MJ

MJ at the Prince Edward Theatre marks the latest in a series of high-profile jukebox musicals that attempt to bring the stories of musical icons to the West End stage. Originally premiering on Broadway in 2022, the production was conceived by writer Lynn Nottage and director Christopher Wheeldon. The show takes inspiration from the rehearsals for Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour, using them as a framing device to explore his career and creative process. Unlike other biographical productions, MJ does not attempt a full life story but instead homes in on a specific period, interspersing it with flashbacks to earlier moments of Jackson’s life and career. This structure allows for a focused exploration of his artistry while showcasing many of his biggest hits.

The production features a recreation of Michael Jackson’s signature style, from his distinctive vocals to his iconic choreography. The role of Jackson is played by Jamaal Fields-Green, whose transformation into the King of Pop is striking. He captures Jackson’s soft-spoken mannerisms, speech patterns, and dance moves with precision, his performance growing in intensity as the show progresses. The first half is slower paced, setting the foundations for the narrative, while the second half builds towards a high-energy climax with some of Jackson’s most electrifying performances.

The musical is structured around a fictional interview between Jackson and an MTV reporter, and is used for retrospective glimpses into his career. These include scenes depicting his early years with the Jackson 5, his rise to solo superstardom, and the pressures of maintaining his status at the top of the industry. A particularly strong moment in the first half is the portrayal of a young Michael Jackson rehearsing with his mother, culminating in a rendition of I’ll Be There. The scene offers an insight into the familial dynamics that shaped Jackson’s early career.

Visually, MJ is a polished spectacle, with elaborate lighting and set design that evoke the concert feel of Jackson’s stage productions. The choreography, overseen by Wheeldon, blends original Jackson moves with fresh interpretations, ensuring both authenticity and theatrical impact.

Among the musical highlights, Thriller stands out as a key moment in the second act. The dramatic thunderclap that introduces the song elicited an audible reaction from the audience, and the ensuing performance featured the signature red jacket, eerie lighting, and precise choreography that defined the original music video. Other major numbers include Smooth Criminal, with its gravity-defying lean, and Billie Jean, featuring Jackson’s iconic moonwalk.

The show concludes with a full-cast performance of Man in the Mirror, which serves as the emotional and thematic resolution to the production. This is followed by an encore that ensures the audience leaves on a high, with a final showcase of Jackson’s defining moves and musical legacy.

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