Review: MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical
At the Pantages Theatre through 5/3/26
By Dana Benson
Dana.Benson.la@gmail.com
From the first beat to the final bow, MJ: The Musical at Los Angeles’ Pantages Theatre is pure kinetic energy. The show draws the audience into the creation of Michael Jackson’s legendary 1992 Dangerous World Tour through a fictional film crew documenting the rehearsals.
The production celebrates the King of Pop’s unmatched talent while raising the curtain on the conflicts, genius, and complicated life of a man beloved by billions. Like the Michael Jackson biopic hitting movie theaters this month, this show has been approved and supported by his estate.
The production’s forty musical numbers are spectacular. Classic hits such as “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” and many more are delivered with energy, authenticity, and fresh arrangements. The live orchestra adds richness and depth, while the cast’s vocal performances honor the essence of Jackson’s sound without slipping into simple impersonation. The dancing is world-class—sharp, athletic, and often breathtaking.
The show, which began on Broadway in 2022—where it won four Tony Awards—before touring nationally and across Europe, is the creation of director Christopher Wheeldon and playwright Lynn Nottage. Nottage, the only woman to have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice, balances the spectacle of Jackson’s concerts with moments of introspection, exploring the personal and professional pressures that accompanied his fame. Wheeldon’s staging is powerful and visually compelling, often bringing the audience to its feet.
Different actors portray Jackson at three stages of his life, and each is exceptional. Questions posed to the mature Jackson (Jordan Markus) by documentary filmmaker Rachel (Kristin Stokes) trigger flashbacks that bring Little Michael (Jackson Robert Vann and Eric Wiltz) and teenage Michael (Brandon Lee Harris) onto the stage.
I was especially moved by Jackson interacting with earlier versions of himself. It reminded me how powerful childhood experiences and memories remain for all of us, especially for MJ, whose childhood was largely sacrificed to his extraordinary musical career. This device creates some of the show’s most memorable moments, including a touching duet between Little Michael and the superstar he eventually becomes.
Jordan Markus captures the precision of Jackson’s mature dance moves, his subtle vocal inflections, and the emotional force behind his lyrics. He conveys both Jackson’s relentless drive to perfect his art and the superstar’s childlike innocence as MJ continues to revise and refine the Dangerous Tour’s staging, music, and choreography.
Colleagues plead with Jackson to stop so they can begin packing for the tour, saying, “You have created something people are going to be talking about for a long time.” To which MJ replies, “But is it perfect?”
Jackson’s perfectionism is one of the play’s strongest themes, along with the conflicts within the Jackson family and the influence of their driven, domineering father, Joseph (Devin Bowles). Jackson’s mother, Katherine, beautifully played by Rajané Katurah—who has an unusually warm and lovely voice—provides a caring counterpoint to Joseph Jackson’s harshness.
Motown Records founder and mentor Berry Gordy (Kendrick Mitchell), along with Jackson’s musical collaborator Quincy Jones (Quentin Blanton Jr.), are also portrayed, highlighting the important roles they played in shaping Jackson’s career.
MJ: The Musical is a moving tribute to one of music’s most iconic figures. It thrives on the magnetic presence of Jordan Markus as MJ, the perfected superstar, and equally strong performances by Jackson Robert Vann, Eric Wiltz, and Brandon Lee Harris as younger, evolving versions of Michael. The supporting cast of singers and dancers is superb.
This show, which has already had more than 2,500 performances, delivered the exhilaration of a live concert while telling part of the deeply human story behind Michael Jackson’s extraordinary life. Don’t miss this one!
Runs through May 3rd, eight performances each week. Tickets: https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/