REVIEW: 5 Things That Made MJ: The Musical PERFECT

Written by Maliq Hicks via Clenagers

After going to Playhouse Square to watch “MJ: The Musical”, I challenged myself to strategically describe the musical with one phrase. All things being considered, a “theatrical eutopia” is what I moved on, and while it speaks to the electric nature of “MJ: The Musical”, it still falls short of my desired description for such an incredible show

“It was that good.”

Taking place in 1993, the story follows Michael Jackson in preparation for his highly anticipated “Dangerous” tour and incorporates “flashbacks” within Michael’s career. In pursuing a story, the play shines in its ability to excel in multiple areas of telling the story, making this play PERFECTION. Here are 5 different aspects that made “MJ: The Musical” PERFECT! 

1. Impersonation:

It’s safe to say that precisely replicating anything about Michael Jackson is impossible. If that statement comes into question, consider again why he carries the title of the “King of Pop. Nevertheless, successfully playing the role of Michael Jackson requires the ability to perform with sublime adjacency to his abilities and mannerisms. Elijah Johnson (MJ), Tavon Olds-Sample (Young Adult MJ), & Jackson Hayes (Young MJ) complete this task with maximum efficiency, amusingly impersonating Michael as a boy, a young adult and a grown man. 

Their impersonations of Michael were exemplary.  All 3 actors imitated Michael Jackon’s vocals to an exceptional level, so much that my brother and I walked away in agreement that all 3 young men sounded “almost just like him”. From MJ’s soft and angelic talking voice at all ages, to his aesthetically pleasing singing voice, all three gentlemen do an incredible job at vocally impersonating MJ at all ages. Young MJ had an outstanding ability to sing tunefully and reach a euphonic pitch, reminding you of Mike’s youthful vocal abilities in his younger days with his brothers. Additionally, both adult Michael’s excel in their range and vocal versatility.  

The same praise should extend to their dancing abilities. Young Michael’s amusing and coordinated choreography with his brothers is amazingly displayed, and both adult Michaels demonstrated PHENOMENAL dancing ability, closely mirroring the King of Pop. Michael in his adult years was known for including each body part into his tool kit as a dancer, and both actors do a great job of doing so, especially showing off their footwork, which was an incredible highlight. The three also excelled in the fine tunes of playing Michael Jackson.; most notably being able to mimic Jackson’s famous ad libs, and even subtle body motions and mannerisms both physically and vocally.

The musicals “MJ’s” weren’t the only great impersonators though. The Jackson brothers, and even the likes of Joe Jackson, and Katherine Jackson were all accurately portrayed. The musical’s crafty accuracy of the portrayal of various characters is one that I feel will resonate with many while walking out of Playhouse Square from now until August 11th when the show will unfortunately mark its final date in town.

2. Humor

Along with some playful shots at Prince, and other artists, MJ: The Musical had a striking ability to get the crowd laughing. Various characters added multiple different moments of humor, and the writers did a fantastic job of fitting in jokes and funny moments at the right times.

The musical also captures the rather playful and humorous personality of Michael Jackson that we occasionally got a glimpse of when he was living. The musical excels at storytelling and simultaneously making the crowd laugh. Any attendee should walk into Playhouse Square expecting to laugh at least a few times.

3. Music & Choreography

The most important aspect of this play is hands down the music and choreography and the cast, crew and ensemble did not miss one bit.Whether singers, dancers or instrument players, they made it impossible not to dance in your seat at least a little. They executed the selected songs from Michael Jackons’s catalog to a tee, and it was truly a treat.

Although in a theatrical setting, they brought the feel of a concert to the stage, which seems very fitting for anything Michael Jackson-related. The band did a phenomenal job, and complemented the amazing vocal performance of each singer very well.

On top of this, the choreography really brought the music to life and became one with every aspect of each melody, just as MJ would have intended. The impressive choreography’s creative cohesiveness with the music brought this musical to life. Among a musical full of highlights, the music and choreography stood out the most, and really, it shouldn’t be any other way. It was a truly great performance.

4. Tech and Props

I don’t want to be repetitive, but I must use the word complementary yet again. The technology and props incorporated into this musical cause me to have to use this word again because they truly became one with the music and choreography and added another entertaining element to this dazzling performance.

The showcasing of the tech in the background truly enhanced the ability to tell the story, mimic various stages of music videos, and sets that Michael performed on, and paint a picture of certain points of time in MJ’s life. It truly was eye candy, and even that is an understatement. From recreating Thriller’s iconic music video with impressive tech and props, to doing the same with recreating Michael’s historic night at the 1983 Grammys, these impressive settings enhanced by the holographic and technological big board are just the tip of the iceberg on how the technology brought the set to life.

5. Style and Fashion

The fashion on set was phenomenal. From MJ, to the Jacksons, to background dancers, etc, the outfits were precise! Michael, as we know, has several iconic outfits, and whether it was his outfit from Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Billie Jean (including his iconic glove), and many other iconic performances or music videos, there was pinpoint accuracy with the wardrobe from head to toe. 

Even with that, MJ wasn’t the only one dripping out, because the background dancers were also styled nice and precise. Truly, everyone on stage were the benefactors of an incredible stylist and creative team. Each person looked beautiful from head to toe. Just like the musical’s stunning tech visuals, the wardrobe plays right along in garnering the term “stunning”, making this show an even bigger piece of eye candy.

Do I recommend it?

There’s not quite a word that satisfies me when trying to describe MJ: The Musical. The word dynamic is the best I can do. From start to finish, from character to character, song to song, and dance to dance, this was a fun experience. There were points where I just didn’t want the show to end. The 2 hour and 30 minute run time with a 15 minute intermission will perfectly satisfy any watcher. It’s not too long and not too short, but nevertheless, still leaves you with the desire to rewind time and sit for another 2 hours and 30 minutes enjoying this treat of a show. I 1000% recommend this musical, and would highly encourage anyone in the Cleveland area from now until August 11th to see it.