For context: www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/03/10-undeniable-facts-about-the-michael-jackson-sexual-abuse-allegations

I saw MJ on Broadway and loved it. And that does not mean I am not aware of the troubling aspects of his life. But I understand those who choose not to see it.

great review! I'm seeing it on broadway next month and am very excited.

Loved your review-thank you. I am now a subscriber;). Saw MJ the Musical last month at Segerstrom Theater in Southern California. I’m a huge fan of MJ (we were born a day apart in 1958) and was myself glad that they “didn’t go there” past 1992; I felt like they left him at an iconic time and with an iconic, brilliant finish. VERY interesting to hear your explanation that this may have had to do with permission being given by family/estate-makes perfect sense, so thank you for that tidbit. Finally I’ll say as to the controversies that they did explore, I was glad they cleared up the pill-taking action by explaining his burn injuries from the Pepsi commercial-I was in defensive posture on that detail and very glad when they settled that (of course says little about the other medications that came to rule-and tragically end-his life😢) Your review style is great-I’ll look forward to seeing other pieces.

Very fair introduction and context setting.

The narrative really isn't as narrow as you think it is. Michael has addressed the main question numerous times in his music. Like MJ said in the musical, any questions people have about him, just listen to his music.

Just saw the show last night in New York and LOVED IT!!!

Got to see it on Broadway with 6 of my beat friends on my birthday in 2022. Many of them were from out of town or had moved away so it was a real thriller for us. We saw myles Frost and loved it immensely. However I do understand what you're getting at about the subject being a bit complicated. And I agree . Great review as always

I saw it twice on Broadway..once with Myles and once with the another actor..both times were amazing. The entire cast were phenomenal

Glad I watched your review now, Loved the MJ show and yes i happily googled the Nicholas Bros for the top of act 2 and loved learning about his dance style. Saw Thriller years ago and loved that as well. A celebration of the music and a man out of time. Looking forward to your Long days journey into night review in time x one of these days ill get a selfie with you x

I'd love to see MJ (MickeyJo) the musical!

I so appreciate your nuance and thoughtfulness in these reviews

I saw MJ the Musical on Broadway with Myles Frost as the King of Pop and I absolutely loved it! I would go see it again. 5/5 stars for me!

Seen the US tour a few times as an usher. There’s a certain line in the show in the dialogue break of Human Nature where MJ cuts himself off as if he’s about to say something or delve into something he’s struggling with little deeper, and Rachel the reporter says “What were you gonna say?” Made me wonder if it’s the show writer’s way to acknowledge the accusations in a quick non-obvious way.

Great review!

I saw it on Broadway and loved every second. I thought it was a fantastic production.Then again I have been a fan from the beginning of his career with the Jackson 5 until his untimely death. He was a troubled genius.

5 stars for me. one of my favorite musicals on broadway now.

I've seen the musical 4 times in NYC, 3 times with Myles Frost playing the lead. Excellent show! He's a star!

I know people working FOH, and there is now security in the auditorium. People singing and wanting to dance, people recording and just on their phones. People getting drunk, it's a nightmare. Too many people thinking they can sing to the point they've have walked out pissed because they were repeatedly told off for singing.

First! Seeing your review before go to sleep. You are one of my favorite critics. Greetings from an actor-writer (and musical phan) living in France! (Im franco-mexican, sorry if my english is not perfect)

Thanks. Haven’t seen it yet as I prioritized other shows. May see it on tour. UK 🇬🇧 is lucky that Myles Frost reprised his role for the West End. Glad you enjoyed his performance. Any thoughts on an Olivier next year for the performance?

I saw it on Broadway and loved it

The first sentence of this video is pure genius.

25:34 and I’m *immediately* distracted by the insane biceps of that one guy in the ensemble. Holy cow. Genuinely always in awe of guys who are absolutely jacked and yet can pull off the most precise and fluid choreography.

I saw it a few days ago in the West End and I thought it was amazing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The BWAY FLEA is set for Sunday September 22. Will we see you both there this year?

