Whether you’re a fan of Michael Jackson or not, most people can agree that he was an absolute genius when it comes to pop music, thus the reference King of Pop. He was, however, a very controversial figure with a lot of personal drama that played out in the media and in the court. His music became his lifeblood and that passion, that dedication, that talent he displayed before his untimely death in 2009 was on stage last night at Altria Theater in MJ The Musical.
The show, which runs through Feb. 2, revolves around rehearsals for the Dangerous World Tour, named after Jackson’s eighth album Dangerous. The tour ran from June 1992 to November 1993 and was performed around the world.
Bringing Past to Present
During rehearsals, Jackson has flashbacks that shed light on his past and the cruelty he endured growing up, reasons he always felt he could never make a mistake or be less than.
The touring production currently performing in Richmond does a phenomenal job of bringing all of Jackson’s past to the present, of showing Jackson’s internal drive to be perfect and how that leads him to deny his financial state, rely on pills for pain, and become a musical visionary and workaholic.
While the show is all about Jackson’s incredible library of music, it is also a heartfelt tribute to his creativity and imagination that builds from Act One to only explode in Act Two with an opening number of Jackson’s legendary black fedora and crystal encrusted single hand glove during a performance at the 1983 Motown 25th anniversary concert.
World Class Cast
When it comes to the cast, it’s a well-oiled machine in the sense that everyone works together in a beautiful rhythm that carries the show like a world-class surfer riding a wave that can change direction at any moment.
The voices on stage are superb, as is the dancing, which is a show in itself. Like it is with all productions, there are performances that grab your attention. Last night, Quentin Blanton Jr., who took on the role of little Michael for the opening show, was a standout – cute as a button and talented too.
Devin Bowles, who played both Joe Jackson and Rob, was great at switching between the two personalities, and his vocals were full and rich.
Virginia native Erik Hamilton, who played Michael in his teen/middle years, and Jordan Markus who played Michael as an adult, were both perfection in their voices, their dancing and their acting. They both became Michael, his moves, his expressions, his voice, his pain. It all came through. At times it was like you were sitting in an actual concert with Michael Jackson on stage.
Jordan’s performance of Thriller toward the end of Act Two was an emotional tour de force.
I would be negligent if I didn’t point out the amazing set designs and staging, as well as the costuming that duplicates the iconic Jackson look throughout the years. A special nod to the dramatic and brilliant lighting designs/effects. There is one point in the show where the lighting plays such a crucial role that it becomes the star of the show, changing the mood in an instant.
This musical a pure treat. Don’t miss it. MJ is recommended for ages 8 and up. The show runs 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Digital Lottery
A limited number of lottery tickets for MJ will be made available for each performance. The digital lottery is open for entries the day prior to each performance, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lottery winners will be randomly selected and contacted via email to process their payment; tickets will be available at Will Call for pickup one hour prior to showtime. Lottery tickets are $25 each plus fees. Entrants may request up to a maximum of two tickets for this production. Broadway Direct is the official vendor for all Broadway in Richmond lotteries – enter the lottery here.
Purchase tickets to MJ at the Altria Theater website.
Get to know J. Daughtry, who plays Barry Gordy and stage manager Nick here.
