MJ the Musical at Prince Edward Theatre
After a successful debut on Broadway, MJ the Musical arrived in London and, one year on, continues to draw long queues in the West End, whether it be weekdays or matinées. The life and creative process behind the rise of Michael Jackson hold a timeless appeal, and the show’s vibrant setting, the exciting choreography and standout vocal performances offer another compelling reason to see it.
This jukebox musical follows rehearsals and an MTV interview in the lead-up to the Dangerous World Tour in 1992. Michael Jackson (Jamaal Fields-Green) is determined to create a spectacular series of concerts; however, the stakes are critically high: allegations are beginning to circulate, the staging’s costs require mortgaging Neverland, and the artist’s obsessive pursuit of perfection reaches irrational extremes. As the King of Pop answers the journalist’s (Philippa Stefani) questions, memories resurface, from the days of The Jackson 5 to the first steps in his solo career, and, most significantly, the complex relationship with his father.
The narrative is carried by sparse, scattered dialogues, with the musical numbers forming the production’s real backbone – and it’s here the performers truly shine. If the script occasionally falters, the singing and dancing acts are incredible. The movements – whether replicating iconic MJ routines or transitional reconstructions – are wonderfully smooth and electrifying, driven by Christopher Wheeldon’s choreography. Fields-Green’s voice is outstanding, and the scenes passing by give theatregoers goosebumps. While young Michael – played by an equally brilliant Mitchell Zhangazha – proves just as magnetic. The sequence leading to Smooth Criminal is both an intriguing historical aside, enriching our understanding of Jackson’s influences. Together with the Thriller act, combining Natasha Katz’s lighting and Derek McLane’s scenic design, is a visual knockout.
The switch between past and present – with the few intersections in between – glides almost naturally. There are a couple of musical spotlights that escape this flow.
Spanning the 70s through to the end of the 20th century, the costumes (designed by Pual Tazewell) burst with colour and precision: Fields-Green dons a collection of well crafted jackets and a dazzling glitter suit, whereas Zhangazha – and much of the ensemble – frequently changes many outfits that are curated to the small details and represent the shifting of eras.
The show very vaguely touches on a couple of the allegations surrounding the artist. There is no intent to romanticise his figure, instead – although briefly – to make him more human, complete with perplexing flaws.
The delineation of the King of Pop’s style and vivid reimagining of some of his greatest hits pulses with energy.
Cristiana Ferrauti
Photos: Courtesy of MJ the Musical
MJ the Musical is at the Prince Edward Theatre from 24th March 2024. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch the trailer for MJ the Musical at the Prince Edward Theatre here:
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