Myles frost is killer

I am so excited that you have reviewed this! My friends and I did a little Broadway trip, and, in letting them pick the musical, we saw MJ. I was...not excited to say the least, having very low expectations. After I saw the show, however, I was obsessed. The visuals of this show, specifically the use of set and lighting, I believe, are excellent. After Thriller hit, there was a long standing ovation, which was just amazing to be apart of. I couldn't stop raving about it. However, after that initial shock had worn off, I share your sentiments about the story. I do recommend this musical to someone who is just looking for a fun, concert-like musical for a good night out; however, my theatre lovers might not share the same enthusiasm due to its plot issues.

Oh! Should say: yes yessssss the dance numbers were over-the-top amazingly fantastic!!!

Great review! There has to be a better word for these types of shows (and I’m sure this won’t be the last) than Biopic. I believe biopic is derived from biographical picture meaning a film which of course live musicals are not. Bioshow? Biomusical? Clumsy but more accurate.

I can't offer a personal opinion cause I've never seen MJ, but it's one of the few long-running & (more-or-less) well-received juke-box musicals to succeed on Bway. And my friends who've seen it have really enjoyed it. So I'll prob. give it a shot & see it sooner or later myself. Esp. since your own (qualified) review really sold me on it!

It is soo good. Everyone has their own opinions but every time I've seen it, it's been stellar!!

I saw this in New York and I agree

the media stuff with the female journalist being portrayed as a villain is pretty much exactly what happened... his life was fodder for journalists and the tabloid industry. his humanity was completely erased... what about the unethicality of that? and he was guarded. he was mysterious to journalists, to the public.. those are true to reality. i think i agree that those are weaknesses because we couldve gotten a better portrayal of who he was if the people behind it knew who he really was.

Saw this on broadway during previews and I can 1000 percent say this show was one of the most thrilling, unforgettable pieces of theatre I have ever witnessed. I got to see Myles' understudy - and while I was at first disappointed, the man ended up doing a fabulous job! Everyone in the cast, design team etc was just amazing. That said, the book by my fave playwright Lynn Nottage fell completely thin. It irked me that everything was rushed or pushed aside - there is even a brief moment when he is asked directly about the allegations that he never answers. It felt so strange. And also dangerous. This would've been a perfect way for the estate to get in front of it and tell the truth about what happened. But they skated over it altogether and that felt strange. Also the ending I saw - where there's this dramatic ethical crisis about if he should do the concert or not - then it just time jumps into him performing at the concert- felt weird. lol I was like ??/ wait is it over? Okay. lol

I saw MJ on tour. The actors all put on a great show, but it's a long one! I spent most of the second half of the show thinking about how it was past my bedtime (I went on a saturday night)

The US tour is coming here & although I am not sold on getting a ticket per se yet it's something I would at least like to see. Of all the juke-box musicals recently it's for sure one of the more entertaining.

Saw this play last year with my gf best musical I saw on Broadway year. Michael Jackson was a talented musican

Just saw it and it was a fun night at the theatre. The actor who played Middle Micheal was a stand-out. Also, they actually do the original Thriller choreography but not during the Thriller number. It's during the Micheal moves to LA and makes his first solo album sequence in the first act.

i take an issue with a lot of people ignoring his unanimous vindication and acquittal in a whole criminal trial.

Please see other work by the book writer Lynn Nottage. She is one of our greatest loving playwrights.

Great 🙂

I saw this on broadway because I know someone in the cast. I was hesitant to see it just because of the legacy of MJ and all, but it was a fun show, and the music and dancing is obviously fantastic. It's now part of my package for next season for the national tour and I'll see it again, but i am still a bit soured to the story because of the allegations overshadowing everything

Other great reveiw. I seen videos from the show and it looks great with a well talented cast. I think most people going wont be going for the life story but for the music. I was wanting to know what the difference is between this and the thriller show and which you suggest over the other (however I know u said u didn't see thriller, so u can't really comment).

