King of Pop's Vivid Life (Broadway Across America)

MJ: The Musical 

Book by Lynn Nottage 

Orchestrations and Arrangements by Jason Michael Webb 

Music Supervision, Orchestrations & Arrangements by David Holcenberg 

Directed and Choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon 

Review by Regina Harris 

Entire contents are copyright @2025 by Regina Harris. All rights reserved.

MJ: The Musical electrified a nearly full house Tuesday night at Whitney Hall, delivering a breathtaking portrait of the King of Pop. The production goes beyond a jukebox musical, tracing Michael Jackson's ascent from Jackson 5 fame to the planning of his final tour as a superstar. What emerges is a portrait of a visionary artist, groundbreaking choreographer and deft songwriter whose relentless demand for perfection fueled both his brilliance, and ultimately, his downfall. 

From the bright pink and yellow bell-bottom ensembles to the pitch perfect recreation of those early hits, this production isn't so much musical; it's a time machine. The young performers channel the Jackson 5 with uncanny accuracy. Quentin Blanton, Jr. and Bryce A. Holmes (double cast as Little Michael) and Austin Rankin as Little Marlon are a nostalgic dream - their voices so closely matched the originals it was almost impossible to distinguish between them and the Jackson 5 back in the day. You'll find yourself singing along as soon as the stage lights come up. 

Jordan Marcus is a star as Michael. He was amazing and fully embodied Jackson's swagger. His technical dancing abilities were perfect and his voice sounds just like Jackson, himself. As Joseph Jackson, Devin Bowles commands the stage, balancing what initially seems like harsh discipline with glimpses of empathy, capturing a father determined to prepare his gifted children for the cutthroat music industry while recognizing the unique challenges young Michael would face as a young, Black solo performer. Bringing balance to the family dynamic, Kristen Stokes shines as Michael's mother Katherine, her powerful voice soaring in the duet "Human Nature." 

Many of the actors doubled roles, creating a tight, versatile cast with clear distinctions between each character. Every performance is spot on, but the Tour Dancers truly steal the show. From channeling iconic Soul Train dancers to embodying Michael's stadium tour performers, their precision, grace and energy are flawless. 

The set on the spacious Whitney stage is simple, but the lighting is nothing short of spectacular. Brightly colored and crisp white lights highlight key moments and performances, conveying emotion without a single word. And the music-get ready to dance in your seat from the very first note. 

MJ: The Musical is a dazzling celebration of Michael Jackson's talent, drive, and passion. The cast, dancers, and musicians, bring the King of Pop's world vividly to life in a mere two and a half hours which fly by, while bringing back decades-old memories. It's a "Thriller" of a journey through pop history so "Beat It" to the Box Office before the run sells out! 

MJ: The Musical  Broadway Across America

September 9, 10, 11, 12 @ 7:00 pm September 13 @ 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm 

September 14 @ 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm 

Whitney Hall at Kentucky Performing Arts 

501 W. Main St. 

Louisville, KY 40202 

(502) 584-7777 

www.kentuckyperformingarts.org