“MJ” the Musical landed at the Pantages Theater for a two week run this past Tuesday April 21, 2026. The crowd was pumped and ready, Michael Jackson fans all. With such high anticipation careening around the theater, I hoped that this production could live up to expectations. Did it, well, almost. This is an imperfect yet exhilarating show that takes the audience for a wild ride from Michael’s early days to his final desperate moments all while touching on at least forty of his greatest hits. This count alone makes this an important story in American pop culture.
MJ the Musical – The Jackson 5 from the First National Tour of MJ featuring from L Jackson-Vann as Little Marlon and Eric Wiltz as Little Michael – Photo by Matthew Murphy.
This approximately two-hour show that must encompass a whole life is asking for more than is truly possible yet, the Book by Lynn Nottage distills the essence of Jackson’s accomplishments and struggles into a relatable story. She meshes the Michael of early days as part of the Jackson Five through his meteoric rise to pop icon of the 1980’s and 90’s. Jordon Markus in a tour de force performance embodies Jackson so well that you forget that this is a character and not the real deal. He can sing dance, act and though much taller than Jackson, his abilities eclipse this problem. We meet him as he joins a rehearsal for his upcoming “Dangerous World Tour.” A reporter and cameraman are on hand to do a story about Michael for MTV and this interaction sets up the premise of the show. Through this device we are taken from the present day to the past and back again, an old trope but one that works well here.
MJ the Musical – The Jackson 5 from the First National Tour of MJ featuring center Brandon Lee Harris as Michael – Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon an English ballet choreographer seems like an unlikely choice for a “jukebox musical” of this scope and yet he manages not only to make it happen but to do justice to the subject. Wheeldon is smart enough to know that recreating the iconic work of previous groundbreaking choreographers is not to his benefit so instead he only touches on the style and then makes the work his own. Luckily, Jackson’s movement is beautifully recreated for Jordon Markus by Rich & Tone Talauega, which adds a level of needed authenticity.
MJ the Musical – Michael Nero as Quincy Jones, Brandon Lee Harris as Michael in the MJ First National Tour – Photo by Matthew Murphy.
In reality Michael’s life was complex and full of trauma beginning with his abusive, womanizing father played well by Devin Bowles who has a secondary role as the beleaguered tour manager. We see very young Michael as he out shines his “Jackson Five” brothers on his way up. Jackson Robert Vann handles this role well as does Melvin Gray Jr. as the emerging teenage superstar. Both are able to sing, dance and act so well that we soon forget that one is too tall and the other too short to perfectly embody the age range. Always his advocate Michaels’ mother is sympathetically played by Rajané Katurah who brings her incredible singing chops to the fore both here and in alternate roles. Throughout, Wheeldon has double or even triple cast the performers so a back-up singer in one sequence for example, may be a music executive in another. This concept works well for the most part and probably helps keep the cast from becoming too unwieldy though there are moments when the show balances just on the precipice.
MJ the Musical – Studio 54 from The First National Tour of MJ featuring (center) Brandon Led Harris as Michael – Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Beginning with the “Dangerous” rehearsal and traveling through time we are inundated with hit tune after hit tune used to denote and illustrate the action. This well-organized catalogue of music is overwhelming in its’ depth, every tune recognizable as was evidenced by the audiences’ rapturous reactions. Carefully melded together, Wheeldon and his team keep the show moving at breakneck speed with clever transitions and an uncompromising build to the end.
The dancing and choreography were generally well executed with some numbers cleaner and more focused than others. A tribute to Michaels’ idols Fred Astair, Bob Fosse and The Nicholas Brothers surprisingly felt like a clumsily inserted afterthought. Yet, the recreated performance of “Billie Jean” at the 1983 “Motown 25” TV Special where the single white rhinestone glove made its’ first appearance absolutely brought the house down. This dichotomy is indicative of the show overall as its’ weaknesses are quickly overridden by its’ strengths and its’ breakneck speed.
MJ the Musical – Jordan Markus as MJ in the First National Tour Cast of MJ – Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Some of the more controversial aspects of Michaels’ life are not addressed. We can see that he is troubled and that he has become reliant on drugs since being badly burned during a Pepsi commercial shoot. He is idolized by millions yet deeply lonely and as played by Jordan Marcus we feel his pain. Thus, when the final scenes play out through the use of mega hit “Thriller,” we are taken on a harrowing, wildly staged ride joining him on an endless loop he cannot escape. Touches of “Man in the Mirror” bring it all home. The final moment is fraught with power and sadness a fitting tribute to the “King of Pop.”
Brilliant Orchestrations & Arrangements are by Jason Michael Webb and David Holcenberg.
The dynamic ever changing Scenic Design is by Derek McLane with impeccable Lighting Design by Natasha Katz and Costume Design by Paul Tazewell. The dynamic Projection Design is by Peter Nigrini with Sound by Gareth Owen.
The non-stop music was played by the terrific traveling band live onstage with additional local Los Angeles musicians.
Two important Los Angeles choreographers who had a lasting impact on Michael’s style are not included within the show but are acknowledged in a short program note. They are Vincent Paterson and the late Michael Peters.
To see the full season lineup at the Pantages Theatre, please visit their website.
Written by Tam Warner for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: MJ the Musical – Jordan Markus as MJ and the First National Tour Cast of MJ – Photo by Matthew Murphy.
