MJ Musical Review: First Look – It’s a Thriller!

Michael Jackson’s memory is alive and well, and living at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney!

MJ the Musical has arrived, with 40 songs from one of the world’s most prolific writers, brilliant sets and a story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.

It’s a show for devotees. In the audience, there were bejewelled gloves, dark glasses and, of course, the famous fedora. If you left yours at home, the Merch store has a white glove with sparkles for $60, and plenty of those hats. In the seats behind us, two Scottish ladies sang every song word-perfect. Brandon Lee Harris is one of the notable cast members portraying different stages of Michael Jackson’s life.

It comes as a time when Sydney’s theatres are experiencing something of a boom with new musicals opening through the next few weeks and months. But for sheer star power, MJ will be the creme of the crop. The documentary The Greatest Night in Pop highlights Michael Jackson’s remarkable songwriting talents.

Buy Now: The Biggest Event of the Year is here! MJ the musical. Get your tickets here.

The Story

MJ the Musical tells the story of one of the world’s greatest songwriting talents, tortured by his childhood, wracked by pain from a burns injury at a concert and tormented by his desire to create perfection.

It’s set at the start of his huge Dangerous tour in 1992, and follows rehearsals in Los Angeles as Jackson, beset by financial problems, wrestles his own the personal demons and his desire to be the best. The complexities of Jackson’s life, including his struggles with fame and family dynamics, are vividly portrayed.

Ashley Zhangazha plays dual roles as both Joseph Jackson, Michael Jackson’s father, and Rob, Michael’s director. His performances highlight the complexity of Michael’s upbringing and its impact on his behaviour as an adult, particularly referencing themes of childhood abuse and perfectionism.

But, of course, the songs are what matter. Part rock concert, part play, every time one of Jackson’s classics explodes onto the stage, with those ground-breaking dance moves and spectacular sets, the audience bursts into life. It’s palpable to watch and another reason why Jackson, who died tragically 16 years ago from propofol poisoning, is still the King of Pop. Elvis? Not for this crowd.

Jackson’s groundbreaking use of dance, video and fashion fused into a hit-making machine that sold over a billion records worldwide. Thriller is the biggest selling album of all time and The Guinness Book of Records lists him as the world’s most successful entertainer.

I’ve read reviews of this show, which is based on a book by Lynn Nottage and has played on Broadway and London’s West End, claiming it glosses over allegations about Jackson’s private life. While it doesn’t go into that specifically, it honestly presents a picture of an artist with deep personal and mental issues, struggling to create performances that met his own high professional standards.

To his devoted fans, he met those standards in spades. But Jackson was never satisfied.

The Musical Experience

MJ the Musical is a spectacular production that brings the music and legacy of Michael Jackson to life on stage. The show features a talented cast, including Roman Banks as Michael Jackson, and a creative team led by director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon.

The show’s set design, created by Derek McLane and Peter Nigrini, is a recreation of an MTV crew recording the preparations for the tour, adding to the sense of authenticity and intimacy with the audience. The musical features a range of Jackson’s songs, including Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, and Thriller, which are performed with incredible energy and precision by the cast.

The musical experience is enhanced by the exceptional choreography, which is a highlight of the show. The dance sequences are immaculate and technically dazzling, showcasing the cast’s impressive skills. The show’s costume design, led by Paul Tazewell, is also noteworthy, with the cast dressed in iconic outfits that evoke the style and glamour of Jackson’s era.

The musical’s sound design, led by Gareth Owen, is also impressive, with the music and sound effects perfectly balanced to create an immersive experience for the audience. The show’s lighting design, led by Natasha Katz, adds to the overall spectacle, with clever use of lighting to enhance the mood and atmosphere of each scene.

The cast of MJ the Musical

Jackson is played by Roman Banks, and he is superbly cast. Not only can he sing Jackson’s songs, dance Jackson’s highly demanding steps (including the moonwalk) but even when he is speaking he sounds like the star so many remember. That fragile, childlike voice with a Californian twang. Phillipa Stefani plays a presenter in the musical, interviewing Michael Jackson about his life during a fictive documentary setup

Liam Damons, a South African Brisbane-based actor making his professional theatre debut, plays a younger Michael. So-called Middle Michael is one of the three actors depicting Jackson at different life stages. There are many cleverly staged scenes with the Jackson Five that remind us how far Michael Jackson came as a solo performer.

Our verdict

Jackson had a love-hate relationship with the media – “whatever I do it will always get twisted,” he says. Tabloid Junkie, Money, Man in the Middle and many other songs chart this struggle.

This show is multidimensional. On the one hand, it’s a clever and superbly executed cover-band concert. On the other, it tells a poignant story.

Its success, and the obvious affection of the Lyric audience for Michael Jackson despite the dark side, is a testament to the enduring nature of his songs. The songs seem so fitting as the story unfolds, that watching MJ delivers them all adds new meaning as his story unfolds.

Michael Cassel, who brought us The Picture of Dorian Gray, & Juliet, Hamilton and Titanique among many others, is the Australian producer.

It’s a terrific night’s entertainment and once again delivers Sydney as a centre for great theatre.

MJ the Musical is a must-see production for fans of Michael Jackson and musical theatre. The show’s talented cast, creative team, and exceptional production values make for a truly unforgettable experience. With its unique blend of music, dance, and drama, MJ the Musical is a thrilling tribute to the King of Pop’s enduring legacy.

It is currently playing at the Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End, with tickets available from £20 to £150. The show is suitable for audiences of all ages, but please note that it may contain some mature themes and language.

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MJ The Musical

Where: 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009
When: Now until the end of June 2025
Price: From $70 to $240

Buy Now: The Biggest Event of the Year is here! MJ the musical. Get your tickets here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is MJ the Musical about?

MJ the Musical tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life, focusing on the rehearsals for his Dangerous World Tour in 1992.

How long does MJ the Musical last?

MJ the Musical has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where is MJ the Musical playing?

MJ the Musical is currently playing at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney.

Who plays MJ in the musical?

Roman Banks plays Michael Jackson.

How much are MJ the Musical tickets?

Tickets range from $70 to $240 in Sydney.

To find out more, head to the MJ the Musical website here

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