I'm not an MJ (the artist) fan; I like the hits fine, but, like, I don’t have a greater connection to him beyond hearing his songs every now and then. I also don’t know much about the allegations and, frankly, I don’t care enough about him one way or the other to learn more about it. I saw the tour, and I thought the performers were very talented and executed the material very well. That being said, I have two major gripes with the show that keep me from saying I enjoyed the show. Gripe one: I am averse to bio-musicals. Already the show starts at a disadvantage here, but it doesn’t help that, like you mention, it's written so that there are no stakes and it just kind of relies on the audience already loving the subject matter rather than trying to convince you to love him when you didn’t before. Because it’s a jukebox musical, the songs oftentimes sound like covers or remixes of iconic performances, and why would I listen to this when I can listen to the original. Gripe 2: the book was kind of really lame. It just makes him feel like the tortured artist trope, misunderstood genius type. And, like, whatever? And you have great moments like you mention, Smooth Criminal and Thriller, which were incredibly unique and creative...but what do they do with it? Not much, Man In the Mirror becomes such an underwhelming climax because the book does very little to connect the number to his growth as a person/character. There were impressive moments, but imo, I dont think it justifies itself to exist outside of look how cool MJ was. Very technically inpressive, but like you say "by the numbers"; you see one bio musical you've seen quite a handful of them. But, you know, if you liked it: that's great, nothing wrong with that. It's not for me, and I recognize that.

… interesting, I have tickets for the U.S. National Tour later this month

I went to watch it in London at the west end Too just over week ago

The controversy surrounding MJ is complex, and I don’t know if we will ever really know the truth about what all happened. Because we don’t know the truth ( most likely never will) I think we need to be careful about not allowing certain art to exist because there’s a lot of artists who had questionable pieces of their lives. I think you can enjoy someone’s art without having to make a moral stance on the person or their character. Example, Elvis was pretty much a predator towards Pricilla.

#MJINNOCENT

Gonna see the traveling show this weekend. Im excited Edit: I didn't love it. The cast was fantastic but most of it felt like a concert I couldn't sing or dance with instead of an engaging story. Except Thriller, that sequence was worth sitting through the whole play, it recontextulized the song and told a beautiful story.

I loved your review. I thought it was a 5* show. Agree with tge disruptive audience member making eeh eeh sounds everytime Miles came on the stage. The dancers were outstanding and made me appreciate the music. Loved it. Cant believe the Guardian gave this 2* and The Opening 4*

The thing is that i don't like the script about Joe Jackson, like hes not that bad. I don't like how they did joe like that.

Just think how the upcoming biopic will go down in cinemas! 😬 people either see him as the king of pop or for questionable behaviour/death that was very foggy regarding the outcome and outcome of the fbi investigation…

the mj biopic will cover the allegations which will be produced by the estate. so i’m assuming that they’re reserving it for film which reaches much more people than the stage play

I enjoyed it. Much like Moulin Rouge, it is not going to make your feel ANYTHING. Not incredible, far from terrible, just fun. It feels like a concert with some characters sprinkeled about.

Interesting commentary to note Rachel is one of the shows villains. I saw her as a stand in for the audience who is trying to understand him better.

Before I watched your review, I had no interest whatsoever in this musical given how controversial a figure Michael ended up being. But now it might be worth going. It sounds like a great spectacle, the kind worth schlepping downtown for.

Off topic...need to see more of MJ. to comment. Am I the only one who would like a Coal Miners Daughter musical?

Solid review. I saw this a couple of weeks ago in New York after deciding to put aside my initial reservations. I saw the 2nd act number you talked about with Fosse and Astaire on the web. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n7tnpZB1p7rXl6M.html I wish the rest of the show would have lived up to this number but I still enjoyed the experience, more as a concert than a show because all of the highlights were basically just fabulously choreographed and staged numbers. My emotional involvement came from my connection to the songs rather than being drawn in by the narrative. Three stars is fair, but if I lived in NY, I'd probably see this several more times. There were some adrenaline rushes and the finale sort of made my heart stop. In fact, I'm sure I will see it next time I'm in NY because I can just sit back, relax and enjoy it for what it is. Or perhaps I need to hop on a plane and see it at the West End but I'm sort of waiting for the new Pavarotti musical to drop for my first visit. Jacob Collier's participation has me hyped.

I share your concerns and I’m glad you pointed out the issues here.

