‘MJ The Musical’: An exhilarating masterclass in Michael’s strikes

Peace Middle, Greenville, SC.
September 2, 2025.

MJ The Musical has returned to Greenville’s Peace Middle, bringing its choreographic brilliance again by widespread demand following a sold-out premiere in 2023. The a number of Tony Award®-winning musical was crafted by Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and author Lynn Nottage. MJ goes past the signature strikes and sound of Michael, providing a uncommon take a look at the artistic thoughts and collaborative spirit that made him the “King of Pop.” The Nationwide Tour stars Jordan Markus as MJ, Brandon Lee Harris as Michael and Quentin Blanton Jr. as Little Michael.

Markus embodied MJ from begin to end. It was obvious he took nice care to seize the complexities of the customarily misunderstood and, at occasions, troubled pop star. He delivered the center of Jackson convincingly, displaying an artist pushed by perfection and a necessity for love, but additionally somebody with an awesome humorousness, determined to be free to benefit from the present of music. Markus’ vocals – each talking and singing – had been almost an identical to Jackson’s. Whereas the present was brimming with catchy MJ hits, Markus’ voice actually shone within the ballads like “Stranger in Moscow” and “Earth Music.” His flawless moonwalks, exact leg kicks and iconic pelvic thrusts additional solidified the MJ persona.

After all, the present wouldn’t be a real Michael Jackson tribute with out his iconic dancing. With Wheeldon on the helm, MJ was a large celebration of the strikes that Jackson made well-known, however greater than that, it was a celebration of how motion was merely an extension of Jackson’s ardour for music. As a way to extra authentically seize Jackson’s actions, Wheeldon enlisted the assistance of Wealthy and Tone Talauega, brothers who danced with Jackson on tour. The Talauega brothers offered invaluable firsthand expertise in crafting the musical’s choreography and nonetheless provide periodic ‘tune-ups’ to the forged to make sure the strikes stay genuine. With all these parts, it’s straightforward to see why MJ received Tony for Finest Choreography.

The stage was set throughout the pre-show for the way dance-heavy the musical was. MJ’s tour dancers stretched and marked strikes lengthy earlier than the primary chords of “Beat It” started. From then on, motion on stage was almost fixed. When group numbers weren’t being carried out, dancers remained onstage within the background persevering with to rehearse in entrance of mirrors and in small teams. Though there was a heavy emphasis on hip hop, jazz and pop within the choreography, Wheeldon’s ballet background was each a delicate undercurrent and an specific affect, with moments of classical grace showing within the high-energy present.

The musical alternates between MJ’s rehearsals for his upcoming “Harmful” Tour, with flashbacks to his rising up years within the Jackson 5. A notable distinction was evident within the choreography between the 2 time intervals. This distinction in choreography — the Jackson 5’s sharp, angular actions versus MJ’s later clean moonwalks and leans — powerfully illustrates his creative evolution and journey towards independence. There have been additionally a variety of nods to historic moments in Jackson’s life. In the course of the ‘Soul Practice’ scene, newspaper headlines flashing on the backdrop featured his iconic Robotic dance, showcasing how Jackson might take a transfer and, along with his electrifying affect, flip it into a world phenomenon.

Though dance was just about continuous throughout MJ, Act 2 opened with a spectacular tribute to Jackson’s strikes and people who impressed them. “Billie Jean” started the act, and Markus cheekily interacted with the viewers as he slipped on the sequin jacket and singular glove. He was met with hoots and hollers from the gang as he moonwalked across the stage. As “Billie Jean” got here to an in depth, the efficiency shifted into “Clean Legal,” an particularly dance-heavy quantity. It opened with mentions of Fred Astaire, Bob Fosse and the Nicholas Brothers – all vital inspirations to Jackson’s dance. Every distinct fashion was highlighted, earlier than transitioning into “Clean Legal” which was a seamless mixing of the kinds, once more showcasing the depth of Jackson’s dedication to his craft. Because the present got here to an in depth, one ultimate standout dance quantity was “Thriller.” Though there have been particular hints on the authentic choreography, it was given new life with Wheeldon’s ingenious tackle the basic.

For a dancer, MJ The Musical is a dream. The thread of dance is fixed and excellently executed from prime to backside. As forged members have been recognized to say, this present is a “beast” — a testomony to the unimaginable stamina and breadth of potential required. Though the dancing and manufacturing are undeniably flashy, the intimate “Human Nature” of Jackson was additionally extremely impactful. His relentless drive for perfection revealed a brand new facet of the “King of Pop,” in the end giving me a far higher appreciation for the complicated man behind the celebrity.