MJ the Musical | Prince Edward Theatre

Following the life of the well beloved King of Pop whilst including over 25 of his most iconic hits, MJ the Musical is a love letter to Michael Jackson, his music and his legacy.

Originally opening in the West End in early 2024 with a book by Lynn Nottage and directed by Christopher Wheeldon, MJ the Musical is set in June 1992 as Michael prepares for his opening night of the Dangerous World Tour. An interviewer is let into the room to film the process and through her interview with Michael, the audience watches his life unfold, from being one of five in the Jackson Five to the trials and tribulations he faced breaking out and making it big on his own. 

Michael Jackson has many iconic looks and Paul Tazewell has the job of costume designing, fitting outfits from all through Jackson’s career. Adorned in sparkles that the Jackson Five are dressed head to toe in with bright silky colours, giving that early 70s feel with a more sleek simpler outfit for Jackson in 1992, Tazewell perfectly tailors Jackson’s most iconic outfits, especially his black suit and white glittery glove. 

Derek McLane creates multiple worlds with scenic design. A dance studio is where most of the show takes place, as everyone is preparing for the first day of tour, with brick walls to the ceiling with a large window doubling as a screen to show stadiums and clubs. Set pieces drop from the ceiling to create completely immersive music video style moments, and smaller panels are moved around by actors. McLane considers all elements, even down to the safety curtain that covers the stage for the interval with a blue curtain with writing sporadically placed, all copied from notes written by Michael Jackson himself. 

Alongside directing, Wheeldon has choreographed the show, delivering powerhouse dance numbers one after another. Mixing MJ’s classic moves with sharp movements for the ensemble. It’s smooth on the eyes and interesting to watch the blend that Wheeldon has created, its dynamic and explosive. 

No one could’ve taken on a role as big as Michael Jackson other than Jamaal Fields-Green. And this isn’t his first rodeo, playing Jackson in the North American tour and as the standby Michael for the Broadway run. He’s got Jackson’s movements nailed and has perfected his iconic voice. Everything about his performance feels genuine rather than an impression. You can feel the same incredible magnetic energy coursing through Fields-Green that Jackson himself had. On occasion, Fields-Green could’ve done with his mic being slightly louder during those musical numbers where the drums are heavily present.  

Michael Jackson’s character is split into three during the show, MJ, Little Michael, and Michael. Taking on the latter of the roles is Mitchell Zhangazha. This particular part of Jackson’s character has him leaving the Jackson Five and pursuing fame alone. Zhangazha easily conveys the highs and lows that Jackson went through, with explosive arguments and spoils of finally making it big. It goes without saying that he also captures Jackson’s personality and rhythm. Benjamin Miglioli plays Little Michael, making this his West End debut, with boatloads of spunk - he’s energetic and a pleasure to watch dance. It’s impressive to see anyone that young taking on a large role like this for their first professional job and he’s certainly one to keep an eye on. 

The most jaw dropping moments of the show by far are Smooth Criminal and Thriller. Taking place at opposite ends of act two, the two numbers have the same premise - large detailed set pieces falling from the ceiling, fully immersing audience members into the aforementioned music video type moments. Thriller has an eccentric circus atmosphere where Smooth Criminal is covered with neon lights and sky high buildings. Both scenes had audiences exploding with applause. 

The problem, however, lies within the plot, with the show edging on the side of safe, keeping anything too personal with Jackson hidden behind loud music and bright lights. A key focus on the story is can we separate the art from the artist, and MJ feels like it strongly pushes that narrative, keeping more controversial aspects under wraps, like Jackson’s substance usage. The plot feels forgotten in favour of just showing off Jackson’s music. With most of the impressive numbers being later on in the show, the pacing can feel quite slow at times.

MJ the Musical plays at Prince Edward Theatre until 28th February 2026 before embarking on a UK tour later on in the year.

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★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review