Flashback Friday Theater Review: MJ The Musical @ The National Theatre

Before the King of Pop's record-breaking biopic arrives on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray this Tuesday, I wanted to share a Flashback Friday theater review that I never published. I had the opportunity to see *MJ: The Musical* at Washington's National Theatre in 2024, and the energy of the production has stayed with me.

Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage have joined forces to highlight key moments in the life and career of one of the greatest entertainers of all time. The musical centers on Michael Jackson, portrayed by Jamaal Fields-Green, as he prepares for his ambitious 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Erik Hamilton plays Michael during his teenage and young adult years, while Josiah Benson takes on the role of Little Michael.

Using the rehearsal process for the tour as the foundation is a clever storytelling choice. This approach allows the production to shift between Jackson's childhood, his years with the Jackson 5, his complicated relationship with his father, and the demanding creative process behind his legendary performances. This structure prevents the show from becoming just a simple parade of familiar songs.

Fields-Green delivers more than just a polished impersonation; he captures Jackson's quiet speaking voice, precise movements, nervous energy, and relentless pursuit of perfection. The song "Stranger in Moscow" reveals the loneliness beneath the fame, while "Billie Jean" and "Smooth Criminal" showcase Fields-Green's physical control, which audiences expect from anyone portraying Jackson.

Wheeldon's choreography pays homage to Jackson's signature style without merely recreating his music videos. The ensemble moves with remarkable precision, especially during "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and an eerie rendition of "Thriller," which transforms the stage into a haunting carnival shaped by Michael’s childhood fears.

The production’s visuals are equally impressive. The lighting, projections, costumes, and shifting sets create a stage that feels like an extension of Jackson's imagination. Each musical number has its own character, yet everything remains connected to the overarching story.

My biggest criticism, which I also had with *The Jacksons: An American Dream* and the recent Michael biopic, is the omission of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Jackson's work with Philadelphia International Records was a significant bridge between his Jackson 5 beginnings and the mature solo artist he would eventually become. Ignoring this chapter of his career leaves a noticeable gap in his musical evolution.

While *MJ: The Musical* does not delve into every controversy or fully challenge the mythology surrounding its subject, it succeeds as an engaging examination of Jackson's artistry, work ethic, and unmatched ability to command a stage.

Final Grade: B+