Review: 'MJ: The Musical' Satisfies with Song, Dance, and a Glimpse into a Controversial Pop Legend

It's 1992, and Michael Jackson is in the midst of final touches for a world tour kick-off in Munich, Germany, following the success of his 1991 album "Dangerous." This is a segue into not only the creative process of the King of Pop's visions of choreography and visual storytelling, but about the life of Michael himself, with some grand visuals and familiar dance moves.

"MJ: The Musical" is a jukebox musical in the grandest tradition of such productions, filled with eye popping visuals and familiar songs. But this one has an edge, as Jackson was himself endlessly scrutinized by the press for strange behavior and enigmatic statements about his music. "MJ" leans in more towards the latter, as the setting of a set of rehearsal for the upcoming tour are laden with flashbacks of his early life with family, his first solo album and tour, and later his successes in the '80s with "Thriller."

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage ("Sweat," "Ruined") penned the book for this Broadway production, originally planned to debut in 2020 but derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, finally opening in previews December of 2021. The official opening was at The Neil Simon theatre in February 2022, and was directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, an English choreographer of contemporary ballet. Wheeldon continues to direct the national tour, with many of Jackson's signature dance moves intact.

Attending the rehearsals are documentarian Rachel (Cecilia Petrush) and her cameraman Alejandro (Anthony J. Gracia,) with the hopes of grabbing something much meatier than just the creative process of building a concert show. Rachel becomes obsessed with digging so deep that she may expose Michael's dependence on painkillers, or even his driven and obsessive need to make everything associated with his show perfect. Michael, skillfully portrayed here by Jordan Markus, is also represented as his younger selves by Quentin Blanton, Jr. and Erik Hamilton. Brown University graduate Jed Resnick portrays business manager Dave.

Both Markus and Hamilton have the ability to mimic Jackson's adult voice and mannerisms, but Blanton exudes the exuberance of the child Jackson as he navigates his newfound fame with the Jackson 5. Devin Bowles fills the shoes of Rob the manager, and Joseph Jackson the father of the musical family. Bowles seamlessly switches from harassed manager to taskmaster and abusive father with ease. Anastasia Talley takes on the roles of mom Katherine and Kate, respectively, and she is a solid addition. The flashbacks are fast, but not so that you would miss some great Motown memories.

The story takes a back seat throughout the show, but this production is about the performances and dance moves, all of which are replicated skillfully, along with the iconic Jackson sound.The visuals are truly dazzling, and the choreography tight and stunning. The moments of pathos with Michael are breezed through but not entirely absent, yet if you focus on the visuals alone you can miss some of the drama, which is woven tightly throughout the two-hour-and-40-minute runtime. The show does offer a look into his quirky behavior beyond building the show, but you'll really want to hear more of the hits, and see more of the dancing. And you'll not be disappointed; this one satisfies in those categories.

"MJ: The Musical" is running through January 26 at
The Providence Performing Arts Center 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. For information or tickets call 401-421-2787 or visit www.ppacri.org.