Voice Choice for knockout staging and direction, jaw-dropping vocal and dance numbers, and seamless transitions between Bryce A. Holmes, Brandon Lee Harris and Jordan Markus as Michael Jackson. Extraordinary! Exciting! Enlightening! Exhilarating!
Based on the life of Michael Jackson, MJ, The Musical, focuses on the singer’s continually changing and evolving creative process leading up to the Dangerous World Tour in June 1992. We’re at a Los Angeles rehearsal studio, where the cast members are set to begin the tour in two days, with the first stop in Munich. Manager Rob (Devin Bowles) instructs the cast to take their places and warm up. There’s a countdown reminder in minutes until Michael arrives for rehearsal. When he finally does, the roar in the Mirvish Theatre reached decibel levels as Jordan Markus went right into the opening number, ‘Beat It.‘
Reporter Rachel (Kristin Stokes), along with her cameraman Alejandro (Kevin Cruz), hopes to get an interview with Michael. Rumours abound about Michael, and Alejandro keeps reminding Rachel of them. However, she is determined to muster the courage to continue in her quest.. It’s crunch time, and it’s evident that both Rob and Michael are under a great deal of pressure and stress to get the Dangerous Tour up and running. They agree to the filming and ongoing interview, but only for two days. If Rachel and Alejandro interfere with the rehearsal or ask unfounded questions, they will be asked to leave immediately. Rachel and Alejandro comply.
During the Act 1 and 2 conversation between Rachel and Michael, MJ seamlessly transitions back and forth from the early days of the Jackson 5 in Gary, Indiana, under the rule of their tyrannical father Joseph (Devin Bowles) and compassionate mother, Katherine (Rajane Katurah), to the 80s Jackson, where Michael was hurt during the filming of a Pepsi commercial right up to the present time of 1992 and the Dangerous Tour.
This First National Tour is extraordinary. Leading the creative team, Director and Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon makes many insightful choices in Lynn Nottage’s affecting book to tell Michael’s story with wit, humour, and a hint of sadness, particularly as Jackson’s troubling relationship with his father is revealed in a starkly honest manner. Wheeldon’s sharp choreography, combined with Rich and Tone Talauega’s movements inspired by Michael Jackson, beautifully captures the raw essence of his artistry. Jason Michael Webb’s orchestrations and arrangements, along with David Holcenberg’s music supervision, orchestration, and arrangements, effectively convey the spirit and soul of Jackson’s music.
Derek Lane and Natasha Katz’s respective scenic and lighting designs are a marvel to watch as the company moves set and prop pieces on and off with a flourish. Katz’s gorgeous lighting designs remain one of the creative highlights of this opening night, most notably in the dance routines and at the end when the Dangerous Tour kicks off. Paul Tazewell’s terrific costume designs of the eras are another highlight of the show. Without spoiling too much, there is anticipation in wondering when the sparkled glove will make its appearance. When it does (I won’t tell you exactly when), the decibel roar of approval in the auditorium reaches the same height as it did during the opening for “Beat It.“
I couldn’t find credit for the video projections in the programme. Peter Nigrini is listed as the Production Designer, so, for the sake of time, I’ll credit him with this excellent use of video projections on the back wall. They contribute to the overwhelming feeling that Michael is under continuous scrutiny, being watched all the time.
This time around, I’d like to acknowledge Gareth Owen’s work in sound design proudly. It might have been because I knew the lyrics to most of Jackson’s songs. However, from my seat in the house, I could clearly hear the song lyrics and did not feel that the orchestra overpowered the vocalists. Thank you for being so diligent, Gareth. It’s very much appreciated.
The First National tour cast is exhilarating.
Devin Bowles demonstrates fine work in clearly delineating the two opposing personalities of the trustworthy manager, Rob, and the tyrannical father, Joseph Jackson. Rajané Katurah as Katherine Jackson and Markus share a touching, tender moment as mother and son in a poignant rendition of “I’ll Be There,” so much so that a tear welled up in the corner of my eye. Kristin Stokes becomes believably genuine in her role as reporter, Rachel. Initially, Stokes becomes assertive and confidently bold as the reporter because she understands that her job is to get the story no matter what. That sort of thinking is thrown out the window when Stokes’ Rachel and Markus’ MJ share a conversation in the Hollywood Hills. I won’t spoil that reference as to how the two of them end up there. Let’s say once again, it’s a bit of theatre magic how the two of them are transported there. This conversation between Stokes and Markus is gritty, heartfelt and very real, profoundly altering why Stokes’ Rachel ended up at the Dangerous Tour rehearsal.
It is the seamless transition in watching the three MJs which becomes a bona fide theatrical treat. These three young men truly made me believe that MJ was up on that stage. At one point, I closed my eyes when each was on the stage to listen to the sound of the voice. It’s uncanny how the three of them sound so much like MJ at the various stages in his life.
At this opening night performance, young Bryce A. Holmes delightfully captures the wide-eyed innocence of childhood youth in hopes of being a star. Holmes also reveals the terror in his physical stance, which he has of his abusive father, Joe. As 80s Michael, Brandon Lee Harris reveals a strong confidence in stating his wishes and what he wants, and stands up to his abusive father.
As the older Michael, Jordan Markus delivers a stellar performance. He swaggers and struts in the musical numbers with a youthful and vibrant zest for life. Markus does not merely play MJ on one emotional level. Instead, there are moments where I was on the edge of my seat, wondering how the tour was ever going to hit the ground running. Markus’s exasperation in demanding that people in the studio leave him alone because he needs to go off and think reveals how desperate Jackson must have felt that he did not want to break the promise of giving money to his charitable foundation.
A final thought: While I’ve given the production a VOICE CHOICE because it is such a joy to bear witness to incredible talent on the stage, there is one thing I do want to make clear.
Although there is a reference to the allegations regarding Michael and what possibly occurred at his California Neverland Ranch home, I am pleased that Lynn Nottage’s book does not delve into that awful time. I’m glad this performance focuses on the craft and showmanship of Michael Jackson, the artist and entertainer. Given the current state of the world, let’s make the most of every moment to appreciate the gift of music this show provides.
Thank you to Mirvish and to this First National Tour for doing just that.
Running time: approximately two hours and 30 minutes with one intermission.
MJ, The Musical runs to November 2, 2025, at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria Street, Toronto. For tickets: mirvish.com or call 1-800-461-3333.
MJ, The Musical
Book by Lynn Nottage
Directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon
Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements by David Holcenberg
Orchestration and Arrangements by Jason Michael Webb
Scenic Design by Derek McLane
Lighting Design by Natasha Katz
Costume Design by Paul Tazewell
Sound Design by Gareth Owen
Production Design by Peter Nigrini
Production Stage Manager: Nicole Olson
Performers: Jordan Markus, Melvin Gray Jr., Quentin Blanton, Jr., Bryce A. Holmes, Erik Hamilton, Brandon Lee Harris, Devin Bowles, Kevin Cruz, J. Daughtry, Rajané Katurah, Michael Nero, Austin Rankin, Jed Resnik, Kristin Stokes, Omarion Burke, Kolb Colmary, Joshua Dawson, Ghrai Devore-Stokes, Zuri Noelle Ford, Ui-Seng François, Andy Golden, Treston J. Henderson, Jahir L. Hipps, Skye Jackson-Williams, Faith Jones, Jacobi Kai, Rachel Lockhart, Michaela Marfori, Matteo Marretta, Kendrick Mitcjhell, Zion Mikhail Pradier, Daria Pilar Redus, Tyrone Reese, Avilon Trust Tate, Brion Marquis Watson.
.
