Sydney Lyric Theatre, Sydney.
7 March 2025.
Four-time Tony® Award Winning hit MJ The Musical has received critical acclaim from Broadway New York to London’s West End. This jukebox musical is a celebration of the iconic hits from Michael Jackson’s catalogue and is now entertaining audiences at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre.
Michael Jackson was one of the world’s greatest entertainers. A creative genius and visionary like no other, he made his mark in 20th century music, dance and fashion, and used his platform to bring awareness to social issues with a drive to make the world a better place. MJ The Musical celebrates this influential artist whose legacy, artistry and drive to be ‘greater than the greats’, continues to inspire new generations today.
Fans from young kids to adults, excitedly made their way into Sydney’s Lyric Theatre with many dressed in sequined jackets, iconic single white gloves and Jackson’s signature fedora hat. You’d be forgiven for thinking you were going to a music concert rather than a musical.
Set in the rehearsal studio as Jackson prepares for his 1992 Dangerous world tour, this musical is an insight into Jackson’s creative process, ambition, and the spectacle of this tour along with the stress, demands and financial pressure that it brings.
Writer Lynn Nottage has developed a storyline that is simple yet complex as the story moves back and forth from the present to Jackson’s childhood including his performances with the Jackson Five, and to different moments in his life story. A superb performance was given by Derrick Davis as both Jackson’s father, Joseph, and Rob the tour director. Also taking on a dual role delivering a seamless performance is Conlon Bonner as Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones.
The highlight is Roman Banks as MJ who was nothing short of extraordinary! He embodied Jackson in every way and was so believable that you never felt like he was an impersonator. His voice, singing, incredible dancing and movement was Jackson in every detail. His effortless moonwalk had the audience cheering. Also giving a wonderful performance as the younger Michael is Liam Damons, and as Little Michael, William Bonner won over the audience with his intricate dance moves and strong vocals as part of the Jackson Five.
Michael Jackson not only shaped the world with his music but also with his signature dance moves. In handwriting on the musical’s opening curtain is an excerpt from Jackson’s diary where he wrote, “ Study the greats and become greater.” We see this in action in Act 2 where Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon creates a beautiful dance montage in homage to Jackson’s dance inspirations. The light footwork of Fred Astaire, the tap dancing spectacle of The Nicholas Brothers, and the sharp and precise jazz moves of Bob Fosse was cleverly depicted where we see Jackson’s own interpretation of these moves with his infamous toe stands, sharp turns and of course his signature moonwalk, a true testament to Jackson’s ability to create his own unique and iconic style.
The ensemble cast were outstanding, showing strength, depth and maturity in their performances with one high energy number after another to Jackson’s amazing catalogue of hits that include “Beat It”, “Smooth Criminal”, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and the reimagined showstopper “Thriller”. The hit songs kept coming with music direction, supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by David Holcenberg and Jason Michael Webb, and music direction for this Australian production by Michael Azzopardi. The band took centre stage at the end of the show to great applause.
Paul Tazewell’s costume design was a stand-out with vibrant suits for the Jackson Five to quintessential ’90s dance gear in the rehearsal studio, reflecting the culture of the time.
While MJ The Musical stops short of Jackson’s later controversies, audiences will leave with an appreciation of the incredible influence Jackson had on music, dance and culture, and we’re sure they’ll be adding an MJ album to their next playlist.
MJ The Musical is at the Lyric Theatre Sydney until 3 August. For more information, visit www.mjthemusical.com.au.
By Nicole Saleh of Dance Informa.
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