MJ The Musical Brings The King Of Pop To Melbourne
There are theatre shows, and then there are full-blown experiences. MJ The Musical, now lighting up Her Majesty’s Theatre, firmly belongs in the latter. At times, it feels less like a stage production and more like being front row at a Michael Jackson concert, complete with goosebump-inducing vocals, jaw-dropping choreography, and the kind of electricity you can feel buzzing through the crowd.
What Is MJ The Musical?
Fresh from Broadway and Olivier Award-winning seasons in London and beyond, MJ The Musical lands in Melbourne following its sold-out Sydney run. The show is set in 1992, during rehearsals for Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour, framed through the eyes of an MTV journalist granted rare access to the rehearsal room.
Rather than shying away from complexity, the show celebrates Jackson’s creative brilliance. It’s a chance to appreciate the artistry and cultural impact of the King of Pop—without the noise of controversy. With more than 25 iconic hits from Beat It to Thriller and Man in the Mirror, the soundtrack alone guarantees a night that will live in your head long after the curtain falls.
The Cast Bringing MJ To Life
At the centre is Ilario Grant, a Broadway powerhouse who channels Michael’s precision, stage presence, and vulnerability with uncanny intensity. His performance goes beyond impersonation—it’s a full-bodied inhabiting of the legend that leaves you hanging on every note and move.
Backing him is an equally stacked cast:
- Liam Damons, a Brisbane newcomer, returns as teenage Michael in a breakout role brimming with raw energy.
- Penny McNamee, a familiar face from Home and Away, makes her stage return as sharp MTV journalist Rachel.
- Josslynn Hlenti Afoa as Katherine Jackson, Conlon Bonner as Tito Jackson/Quincy Jones, and Derrick Davis as Joseph Jackson/Rob add emotional weight to the story.
It’s an ensemble that feels as big and bold as the music itself.
Dancing That Will Blow Your Mind
Here’s the thing: Michael Jackson’s moves are as iconic as his music, and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon OBE more than rises to the challenge. His Tony Award-winning choreography is a kinetic tribute—sharp, fluid, and impossible to look away from. Numbers like Smooth Criminal leave jaws on the floor, while Thriller turns the theatre into a pulsing arena.
It’s the kind of dance that makes you want to leap out of your seat, proof that Jackson’s influence on movement is still unmatched. And full confession, seats were certainly leapt out of.
The Emotional Heartbeat Of The Show
While the spectacle is undeniable, it’s the intimate moments that really resonate. From the tense father-son dynamic between Michael and Joe, to the quiet drive for perfection behind the glitter, the show finds ways to humanise Jackson. It’s equal parts dazzling and poignant, a rare combination that keeps audiences hooked.
At times, the emotion cuts so deep it feels like the audience holds its breath together, before erupting in applause at the next number. It’s a reminder of why Jackson’s music became the soundtrack to so many lives.
Why Melbourne Can’t Miss This
This isn’t just another jukebox musical, it’s Broadway-calibre theatre, right here in Melbourne. With design from Tony Award winners Derek McLane (sets) and Natasha Katz (lighting), plus costumes by Oscar-winner Paul Tazewell (Hamilton), the production is polished within an inch of perfection.
Having already captured the hearts of more than 5 million audience members worldwide, MJ The Musical is set to be Melbourne’s theatrical event of the year. Tickets are on sale now from mjthemusical.com.au, starting at $89.
The Takeaway
Whether you grew up moonwalking across your living room or just know the hooks, MJ The Musical is a thrill ride that transcends generations. It’s part concert, part biography, part spectacle—but above all, it’s a celebration.
Melbourne, prepare yourself. This one’s a thriller.
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Image credits: MJ The Musical | Supplied