REVIEW: "MJ: THE MICHAEL JACKSON MUSICAL" THE KING OF POP REIGNS SUPREME
I sat as if in séance in a darkened room with strangers at every side. I found my foot restless. I wasn't alone. The floor quaked with a thousand stomps; upon the stage stood the King of Pop. Alive, again; there could be no doubt. Ballads boomed, sequins sparkled; rhythms and melodies made love in the air. A tidal wave of shrieks rained overhead as the riff of Black or White swallowed all sound.
If there had been any doubt as to the power of what was being presented, it was swiftly trampled underfoot as the entire audience leapt from their seats and danced for the remainder of the show.
MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical is a jukebox musical based on the life of pop-superstar Michael Jackson, chronicling his early days, meteoric rise, and the struggles he faced in the lead-up to the Dangerous World Tour.
Contrary to the sheer number of impersonators, it's no small feat to mimic Michael Jackson. Those are some large penny loafers to fill. The many Michael's we meet throughout this musical make sure to put their mettle on display. Blaiyze Barksdale - our performances mini-Michael - was the apple in the eye of the entire crowd as he guided us through the early years of the Jackson Five. Liam Damon then took to the stage and thrilled us with his spectacular voice and incredible moves from Off the Wall and the Quincy Jones era. Finally, Ilario Grant, who may as well be the King of Pop's own blood and bone, brought the falsetto voice and the gravity-defying dances moves we'd all been anticipating to the center of the stage.
Of course, there are more Jackson's than just one: J. Daughtry and Oyoyo Joi star as Joseph and Katherine Jackson. Daughtry's stern, fearsome Joseph and Joi's kind, warm-hearted Katherine hold the emotional core in their characters callous and kind hands. Daughtry delivers a fearsome and spectacular performance, seamlessly transitioning between characters with the flick of a (literal) switch whilst Oyoyo tugs at the heartstrings with her beautiful voice and presence. Joining these performers is an armada of talented singers and dancers who hit every beat and reach every note.
There could be no stellar performances if there was no place to perform: MJ: The Musical is a feast for the eyes. Each scene is bathed in gorgeous lighting and rich stage design. Jason Michael Webb's arrangements elevate the songs we know and love, whilst Christopher Wheeldon's direction and choreography fill the stage with kinetic energy. Furthermore, one of MJ: The Musical's greatest feats is its sleight of hand: actors and sets will appear out of thin air, right before your eyes.
MJ: The Musical features roughly 35 songs from the King of Pops illustrious career. Not all are created equal and occasionally the play can stall during its ballad numbers - but any song wedged between Billie Jean and Thriller would always pale in comparison. When hits like Smooth Criminal, Thriller and Black or White fill the air, the audience could scarcely (and often didn’t) remain in their seats. When the hits hit, you'll feel like you've been struck by a smooth criminal.
Perhaps it was prophetic when Michael Jackson stated: 'I believe in miracles and a miracle has happened tonight'. He may not have been referring to Wednesday, the 10th of June, but I was there and witnessed MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical for myself.
MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical is a loving ode to one of the greatest artists that ever walked the Earth. It stylish, superb, and it sounds damn good.
MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical is playing at Crown Theatre until July 19th, 2026. Tickets are available via TicketMaster and mjthemusical.com.au.
