Michael Jackson’s legacy is one that will never be forgotten. His unique voice, dancing and vision for a better place touched millions of people when he was alive and today, he is still regarded as the forever ‘King of Pop’. MJ The Musical takes a special approach by giving us an insight into how his mind worked in front of and behind the camera, as he prepares for his biggest career risk ever after the success of Thriller and Bad. Embarking on a project that was to cost him the most money by producing it all himself. Creating the album and global tour for Dangerous.
The clever thing about this show is that whether you love or hate him, you find yourself being drawn into his world, wanting to know more. A bit like Phillippa Stefani’s insightful portrayal of MTV documentary director Rachel, who followed Michael over two days before the tour started. She, like all of us, had a taste of the magic behind the music, but only managed to scratch the surface. However, writer Lynn Nottage raised the curtain just for us and bravely showed us the reality of what Michael Jackson actually went through behind the scenes. I should point out here that whilst we may never know fully what went on in his mind, the Jackson Estate gave their seal of approval on MJ The Musical when it first aired on Broadway, making it the closest we will ever get to him, whilst maintaining privacy and respect for him, as well as the Jackson family.
Having said that, what made this an unforgettable experience was the combination of an extremely dynamic, strong cast, inspiring choreography by director and choreographer Christopher Weeldon OBE, as well as sets, music and lighting that Michael would have been proud of. Add to that an honest insight into his family life, his shyness, the intense pain he went through after the Pepsi commercial hair fire incident, and how he viewed the world, and you have someone who wanted to make the world a better place.
You cannot achieve a connection like this without a strong team of people who collectively brought a dream to life. Highlights for me included Matt Mills’ extremely dramatic interpretation of Michael’s dad, Joseph Jackson and in contrast, the gentle, yet vibrantly realistic Rob, who helped create the Dangerous tour. His brutally honest interpretation of Joseph showed a man who cared more about money and ambition rather than his own sons. His interpretation of Money from the HiStory album was menacing and yet mesmerising as we caught a glimpse into a mind that fought to be seen and heard in a world full of idiots. In contrast, Mills’ other character, Rob, was positive and represented the present as opposed to the past. He was gentle, engaged and enthusiastic about life and wanted everyone to work well together whilst respecting Michael’s wishes.
Koto Alexandra took on Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, who had the closest relationship with him. Her performance was endearing and comforting as she balanced out what Joseph threw at the boys and was not afraid to stay strong herself by protecting them. When she didn’t play her, she took on one of the dancers and singers for the tour and gave a powerful performance as part of the big group number ‘Man in the Mirror’.
But it was the two Michael Jackson roles that really brought the Ensemble together. Mitchell Zangazha took on younger Michael as he started to break away from Motown and launch his solo career with Quincy Jones. His performance was not only a strong one as he discovered his true potential during this time, but he also delivered one of the best versions of ‘Wanna Be Starting Something’ ever heard in a show today. Finally, Jamaal Fields-Green took on Michael, and as he loved to be known as behind the scenes, MJ. Not only did he deliver amazing vocals and dance routines that the real Michael would have approved of, but he also captured his personality and speaking voice so well that it felt like Michael was in the room. His version of ‘Billie Jean’ and ‘Smooth Criminal’ were the highlights of the show due to the moves, the costume and the precise detailed research that showed in everything he did, and is a performer to watch out for in the future.
Inspiring, energetic and uplifting. Catch MJ The Musical before it finishes its West End run!
Review by Sascha Cooper
MJ takes you behind the scenes during the creation of Michael Jackson’s spectacular 1992 Dangerous World Tour, and lets you relive the astonishing music, jaw-dropping moves, and extraordinary genius of one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
Cast:
MJ – Jamaal Fields-Green
Joseph Jackson/Rob – Matt Mills
Michael – Mitchell Zangazha
Rachel – Phillippa Stefani
Katherine Jackson/Kate – Koko Alexandra
Tito Jackson/Quincy Jones – Rohan Pinnock-Hamilton
Berry Gordy/Nick – Joshua C Jackson
Alejandro – Matt Gonsalves
Dave – Michael Conley
Alternate MJ and standby for Michael – Kieran Alleyne
Standby for MJ and standby for Michael – Johnny Bishop and Andre Phipps
The cast is completed by Milan Cacacie, Filippo Coffano, Tevin Daniel, Gabrielle de Souza, Hanna Dimtsu, Aden Dzuda, Ike Fallon, Christopher Gopaul, Kalisha Johnson, Wilson Kiiru, Darnell Mathew-James, Buna McCreery-Njie, Jenay Naima, Nay-Nay, Rishard-Kyro Nelson, George Ross, Lydia Sterling, Fraser Stewart, Charlotte-Kate Warren, and Tavio Wright, alongside Ari Adebiyi, Zane Chaba, Cristiano Cuino and Zayne Tayabali as Little Michael and Miles Jabbie, Kristiano Ricardo, Ashton Robertson and Asher Swaray-Gray as Little Marlon.
The internationally renowned creative team for MJ, helmed by two-time Pulitzer Prize® winning writer Lynn Nottage (Ruined, Sweat) and two-time Tony Award® winning Director & Choreographer, and Royal Ballet Associate Artist Christopher Wheeldon (MJ, An American in Paris), includes Scenic Design by two-time Tony Award® and two-time Emmy Award® winner Derek McLane (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Lighting Design by six-time Tony Award® winner Natasha Katz (Once), Costume Design by Tony Award, Emmy Award and Academy Award winner Paul Tazewell (Hamilton, Wicked), Sound Design by Tony Award® and Olivier Award winner Gareth Owen (Come From Away), Projection Design by two- time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen), and Wig & Hair Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles G. LaPointe (The Color Purple). Musical Supervision is by Tony Award® nominee David Holcenberg (Matilda), and the Orchestrations and Arrangements are by David Holcenberg and Tony Award® winner Jason Michael Webb (The Color Purple). UK Casting is by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG and UK Young Performer Casting is by Amy Beadel for Grindrod Burton Casting.
MJ THE MUSICAL
Prince Edward Theatre
Booking until 28 February 2026
Book Tickets for MJ the Musical
