MJ

Postcard Review by Caroline Russell-King

Show – MJ

Playwright/Composer – Book by Lynn Nottage, Music and lyrics by Michael Jackson et al.

Producers/Production Company/Theatre space – Executive Producer Michael David with Lia Vollack, John Branca, John McClain, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment, Roy Furman, Cue to Cue Productions, James L. Nederlander, Kumiko Yoshii, Naoya Kinoshita, Latitude Link, Stephen C. Bird, Candy Spelling, John Gore Organization, Peter W. May, Sandy Robertson, Ed Walson, Albert Nocciolino, Ken Schur, Willette & Manny Klausner, David Schafer, Martin Bandier, and Doug Morris. By Special arrangement with the Estate of Michael Jackson, through Broadway Across Canada; Jubilee Auditorium.

Length – 2 Act (3 hours, one intermission)

Genre/s – Jukebox Musical

Premise – While designing and rehearsing a show for his new tour, Michael deals with memories of his abusive childhood and being burned by faulty pyro, while combating MTV documentarians, a producer, and an accountant who don’t see his vison.

Why this play? Why now? –  Beloved iconic controversial global phenomena Michael Jackson was known as the King of Pop and his music sold over a billion records.

Curiosities – How does theatre encourage more audience participation through cos play?

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Notable Moment – The crossover MJ/Bob Fosse number was phenomenal.

Notable writing – Two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, American playwright, Lynn Nottage excels over the traditional biography/jukebox musical genre. She infuses the lyrics with dramatic context and builds a plot from his backstory, interpersonal struggles, and Jackson’s manic drive for perfection and innovation.

Notable performances – Jordan Markus summits the dauting task of emulating this pop superstar. His dancing is impeccable, his vocal range is impressive, and he somehow manages to emulate the speaking patterns without seeming comical. Quentin Blanton Jr. as Little Michael sings acapella at one point, which is a testament to his talent. Middle-Aged MJ Brandon Lee Harris carries a huge chunk of the show as we see Michael break away from the control of his father and establish a solo career. He too is an accomplished triple threat. We also get to meet Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, (played by J. Daughtry and Michael Nero) along with the Jackson Five in a stellar ensemble cast.

Notable design/Production – Lighting Designer Natasha Katz deserves her own spotlight – fantastic design.  Costume Designer Paul Tazewell delivers all the hallmarks pieces and a visual representation of some of the superstar’s mental anguish in ghoulish splendor.

Notable direction – It would be fun to say Director and Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon was Bad but he’s very, very good.

One reason to see this show – It’s a thrill, er, go.