MAN IN THE MIRROR,
SHOW ON FIRE

A dazzling tour delivers the
spectacle and the moves,
even if the storytelling
stays surface-level

Jordan Markus as MJ

The national touring production of MJ the Musical is completing its short run at the Civic Theatre through May 10. The show portrays episodes from the life and career of Michael Jackson and may be a bit talky, but when it sings and dances, which is most of the time, it is a stunner.

Jordan Markus as MJ and Devin Bowles as Rob

Quentin Blanton Jr. as Little Michael and Anastasia Talley as Katherine Jackson

The main action in MJ takes place during rehearsals in Los Angeles for Jackson’s proposed 1992 Dangerous World Tour, framed by an interview with a documentary crew. Some passages cover his childhood and the rise of the Jackson 5. As he prepares the tour, financial pressures emerge from the scale and extravagance of the production. Lynn Nottage’s book touches on Jackson’s personal conflicts, but the headline controversies that marked his later life are absent. It is the singing and dancing that make MJ such an indelible viewing experience.

Jordan Markus as MJ and the First National Tour Cast

Jordan Markus as MJ and the First National Tour Cast

The production features a huge ensemble, many in multiple roles. But the show belongs to Jordan Markus, the fourth actor to take on the title role on tour. Markus delivers spectacular singing and acting that fully serve Jackson’s life and legend. He captures Jackson’s performing style in song, dance, and persona with striking accuracy, especially in the physical details that defined the artist’s stage presence.

Jordan Markus as MJ and the First National Tour Cast

The First National Tour Cast

Christopher Wheeldon serves as both director and choreographer, and his skill at integrating the show’s visual and musical elements is impressive. The dancing moves with precision and speed that clearly reflect extensive rehearsal. Nottage’s script provides the framework, though some scenes feel extended as the narrative moves between past and present.

Josh A Dawson as Quincy Jones and Erik Hamilton as Michael

J Daughtry as Nick, Jordan Markus as MJ

The design elements are particularly noteworthy. Derek McLane’s scenic design and Natasha Katz’s lighting design are dazzling. A standout visual moment comes from geometric groupings of large neon bars that transform the Civic stage into a vivid light display. Additional contributions from Paul Tazewell (costumes), Gareth Owen (sound), Peter Nigrini (projections), and Charles G. LaPointe (wig and hair design) enhance the overall spectacle.

Jordan Markus as MJ and the First National Tour Cast

Brandon Lee Harris as Michael and the First National Tour Cast

The audience at the performance responded enthusiastically, especially during the high-energy musical numbers. The crowd was clearly primed for a major theatrical event, and the production delivers on that expectation.

Jordan Markus as MJ and Anastasia Talley as Katherine Jackson

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photos by Matthew Murphy

MJ the Musical
Broadway San Diego
San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Avenue, San Diego
ends on May 10, 2026
for tickets ($59 and up), call 619.570.1100 or visit Broadway in SD

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