MJ: The Musical (Lyric Theatre) – musical theatre review

What a powerhouse of a show this is. The music, the moves and magnitude of it all were certainly not lost on me. The setting is the rehearsal room in the lead up to Michael Jackson’s Dangerous world tour, which kicked off in June 1992 and finished in November 1993. Michael Jackson (Ilario Grant), ever the perfectionist, is looking to build on the success of his last tour. Already a multiple Grammy winner, his focus is forever on the music and the spectacle.

His backing dancers are excellent, but he still wants to draw more from them. He rides himself and them hard. It is all about upping the ante and giving the audience something they have never seen before. He is most at home when he is on stage wowing the crowd. Jackson is feeling the pressure and popping pills regularly. Tour director Rob (Derrick Davis) is trying to reason with him, but Michael won’t hear of it, making frequent last-minute changes. The latter visualises what he is after and won’t take no for answer, regardless of the cost. Truth be told, he is facing serious financial pressures.

An MTV reporter Rachel (Penny McNamee) and cameraman Alejandro (Yashith Fernando) have been given unparalleled access to Jackson for two days. Their assignment is to record a puff piece on the tour. But Rachel is determined to go further and ask Michael some hard questions, including probing him about rumours that have been circulating. Jackson, who shuns the media, hasn’t given an in-depth interview for 14 years.

He reflects upon what shaped him, scared him and scarred him (in so doing, the musical doesn’t shy away from highlighting his demons). So it is that we learn about his controlling, womanising father Joseph (again Derrick Davis) and the emergence of the Jackson Five. His mother Katherine (Shewit Belay) is forever defending Joseph’s harsh demeanour as a sign of love and him wanting to further the family.

As Jackson’s solo career begins to take off, he is taken under the wing of Motown record label founder Berry Gordy (Wonza Johnson). Not content, Jackson teams up with another famed record producer in Quincy Jones (Conlon Bonner), before branching out again. So it is that the action in MJ: The Musical moves back and forth in time as the Dangerous tour is imminent. Allegations of improper sexual conduct by Michael Jackson are never mentioned.

With book by Lynn Nottage, this is a stunningly produced jukebox musical, skilfully directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. I witnessed an inspired performance from Ilario Grant, who does most of the heavy lifting in the lead. His vocal proclivity is remarkable. His voice channels that of the King of Pop and that is high praise indeed. His limber dance moves, too, are something to behold. That takes me back to the choreography, which is flawless, including seamless transitions within scenes.

Liam Damons does a fine job as the teenage Michael and Daniel Makunike is accomplished as Little Michael. Derrick Davis brings gravitas to hard-nosed Joseph Jackson and long-suffering tour director Rob. Shewit Belay has mellifluous pipes in realising Katherine Jackson. Penny McNamee is prominent and polished as the go-getting MTV reporter, alongside her fanboy cameraman Alejandro. The latter is played in conciliatory fashion by Yashith Fernando. They are backed by a terrific ensemble and outstanding band, under music director Michael Azzopardi.

Derek McLane’s scenic design and Peter Nigrini’s projection design are a revelation – I was so impressed. Some of the pops of colour are truly dazzling and uplifting. Evocative costuming by Paul Tazewell, a lighting showcase by Natasha Katz and striking sound design by Gareth Owen round out the pizzazz. Close your eyes for a moment and I swear you can hear Michael Jackson at his brilliant best doing what only Michael Jackson can and did do. Of course, the question that continues to hang in the air is what price fame?

There are no half measures or shortcuts in MJ: The Musical – just musical excellence with spark and sizzle. It is playing at Lyric Theatre until 3rd August, 2025.

Alex First

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