The Crown Without the Thorns: 'MJ the Musical' Dazzles, But Skirts the Man Behind the Legend

Stepping into the world of 'MJ the Musical' at Mirvish is like entering a vibrant time capsule, meticulously crafted to showcase the undisputed genius of Michael Jackson. From the electrifying opening number to the final curtain call, the production is a dazzling spectacle of iconic choreography, unforgettable music, and a performance that attempts to capture the unparalleled essence of the King of Pop.

Yet, amidst the moonwalks and vocal acrobatics, a palpable silence hangs in the air, a deliberate void where the complexities and controversies of Jackson’s life should, arguably, reside.

Directed and choreographed by the masterful Christopher Wheeldon, with a book penned by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, the musical smartly frames its narrative around the intense rehearsals for Jackson’s 1992 'Dangerous' world tour.

This ingenious conceit allows the show to immerse audiences deeply into his creative process, his perfectionism, and the sheer artistry that defined his career. We witness the birth of his groundbreaking moves, the meticulous layering of his sound, and the unwavering dedication that propelled him to global superstardom.

It’s a fascinating glimpse into the mechanics of a musical legend.

Leading the charge, Roman Banks delivers a performance nothing short of transformative. He embodies Jackson not merely through imitation, but by channeling his idiosyncratic mannerisms, his vulnerability, and his explosive stage presence with astonishing accuracy.

Banks’s vocals are powerful, his dancing electrifying, and he convincingly portrays Jackson across various stages of his career, from the youthful exuberance of the Jackson 5 to the enigmatic maturity of his later years. The supporting cast is equally stellar, providing the backbone for the elaborate musical numbers that continuously bring the house down.

However, it is precisely this laser-focus on Jackson the artist that becomes the show's most glaring omission.

While the musical promises a journey into the soul of Michael Jackson, it conspicuously shies away from confronting the deeply troubling allegations and personal struggles that came to define, and ultimately overshadow, much of his legacy. Nottage’s script, while eloquent in exploring his artistic drive and childhood traumas related to his father Joe Jackson, deftly navigates away from any mention of the child sexual abuse accusations that plagued his later life.

The narrative is curated, meticulously clean, offering a sanitized version of a life that was anything but.

This deliberate sidestepping leaves a significant emotional and narrative void. Audiences are treated to the magic, but denied the man in his entirety. It raises the question: can one truly understand the artist without acknowledging the full spectrum of his humanity, including its darker chapters? While ‘MJ the Musical’ celebrates the undeniable musical genius, it simultaneously presents a partial truth, leaving many to wonder what opportunities for deeper exploration and understanding were lost.

It's a magnificent jukebox musical, a triumph of theatrical spectacle, but perhaps not the definitive biographical portrait some might hope for.

Ultimately, 'MJ the Musical' is a triumphant performance piece that will undoubtedly thrill fans of Michael Jackson’s music and mesmerize lovers of high-calibre theatre.

It’s a testament to the enduring power of his catalogue and the incredible talent involved in its production. But for those seeking a nuanced, unvarnished look at the complex individual behind the iconic music, the show remains a meticulously polished, albeit incomplete, masterpiece.