Theater Review: MJ (National Tour at The National Theatre, D.C.)

A TRIP THROUGH MICHAEL JACKSON’S TRIPPY LIFE

For those who never had the chance to see Michael Jackson perform live, MJ — the current smash-hit Broadway jukebox musical now on tour at The National Theater — thrillingly brings his spirit and talent back to life.

 Jamaal Fields-Green as 'MJ' and the cast of the MJ First National Tour

As can be expected, the music and dancing is phenomenal. In the title role, Jamaal Fields-Green faithfully embodies Jackson’s signature moves (the anti-gravity lean, the crotch grab, the toe stand, the kick, and the moonwalk), his singing, and even his soft-spoken, breathy voice. The signature moves are deftly recreated by dancemakers Rich + Tone Talauega.

However, the book by Lynn Nottage — a combination of flashbacks and MJ himself in 1992 – drags, and is only brought back to life by the intermittent exuberant song and dance numbers.

Roman Banks as MJ, Mary Kate Moore as Rachel

The show starts out in a rehearsal a few days before Jackson’s “Dangerous” tour, sponsored by Pepsi-Cola with profits donated to various charities, including Jackson’s own “Heal the World Foundation.” Dancers arrive on stage while the lights are still up, and proceed to physically warm up. Already, one can see their caliber of talent. A documentarian and her camera man try to get access to MJ. Jackson, whose name has been plastered in the tabloids, is reluctant but agrees. Then the cast breaks out into a rendition of “Beat It” that sets the stage on fire.

Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as Little Marlon, Ethan Joseph as Little Michael

The plot’s conflict is the constant tension between the reporter and Michael. The story frames Jackson as one whose hard life made him vulnerable to the harsh realities of the press.

He repeatedly tells the reporter: “You pay for the price of fame” and “Not everything that is printed is factual.”

The message is Michael Jackson: Good. Press: Bad.

However, the play doesn’t allude to MJ’s future legal troubles of being accused of sexual abuse, which began in 1993, right after the musical takes place.

Devin Bowles as Rob and Roman Banks as MJ

It’s well-known that Jackson’s father was a tyrannical company manager of The Jackson Five, and was abusive to Michael. The play doesn’t hide this fact, but, in fact, harps on it. Devin Bowles convincingly plays Joe Jackson, and expertly switches to playing Rob, MJ’s tour manager. At times the transition is instantaneous. The play also doesn’t shy away from all of Jackson’s financial and drug problems (the reporter overhears a conversation about trying to get MJ to lay off the pills). We later learn that the pill popping (for pain) started after Michael received second- and third-degree burns on his hair caught fire during a Pepsi commercial shoot.

Josiah Benson as Little Michael and Anastasia Talley as Katherine Jackson

The actors who play MJ in the flashbacks – Josiah Benson (little Michael); and Brandon Lee Harris (older Michael) — are incredible talents in their own right as we see them sing and dance through MJ’s early years.

Brandon Lee Harris as Michael

The play, through flashbacks, gives us a brief journey through MJ’s career. We witness the rise of The Jackson Five, from Apollo Amateur Night where they sing “ABC” to Soul Train the show on which a 15-year-old Michael debuts his “robot” dance alongside his brothers during their performance of “Dancing Machine.” We see Jackson’s moving on from Motown and Berry Gordy (J. Daughtry) to star as the Scarecrow in The Wiz to his chart-breaking Off the Wall album, his first through Epic Records and the first produced by Quincy Jones (Josh A. Dawson). We see Michael win eight GRAMMYS in one night, and advocate for his “Heal the World Foundation,” for which the proceeds of his tour will benefit.

Roman Banks as MJ

We witness the angst Michael experiences when Mr. Fields-Green performs “They Don’t Care About Us” and we see him being manipulated as a marionette until he breaks free from his demons.

We’re lucky enough to see a rousing rendition of “Thriller,” complete with Paul Tazewell‘s demonic costumes and Natasha Katz’s intoxicating lighting. The theme of “Thriller” hits home: Michael is fighting off the evil spirits that have haunted him throughout his life — his father, negative press, self-judgement.

Brandon Lee Harris as Michael, Josh A. Dawson as Quincy Jones, Roman Banks as MJ

The musical concludes with Michael’s self-reflection with “Man in the Mirror,” where he sings, “If you want to make the world a better place, Take a look at yourself and make that change.” It brings home Michael’s honest attempt to turn his struggles into self-empowerment.

So the play ends on a positive note and, under director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, is really just a tribute to Jackson’s illustrious career and persona.

For all the MJ lovers out there — and there are scores — don’t miss MJ. It raises the bar for the bio-musical.