Pretty much felt the same way about this as you did - really enjoyed the music and dancing. I agree that the plot felt really thin. The Jackson 5 were also in the Motown musical, so I felt like I had already "seen" some of the flashback content (aside from everything that was in news, made for TV movies, etc). I know not everyone will have seen all of these, but Motown, Ain't too Proud, and Tina all felt kind of the same to me.Generally, the plots of these biopic jukebox musicals just kind of fall flat in my opinion, even though the performances are usually outstanding (the performer I saw for Tina was amazing!). I like when they go an entirely different direction with the plot, for example with "We Will Rock You" based on the music of Queen.

I saw the show in New York and then when the national touring company came to Seattle and then I saw it again in New York and that was specifically because the dancing and the staging was spectacular, out of this world, superb..... It did win the Tony Award for best choreography and Myles Frost won the Tony Award for best actor in a musical and both were well deserved. It was only because of that was I able to separate my feelings and thoughts about the controversy from the staging. When I would describe the show to friends and then say that it was about Michael Jackson, most people had the same reaction. However, from a Broadway point of view, it was tremendous and there wasn't just one or two show stopping numbers. There were four or five of them. Any one of them was just spectacular. If you love great dancing, great staging and great performances, this is the show not to be missed!

Yup. Spot on.

He was never convicted but the opposite: 14 times not guilty in court so why should it not exist?

I saw it on bway and I loved it! I felt like the way was shaped was really smart. It is easily my favourite bio jukebox musical. I didn’t see myles I saw one of them standbys and they were insanely talented. Like you said it doesn’t talk about the controversies of him that I feel like some people may of expected. I walked in with very little knowledge of the show and really enjoyed it. The big numbers were show stopping numbers. I really enjoyed the time line as I felt like I got to learn about his life through his eyes and not through scenes which I struggle to see the meaning off during shows like Tina for an example ! I am heading to the uk in November and I’m very interested to see how it is in the uk and also back home in Australia when it comes next February!

You pinned a vanity fair article and that's telling about your intellect.

He was crucified by the media though so I’m glad they portrayed it.

What part of this show having to be ok’ed by his estate, including his adult children, are y’all ignoring? No. It’s not going to be a take-down. However, it’s also not hagiography.

I saw MJ on Broadway as a lottery winner. I can say I didn’t necessarily like the show, I too was curious how they would handle the drama that was involved in MJs life. That being said, the couple sitting next to me was ecstatic about the whole thing. I much preferred a beautiful noise and how it was done. Maybe I’m more of a Neil Diamond music fan than an MJ music fan. I don’t know.

I'm so glad that you said something right off the top about the controversy. It's been a little bizarre, seeing so little mention of any kind of issues that people might have with the show in the states-side coverage that I've seen. My first, knee-jerk reaction to seeing that there even WAS a MJ musical was "...oof." And I'm someone who listened to his music as it was coming out, I was very much a fan. I think it's strange that they completely skipped any kind of look at the subject matter in the show. I'm sure that the music, dancing, visuals, all of those I'm sure are phenomenal, but how could you NOT have all the accusations and controversy in your mind at all as you watch it? And then to have it almost entirely pushed under the rug? Just *weird*.

Saw the show recently in NYC. By intermission I was googling the question "Was Michael Jackson autistic?" Pretty sure that was not the standard take away...

the entire music industry is predatory, it wouldn't surprise me at all if MJ was abused and then became an abuser, just like the P Diddy stuff that's coming out. A wider discussion needs to be had at the failure of Metoo to really accomplish something in terms of protecting vulnerable artists and children.

One thing is clear - there is no real interest in a full.discussion.

I have dangerous tour rehersals on two DVDs the story is not like the rehersals mj never invited mtv to watch rehearsals

His biopic called "Michael" will go into depth about those false allegations. In theaters April 18, 2025!

Given the controversial life he had - the accusations - the multiple sexual assault claims, the children in the beds - I think this is deeply distasteful to have a show like this in existence. Whatever the exact facts, it is without doubt that he had many 'unusual' relationships with children and many people are to this day traumatised by him.

