OKC Broadway’s 2024-2025 season rolls on with “MJ The Musical.” The jukebox musical by Lynn Nottage portrays the creative process of The King of Pop.
The musical from 2022 was nominated for ten Tony Awards and has grossed over $200 million to date, making it one of the most commercially successful musicals of all time. The touring production launched in 2023 and makes its Oklahoma City debut at the Civic Center through October 6th, 2024.
Based on the real career and life of Michael Jackson, the musical icon is portrayed in ways both human and divine.
The show opens in 1992 as Jackson and team are gearing up for the “Dangerous World Tour.” The creative vision is flowing, but when a reporter comes to the rehearsal room to interview Jackson, he must finally face his past. As the tensions rise and the expenses add up, the future of the world tour that will become his legacy is threatened.
The story follows a parallel timeline. A young Michael is seen performing as a child star in the family group The Jackson Five. Meanwhile, the adult Michael grapples with fame, fortune, and the traumas that shaped his life.
While Jackson is a figure of epic proportions, the show creates a beautiful portrayal of a human both complex and flawed.
Jamaal Fields-Green gives a spot-on performance as Michael. Fields-Green sings, dances, speaks, and exudes an energy that is so familiar to what we know of Michael Jackson. He thoroughly portrays and exemplifies what it looks like to step into some mighty big shoes.
Jackson’s career and life were extraordinary and infamous. He’s become a historical figure like no one has ever seen before or since. Jackson’s career is still inspiring young artists today, and his image is seen the world over even now.
Since his untimely death in 2009, his star has continued to rise. Jackson’s legacy is still an enduring presence and has taken on a life of its own. It’s no small feat to portray this figure and do his memory justice. Fields-Green steps into the role boldly and with startling accuracy.
If the audience is here for one thing, it’s the music. This show delivers all of it and then some. From the opening number, “Beat It,” to the closing encore of “Black or White,” many of Jackson’s hits are featured here in fully choreographed glory.
Jackson was famous in so many ways. Known not just as a singer, or child-star turned pop legend, he also made waves and history in the realms of dance, fashion, videography, and showmanship.
While the plot of the musical shows his creative process, which is at times chaotic and frustrating, the real standout moments are when the musical numbers come together. The performances of Jackson’s most well-known and memorable songs are thrilling and heart-stopping, and they show the true genius that Jackson was.
The technical elements are a marvel of their own, and the costumes perfectly portray the dazzling sex appeal and shock value that Jackson was known for. Choreography by Christopher Wheeldon and costumes by Paul Tazewell are showstoppers and need no introduction.
The band rocks the house, playing iconic number after iconic number. Lead guitar by Lee Moretti invokes the spirit of rock-and-roll and pays tribute to the tour that never was.
Jackson passed away before his “This is It” tour was able to come to life. The tribute given here is almost as good as the real thing.
Jackson’s career, while long and wildly successful, was continuously marred by controversy.
His Larger-than-Life status meant that he grew up and lived under public scrutiny. His issues ranged from erratic behavior, addictions, diva-like antics, and legal troubles, including criminal and financial allegations.
MJ The Musical is written in such a reverent way as to respect and honor his memory, while unapologetically confirming that his life was flawed and tragic. The musical is a tribute but doesn’t shy away from the controversial moments.
The story continues from Jackson’s early life until the opening night of the “Dangerous World Tour,” and it’s not until the final, explosive scene that Jackson’s dream comes to fruition. Don’t even think about leaving early; this musical has an ending like no other.
“MJ The Musical” fills a portion of the void left in the world by Michael Jackson when he died. While it leaves the audience feeling wistful and starstruck, it’s a beautiful reminder that Jackson’s music, like his legacy, lives on. Run, do not walk, to get your tickets for this show. The tour stops here for only five days, and it’s a performance you do not want to miss. Visit okcbroadway.com for tickets.
Adrienne Proctor is a theater and arts writer in Oklahoma City. She's been contributing to the arts reporting space since 2017.