Thrilling Sydney, one moonwalk at a time

For the over 35-year-olds, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five are the soundtrack of our youth.

We grew up performing dance concerts to Jam, Billie Jean and Smooth Criminal; dancing at bar and bar mitzvahs to Blame it on the Boogie and Thriller; and singing at the top of our lungs along to I Want You Back, Black or White and Man in the Mirror.

So sitting in the audience at the Australian premiere of MJ The Musical, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Lynn Nottage, brings a whole lot of nostalgia.

From the first moment Roman Banks glides onto the stage as MJ, it’s like bopping along at an actual Michael Jackson concert.

Yes the musical glosses over a lot of the controversy surrounding the King of Pop, but for those looking for a thriller (see what I did there) night out, MJ The Musical will have you stomping your feet along with the Beat It beat.

While the lights are still on in the Lyric Theatre, people begin filling the stage, obscured only slightly by a translucent curtain, with notes written on it. As the lights go down, the music ramps up. And all of a sudden, audiences are drawn into the rehearsal space for MJ’s Dangerous Tour.

The musical focuses on the two days before MJ leaves for his tour. Throughout the 48 hours, MJ continually moves the goalposts, adding extravagant set designs and props to a show already hemorrhaging money.

Audiences are taken back in time through MJ’s memory as he shares parts of his story with reporter Rachel, played by Penny McNamee.

“I want to keep this about my music,” MJ tells her. And that’s what the musical does.

Photo: Daniel Boud

It alludes to “the recent allegations”, there are throwaway comments about MJ’s vitiligo and plastic surgery, and whether or not he slept in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber – a rumour that MJ cheekily admits he stared. There are moments where it’s clear he suffered from a broken childhood, including abuse by his father, played by Derrick Davis who also portrays MJ’s tour producer Rob. There’s even a line questioning the “family” MJ wants to take on the Dangerous tour, which will certainly raise questions.

However, the musical largely focuses on the music and the incredible choreography that Michael Jackson was known for.

In fact, the second act opens with MJ paying tribute to the inspirations behind his iconic dance moves – Fred Astaire, the Nicholas Brothers and Bob Fosse.

Banks magically embodies MJ. His voice – speaking and singing – is uncannily similar to MJ and his footwork is undeniably smooth. He is guarded and focused on perfectionism, but cheeky and playful. At times, it’s easy to forget that it’s not actually Michael Jackson himself on stage. Banks is supported by Liam Damons, making his professional theatre debut as Michael through his young adult years, and Little Michael who was played by William Bonner on opening night.

Another standout was Josslynn Hlenti Afoa as Katherine Jackson whose vocals soared particularly when singing I’ll Be There to Little Michael.

And then there’s the ensemble, with choreography by Christopher Weeldon, assisted by former Michael Jackson dancers Rich and Ton Talauega. To pull off moves like the ones Jackson is famous for, you’ve got to be something special. And special they are, seamlessly moving between MJ’s robot, moonwalk and even the anti-gravity lean.

Yes, it’s highly sanitised and yes, it’s a missed opportunity to address the complexity of Jackson, but for those of us who simply want to sing, dance and be taken back to the tunes of our youth, it’s an exhilarating experience.

Moonwalk your way there.

The three standing ovations must speak for something.

MJ The Musical is now showing at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney. For tickets, visit mjthemusical.com.au