MJ

I finally got around to seeing MJ: The Musical, and I’ll be honest—this wasn’t high on my list. I don’t consider myself a huge Michael Jackson fan. Sure, I enjoy some of his music, but it was never enough of a draw for me to rush out and see the show. I usually choose shows based on my own interests rather than awards or hype, and MJ didn’t seem like it would be a priority. Still, I kept hearing about the production, and when the opportunity presented itself, I figured I might as well see what all the buzz was about.

From the moment the show started, it was clear that MJ isn’t a traditional jukebox musical. It doesn’t follow the standard "rise and fall" biopic structure that so many of these shows lean on. Instead, the story takes place in 1992, just before Jackson’s Dangerous tour, using an interview and rehearsal process as a framing device to explore different points in his life. It’s an approach that, in theory, should give us a look into Jackson’s creative mind rather than just running through his greatest hits with a loose narrative draped around them.

The show is at its best when it leans into the music and the spectacle. The choreography is stellar—precise, energetic, and executed with an intensity that mirrors Jackson’s legendary performances. There’s an incredible attention to detail in how his movements are recreated, which makes sense given that Christopher Wheeldon, a Tony-winning choreographer, directed the production. The dance numbers are easily the highlight of the show, and if you’re coming in just to see some of the most iconic routines recreated live, you won’t be disappointed.

That said, while the production is technically impressive, the storytelling felt uneven to me. The show’s structure, jumping back and forth between past and present, is an interesting choice, but it also keeps the narrative at a bit of a distance. Instead of immersing the audience in Jackson’s journey, it feels like we’re observing it from the outside, never fully getting past the surface. The show touches on moments from his childhood, his complicated relationship with his father, and the pressures of fame, but it never lingers long enough on any one aspect to provide real depth.

One major aspect of Jackson’s life that the show, for better or worse, chooses to gloss over is the controversy surrounding him. While it does acknowledge his struggles with fame, his father’s unrelenting push for perfection, and his physical transformation, it avoids delving into the more difficult aspects of his legacy. Instead, it frames him as a victim of fame and the pressures placed upon him from an early age, an argument that can certainly be made. However, by sidestepping the more complex and debated elements of his story, the musical presents a sanitized version of Jackson’s life that may not sit well with everyone.

Now, let’s talk about the music—because, obviously, that’s the main draw here. The catalog is packed with hits, and they are performed incredibly well. My issue wasn’t with the vocals or the musicianship, but rather with how the songs were used. Some numbers felt seamlessly integrated into the story, while others felt more like concert performances inserted for the sake of showcasing a hit. If you go in expecting a narrative-driven musical, the way some songs appear might feel disjointed, but if you’re approaching it as a high-energy tribute concert with some storytelling elements, it works.

For most of the show, I found myself appreciating the production but not feeling deeply moved by it. The technical aspects were strong, but I wasn’t as emotionally invested as I have been with other musicals. That changed in the second act with Thriller.

This number was, without question, the highlight of the entire show for me. Everything about it—the staging, the lighting, the sheer theatricality—was spectacular. It was the first time during the show that I really felt that "wow" factor, the kind of moment that makes you sit up and fully engage. The way they built the tension leading into it, and then the execution itself, was phenomenal. It was the one moment where I genuinely felt transported in a way I hadn’t for the rest of the show.

And yet, despite enjoying parts of the experience, I left feeling a little detached. It was good, but it didn’t move me often. That’s not to say it won’t be an incredible experience for others—plenty of people in the audience were absolutely loving it, and I can see why. If you’re a hardcore MJ fan, this is probably a dream come true. But for me, it wasn’t enough to make me want to buy a show magnet, which is usually my gauge for how much I connect with a production.

At the end of the day, MJ is an incredibly well-crafted show with stellar choreography and powerhouse performances. It just didn’t quite hit me on an emotional level. If you love Michael Jackson’s music and want to see his performances recreated with precision and energy, this show will deliver exactly that. If you’re looking for a deeper, more insightful look at the man behind the music, you might walk away wanting more.

I got my ticket through TDF and paid $20. My seat was third row mezzanine, and had a great view. Still, I'm glad I didn't pay full-price for the show.