Exclusive Review: ‘MJ: The Musical’ Marvels with the Magic & Humanity of Michael Jackson

Chronicling a life and career as colossal as Michael Jackson‘s has long been a tall task.

From his five decades of dominance as music’s reigning royal, personal hurdles, media scrutiny, and the indelible mark the megastar left on the world at large, capturing and condensing a figure like no other requires a collective like no other.

And that’s what ‘MJ: The Musical’ has mounted.

Led by Tony Award winner Myles Frost and created by 2x Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, the high-octane show has been wowing audiences in London’s West End following a trailblazing run on Broadway.

And, after seeing the spectacle for ourselves, That Grape Juice echoes the sentiments of the masses: ‘MJ: The Musical’ is a magical must-see.

Join us after the jump…

The show being set in 1992, as Jackson prepares for his blockbuster ‘Dangerous World Tour,’ functions as a near-perfect backdrop to unpack the man, the myth, and the legend that is “MJ.”

Audiences meet Jackson in rehearsal mode, which like the production at large affixes the focus on his genius as the greatest performer of all time.

Frost excels in capturing the charisma, dedication, and seismic sacrifice that led to Jackson’s coronation as the unquestionable King of Pop.

Indeed, the 25-year-old draws on the electricity Jackson exudes as a performer while skilfully tackling the dramatic with equal vigor.

‘MJ’ does not shy away from the complicated corners of the megastar’s life and times. Be it his fiery family dynamic, the genesis of his financial and substance hurdles, or the harsh realities of his childhood as an integral part of the Motown machine.

While the show makes no apologies for its celebratory impetus, it manages to deliver on this without glossing over much of what folk want to know about the most reported-on star of modern times. And it renders the production and the figure at its center all the more relatable because of that.

A thriller throughout, ‘MJ’ aptly reaches an explosive crescendo with potently pulsating performances such as ‘Thriller,’ ‘They Don’t Care About Us,’ ‘Billie Jean,’ and ‘Jam’ (toaster jump and all).

Also sewn into the fabric of the performance at large are rare gems and fan favorites like ‘Keep the Faith’ and ‘2 Bad,’ which collectively progress the narrative and remind that Jackson gave the world much more than just his biggest hits.

Majestic and magnetic, ‘MJ: The Musical’ sees “Michael Jackson” moonwalk into the hearts of the masses all over again. This time, though, as more than just a celebrated music icon, but notably as a human being.

Stellar.

That Grape Juice Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆

Five Stars

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Click Here for Tickets & Details on ‘MJ: The Musical’

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