When we see a show, we’re accustomed to hearing the ushers remind us: ‘no filming or photography during the show.’ YOUR ushers, however, need to add ‘and no singing.’ That’s how much you know we want to. But ushers be damned, your audience are breaking into spontaneous song anyway. Even more of us are dancing in our seats, desperate to stand up for a boogie. That’s how irresistible your energy is.
Let’s be real – there isn’t anyone universally who hasn’t enjoyed a Michael Jackson song at some point. He’s sold over 1 billion records worldwide, and is the most successful entertainer of all time (as recognised by the Guiness Book of World Records). Based on that premise alone you were always bound to be a hit. But exactly how much of a hit was the question on everyone’s lips.
Turns out the answer is: a very big hit.
Wow, MJ, if ever there was a musical designed to outstrip all others in being a complete and utter crowd-pleaser, it is you. Your entire production is next level. Schmick sets, sound, lighting – all creating a concert-like atmosphere. It’s electric. And highly entertaining. We could come for literally any 10-minute portion of your show and leave feeling like we got our money’s worth.
But beyond the singing and dancing, you also provide a powerful behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the man. Like what Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 film did for Elvis, you attempt to explain how a life-time’s worth of experiences would eventually lead to things going, well… pear-shaped. Especially surrounded by people who don’t have the star’s best interests at heart. The difference is that you stop 17 years short of showing us the full unravelling. (This includes stopping well short of those abuse allegations, for anyone wondering.)
Your setting is 1992, in a rehearsal studio in Los Angeles, where Michael is preparing for his upcoming Dangerous World Tour. In the two days leading up to the tour, he experiences a series of flashbacks through his earlier life, triggered partially by questions from a journalist (Penny McNamee) filming a behind-the-scenes piece. You delve all the way down into the impact of his father’s strict upbringing, the debilitating impact of the media, and his prescription-drug dependence. It’s some heavy stuff.
But on the flipside, it also gives you licence to take us on a journey through 25 iconic MJ hits throughout the eras. Genius. This includes ‘I Want You Back’ and a medley of pure joy from the Jackson 5 era. Disco and ballad numbers from the 70s, including ‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’, and ‘I’ll Be There’. And all the 80s classics that the world will never stop dancing to (‘Billie Jean’ and ‘Thriller’, for example).
Now on to Roman Banks, who plays your main man – Michael Jackson himself. Holy dooly. Those moves! That voice! The distinctive soft-spoken mannerisms! How on earth does he do all that? He embodies MJ’s mega-star quality so innately, we’re unconvinced that he’s not somehow MJ reincarnated. It’s a big part of why your audience are picking up what you’re putting down. And why he’s here reprising his role from the US Tour. This isn’t just a standard MJ tribute show. This is world class stuff.
The MJ accolades don’t stop there though. Liam Damons plays teenage MJ, taking us through many of his earlier numbers. Alternating as ‘Little Michael’ are William Bonner, Cayden Dosoruth, Blaiyze Barksdale, and Daniel Makunike. These are not small roles. They carry the weight of much of the show’s emotional focus, but each pulls it off with ease. Their stage presence stretches well beyond their ages and theatrical experience.
Derrick Davis switches from playing MJ’s tour manager, to playing his father – often during the same scene. This is both brilliantly devised and perfectly executed. The rest of your global cast are also extraordinary. Their performances make every song feel like a showstopper. In fact, it’s difficult to know when either of your Acts is nearing its completion, because the tell-tale climax that usually occurs before each seems to just be your modus operandi. Kudos to the choreographers, creative team and band for that also.
Yes MJ, whether we’re only familiar with the main hits, or are a deep-seated fan, you’ve got us mesmerised from start to end with no real idea of the time. What a ride! And if the term ‘blowing audiences away’ hadn’t already been so overused by musical theatre marketers that it means nothing, we’re pretty sure that’s what we’d be using to summarise you right about now. You’ll just have to trust us instead.
With love,
MJ The Musical is showing at the Lyric Theatre until 22 June 2025. Photos by Daniel Boud.
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