To be honest, I’ve mixed feelings about Michael Jackson. I love his music and artistry, yet deplore his offstage behavior. So, I was hesitant about seeing “MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical,” when it first arrived on Broadway – where it’s been a hot ticket since.
Any apprehensions I had quickly dissipated, as soon as the curtain went up at The Bushnell. This incendiary staging by Christopher Wheeldon just sizzles, and the solid book by Lynn Nottage punches up the creativity of Jackson as he rises to international success with his “Thriller” album. The show includes over 25 Jackson hits, including “Beat It”, “I’ll Be There,” “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” Billie Jean” and “Thriller.” Sets (Derek McLane), costumes (Paul Tazewell), lighting (Natasha Katz) and projections (Peter Nigrini) show how spectacular Broadway can be at its best. Lynn Nottage’s book is multi-layered and strong.
Although the production values and performances are superb, MJ is really an overblown, high-octane tribute show. Those who love Michael Jackson’s music will be thrilled. Those who want to know more about Jackson’s creative process and backstory may be underwhelmed. I fell into the latter category, and left at intermission, because the show had peaked too early on, and had nowhere else to go.
