MJ: The Musical, at Her Majesty’s Theatre - 2 hours 50 minutes, including interval

Opening night saw Melbourne embrace the power, the passion and the perfection of one of the world’s great entertainers, Michael Jackson.

Driven by his hard-edged father, Joseph, Michael sought excellence – faultlessness.

That is behind his approach to his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, which plays out in rehearsals, as well as in a nostalgic look back, in MJ: The Musical. 

Photos by Daniel Boud

It is an aural and visual spectacle, with powerhouse performances, led by Ilario Grant, who also played Jackson in the Broadway production of the show.

The pressure to succeed, to top the triumph of the Bad World Tour, which started in 1987, and placate the naysayers, was overwhelming.

Inspired by bold ideas, Jackson would make several, ambitious, highly expensive, financially risky, last-minute changes to his offering.

These had his support team on edge. In fact, he risked losing his safe place, his haven, his respite from the prying eyes of the world, his beloved Neverland Ranch.

Already a multiple Grammy winner, MJ’s focus is on the music and the magic he can create.

His backing dancers are first class, but he still wants to draw more from them.

He rides himself and them hard. It is all about upping the ante and giving the audience something they have never seen before.

He is most at home when he is on stage wowing the crowd.

Jackson is feeling the heat and popping pills regularly.

Tour director Rob (Derrick Davis) is trying to reason with him, but Michael won’t hear of it.

MJ visualises what he is after and expects Rob to tow the line. In fact, Jackson won’t take no for answer, regardless of the cost.

An MTV reporter, Rachel (Penny McNamee), and cameraman, Alejandro (Yashith Fernando), have been given unparalleled access to him for two days.

Their assignment is to record a puff piece on the tour.

But Rachel is determined to go further and ask Michael some hard questions, including probing him about rumours that have been circulating.

Jackson, who shuns the media, hasn’t given an in-depth interview for 14 years.

He reflects upon what shaped him, scared him and scarred him (in so doing, the musical doesn’t shy away from highlighting his demons).

So it is that we learn about his controlling, womanising father Joseph (again Derrick Davis) and the emergence of the Jackson Five.

His mother Katherine (Josslynn Hlenti Afoa) is forever defending Joseph’s harsh demeanour as a sign of love and him wanting to further the family.

As Jackson’s solo career begins to take off, he is taken under the wing of Motown record label founder Berry Gordy (Wonza Johnson).

Not content, Jackson teams up with another famed record producer in Quincy Jones (Conlon Bonner), before branching out again.

So it is that the action in MJ: The Musical moves back and forth in time as the Dangerous tour is imminent.

Allegations of improper sexual conduct by Michael Jackson are never mentioned.

With book by Lynn Nottage, this is a thoroughly entertaining jukebox musical, adroitly directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, OBE.

Ilario Grant is a revelation as Jackson – the high-pitched voice, the mannerisms, the look, the smooth dance moves, the presence. He is the complete package.

In fact, the choreography in MJ: The Musical is masterful, as are the seamless transitions between scenes.

Liam Damons does a fine job as the teenage Michael and William Bonner is confident as Little Michael.

Derrick Davis plays Joseph Jackson with a scowl and an iron hand, while bringing authority, but a more conciliatory air to tour director Rob.

Mighty impressive is the golden tone of Josslynn Hlenti Afoa as MJ’s mother and Joseph’s wife, Katherine.

Penny McNamee injects tactical nous into the go-getting MTV reporter, alongside her fanboy cameraman Alejandro, a role readily filled by Yashith Fernando.

They are backed by an accomplished ensemble and ear pleasing band, under music director Michael Azzopardi.

Derek McLane’s scenic design and Peter Nigrini’s projection design elevate the spectacle, with pops of colour dazzling.

With frequent wardrobe changes, especially for MJ, Paul Tazewell’s glittering, colourful costuming is yet another highlight.

That is not to overlook the neon lighting showcase by Natasha Katz and striking sound design by Gareth Owen.

And, of course, then there is the music – from Beat It, Billie Jean and Black or White, to Man in the Mirror, Smooth Criminal, Thriller and so many more. What a catalogue of hits laid out on a platter and performed with gusto!

There is no doubt that success for Michael Jackson came at a price, but because of his drive and unquestionable talent, his legacy lives on.

That is captured in glorious fashion in a show that has the audience genuinely invested, engaged and excited – as well they should be.

MJ: The Musical sizzles.

It is playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre until 1^st February, 2026.