MJ the Musical, Prince Edward Theatre Review
Myles Frost (MJ) and the original London company. Photo credit: Johan Persson
Written by Cathie
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
General warnings: Haze, flashing lights , moments of darkness, moments of violence, references to drug use.
The Prince Edward Theatre is no stranger to jukebox musicals and this stunningly choreographed musical (choreographed and directed by Christopher Wheeldon) seeks to explore the enigmatic King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Set in a rehearsal room as MJ and his team prepare for the Dangerous World Tour in 1992, this show seeks to explore MJ’s history, his inner demons and his pursuit of musical perfection.
Adapted from the book by Lyn Nottage, this show is more of a snapshot in time as opposed to a deep exploration of MJ. We see him through several sets of eyes, from the documentary crew of Alejandro (Matt Gonsalves) and Rachel (Philippa Stefani) who are scheming to get that perfect “inside scoop”, contrasting with the concern of finance manager Dave (Jon Tsouras) and tour manager Rob (Ashley Zhangazha), and through the eyes of MJ himself. “I want to keep this about the music” MJ says to the MTV crew and this musical certainly does its best to do that with 40 songs performed, some in fragments, from MJ’s extensive catalogue of albums. These songs are clearly carefully chosen to show MJ’s personality and which songs had the most meaning to him. You will get your “Thriller moment” but you need to wait a while before your dark thirst for it is gratified. The choreography for these songs is absolutely stunning and the ensemble moves with gravity-defying brilliance throughout. Natasha Katz’s use of lighting really feels like the show is taking place in an arena concert and makes the set seem larger than life. Derek McLane as scenic designer has done a brilliant job of capturing both elements of MJ’s fluid imagination, the grit of the rehearsal room and the magic of the arena stage.
The three Michaels at different life stages are all absolutely phenomenal. Myles Frost is utter perfection as adult MJ. He dances with liquid grace and casually defies the laws of physics as he holds the audience spellbound whilst utterly owning the stage. His mannerisms, expressions and intonations are impeccable impersonations of MJ. His singing is equally sublime and his harmonies with his younger selves are beautiful to behold. Mitchell Zhangazha as teen and young adult Michael showcases his vulnerability, driving ambition and utter focus on independence. Dylan Trigger as child MJ shows his enthusiasm, prodigious talent and love of music well, even if the musical shows that MJ is eternally mentally trapped as this young child seeking perfection to escape his tyrannical father.
Although set in 1992, through questions posed by the MTV crew we see snapshots of MJ’s time in the Jackson 5 and his traumatic childhood under his father’s thumb (played terrifically by Ashley Zhangazha). We also see his breaks for freedom and his ambition to break records as he creates the Thriller mega blockbuster with producer Quincy Jones (Rohan Pinnock-Hamilton). You get an insight into what it was like to work with MJ. If it goes well, then it’s his achievement alone, if it’s wrong or mistakes are made, then it’s down to those around him. You’re never sure which MJ you will get.
This show also carefully shies away from fully referencing any of the darker theories and rumours which bubbled menacingly around the star and does not acknowledge at all the legal troubles and lawsuits MJ faced after this tour concluded. Therefore, the glimpses we get into MJ’s past make him more mysterious and the audience is left wanting more. Considering his real life delight in confusing the press and mercurial insistence on his music doing all the “speaking” for him, it does show an interesting representation of his character. For some this could be frustrating, but if you want to go to experience the music and relive past memories of his shows then this show would be perfect for you.
This show is a glittering powerhouse of a jukebox musical, gleaming with so many magnetic performances, you'd be criminal to miss it!
Running at the Prince Edward Theatre until 7th December 2024.