJ. Praise must also be given to Jaydon Eastman and Mitchell Zhangazha who played Michael Jackson during his younger years. They matched the energy of Jamaal to a tee, successfully drawing us into MJ’s story of musical and personal growth.  

The staging of MJ The Musical is simple: it’s Michael Jackson’s dance studio. What makes it particularly impressive though is the swift and seamless transitions between the rehearsal studio into whatever location is being portrayed: that of the Jackson family home during flashbacks, the spooky graveyard scene for ‘Thriller’, or the Apollo Theatre for a stellar Jackson 5 performance. There’s also the nice addition of MJ’s diary entries cast upon the curtain both before the show starts and during the interval, lending into the recurring theme of MJ’s over-analysis and meticulous need for detail.

What makes this musical so popular and worthy of praise is that of the choreography and dance numbers which can only be described as nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a jukebox musical; everyone in the audience knows what they are getting: the Michael Jackson medley. Every song is a visual feast for the eyes with some of the most spectacular dance moves, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, I have ever watched on stage. Stand outs go to the Jackson Five classics: ‘Can You Feel It’, ‘Blame It on the Boogie’ and ‘I Want You Back’, alongside the Act 2 opener where we see MJ in his sequined jacket and single glove, moonwalking across the stage for ‘Billie Jean’. The decision to end the show with ‘The Man in the Mirror’ is one of genius and perhaps one of the best songs of the show as we get the rest of the cast coming on stage to sing this emotional number to MJ instead. 

One song I was not so … thrilled by, however, was that favourite monster bop. Yes, ‘Thriller’. We get a small tease to the song in Act 1 but it’s not until Act 2 that it comes as a full number and sadly, it just didn’t live up to my expectations. There is also a sense of fatigue to the whole musical numbers – how many times can Jamaal do the same MJ moves until it gets repetitive? How many songs can you fit into one musical before it becomes TOO many Michael Jackson songs? By Act 2, already a more song-heavy act, I was starting to feel a little exhausted by the sameness of it all.

Which leads me nicely on to addressing the big fat elephant in the room… 

While Michael Jackson may be one of the most globally successful musicians of all time, having sold over 500 million records worldwide, we can’t ignore the very problematic and controversial nature of him. From the very start, the musical makes it very clear that this is a story focused on music and asks the audience if we can separate the art versus the artist. And while throughout, we get undertones of themes of racism, physical and sexual abuse and substance abuse, these themes and controversies are not properly explored in any real way. The vulnerability and struggle, and dare I say realness, of MJ is hidden away behind the flashing lights and loud music.

There is also absolutely no plot to this musical. If you’re going to see it to learn more about Michael Jackson, you’ll come away unsatisfied. We don’t get any real depth to his story, and the MTV side-plot goes nowhere interesting. I had to ask myself if it was even really needed in the first place.

If you’re looking to dance along to some of Michael Jackson’s pop hits, look no further than MJ The Musical. It is a spectacle with an unbelievably talented cast, phenomenal dance numbers and brilliant vocals. If you’re looking for a story that will develop your understanding of who Michael Jackson really is, you’re sure to leave the theatre disappointed. Simply put, outside of the production of the show, the musical is lackluster in its story and a little (a lot? that’s up to you to decide) problematic in its omissions.

MJ The Musical is currently running at the Prince Edward Theatre until September 13.

Photo: Craig Sugden