I’ve seen the show many times on Broadway and there’s a tiny bit of Thriller choreo in the “Wanna Be Startin Something” sequence; they show him filming the video so there’s a small quote of the dance there. For Halloween 2022 and 2023 the whole cast performed Thriller with the original choreo after bows. I was there the first year and it was amazing! I don’t disagree with anything you’ve said about the book and the way it avoids the hardest issues but I’ve seen it so many times because the dance and the dancers are still my favorite on Broadway right now. (My favorite number is definitely the tribute to his dance heroes into Smooth Criminal also)

If you take time to delve into the cases against MJ, you'll discover that they are completely baseless. There is a reason he was found not guilty. The man was completely innocent.

Just because you read it in a magazine or see on the t.v screen don't make it factual!

You were very lucky to never see thriller live 😅

Yes, it should exist and I enjoyed the show. But, the success of the show pivots completely on the caliber of the lead’s ability to channel MJ. As for MJ’s troubles, he was found not guilty in court. You could speculate but there is no evidence.

My Mum was pregnant with ME!!!!!! When she went to see The Tour when it came to LONDON IN 1991. Xxxxx

Please do some research on MJ :)

MJ was never convicted of a single crime and was thoroughly investigated during his life. The allegations shouldn’t be part of the musical. Looking forward to seeing it, his music is timeless.

I've not really been convinced either way of any of the allegations against MJ. I was a huge fan of his. However for whatever reason I struggle to listen to his music anymore. I think I'd really struggle to watch this, and it's a shame because it sounds like the performers have done a fantastic job with it.

I personally feel like MJ is a difficult subject to cover because it has come out that a lot of the allocations levied at him were exaggerated or made up- he was a deeply troubled man who was not helped in the way he should have been. From what I know of MJ the musical, it makes no real attempt to really delve into the man, just the myth

It’s a spectacular show & seeing as he’s dead & was never convicted of anything despite so much investigation…it’s time to let him rest in peace.

I think, you and many people have to do a REAL research of Michael, everyone can think whatever they want, but there are rumors and FACTS, just do reserach :)

Just last week I saw the announcement that the MJ musical will also open in Hamburg in December this year, and my initial thought was: "... Yikes." Very intrigued to hear your thoughts on this.

I look forward to the comedy musical "COSBY!" Where they address the elephant in the room by twice saying "I dont like what they are saying about me."

MJ was 100% innocent and a beautiful soul ❤️

Do some research about Michael.

I don’t care what anybody says, not even what a professional theatre critic says, MJ is a perfect biographical jukebox musical 🎶 in my own opinion. MJ is 100% innocent.

Saw it in New York. Absolutely spectacular. Incredible stagecraft and choreography. And of course, that music! In terms of controversy, just remember that MJ was never found guilty of any wrongdoing in that regard. Ever. And that’s after an exhaustive court trial. Yes, he was an idiot for spending time alone with children, but I think it is just as likely (if not more so) that the families of these kids saw a very convenient way to make a lot of money and they took it. Innocent until proven guilty. And in any case, the guy is dead now.

I mean plenty of musicals ignore parts of the real story. The Greatest Showman & Barnum portrayed PT Barnum as a family man who provided opportunities for those marginalised by society. In reality he was the absolute dregs of humanity who bought disabled children from desperate families, kept them in cages and put them on display in actual freak shows. Hamilton glosses over the fact several of the characters were slave owners.

I think most people, including myself.. think he was innocent and admire him as a person. Not just because of his incredible music. That's why the musical is so successful

As someone who would never see either because of the reasons that you go into, what was the difference between this and Thriller Live?

Really interesting review! Tbh I have very mixed thoughts on MJ’s issues. I personally don’t understand why people who boycotted The Unfriend over a transphobic actress aren’t doing the same for the MJ show. Especially given that some proceeds of the show go to the MJ estate. Now don’t get me wrong, being a transphobe is horrible and completely wrong, and I know both issues are immensely problematic but surely everyone can agree that what MJ did to these children is even worse. So I struggle to understand why there isn’t the same level of scrutiny.

No it should not exist....same for : Mamma Mia.....Cher Show...Tina.... and any other juke box musical from here to Mars.

Elvis was romantically involved with a 14 year old and that hasn't stopped people from makimg him a legend and making countless movies about him.