MJ THE MUSICAL: A Spellbinding Tribute Marred by an Inescapable Dilemma

Sydney’s Lyric Theatre is alive with the pulse of pop as MJ THE MUSICAL ignites the stage with electrifying renditions of Michael Jackson’s timeless hits. From the exuberance of the early Jackson 5 classics to the soaring grandeur of Thriller and Smooth Criminal, the show is a tour de force that reminds audiences why the King of Pop remains an indelible part of musical history. Yet even as the performance earns multiple standing ovations from a star-studded opening night crowd, it cannot fully escape one dark shadow: the persistent, unsettling legacy of the allegations that have long haunted Jackson’s personal life.

MICHAL JACKSON. IN BOMBAY.

A Dazzling Musical Journey

The production’s strengths are undeniable. Act 1 bursts with energy as William Bonner, in a riveting performance as “Little Michael,” captures the raw charisma of the young Jackson, channeling the infectious joy of his early Motown hits. The narrative then strides confidently into the realm of the man who redefined pop music. Aussie Liam Damons embodies the hunger and determination that propelled Jackson from Off the Wall to the world-conquering phenomenon of Thriller. Each song is meticulously chosen to not only celebrate Jackson’s unparalleled musical journey but also to immerse the audience in the era-defining moments of his career.

The musical’s second act deepens the portrayal, moving into the more complicated years of Jackson’s life. US import Roman Banks steps into the role of a matured Michael Jackson in 1992, during the rigorous rehearsals for the Dangerous world tour. His performance is a study in contrasts—guarded and exacting, yet imbued with a playful vulnerability that hints at the childlike wonder beneath the celebrity façade. The staging, choreography, and vocal performances combine to create a mesmerizing tribute that, for a time, allows fans to revel in the magic of Jackson’s art.

An Uncomfortable Echo of the Past

Yet amid the glitter and high-octane musical numbers lies a problem as inescapable as it is complex. The production dares to celebrate Jackson’s music while simultaneously grappling with the darker chapters of his legacy—an uneasy balancing act that resonates with every audience member.

This tension is impossible to ignore in the wake of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. The film presents harrowing, detailed accounts from Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who allege they were sexually abused by Jackson as children. Leaving Neverland dismantled the carefully constructed public image of Jackson as a misunderstood genius, replacing it with a stark, unvarnished portrayal of alleged abuse that has forever altered public perception. The documentary’s forensic detail and near-four-hour runtime forced viewers to confront a reality that, for many, made it nearly impossible to separate the art from the artist.

Within MJ THE MUSICAL, a few carefully placed lines in the script—crafted by acclaimed writer Lynn Nottage—gesture toward these allegations without fully addressing them. In one particularly uncomfortable scene, a harangued tour producer laments Jackson’s spiralling demands and hints at the controversies surrounding his private life. These subtle references act as a reminder of Leaving Neverland’s impact, leaving a lingering question in the minds of the audience: Can one ever fully enjoy the musical genius of Michael Jackson when his personal legacy remains so deeply tarnished?

A Triumph Tarnished by Controversy

For ardent fans, the musical is a bittersweet celebration of a creative genius whose musical contributions are unparalleled. The energy in the theater, the pulse of iconic beats, and the masterful performances all work together to create moments of pure, unadulterated joy. Yet once the final curtain falls and the echoes of applause dissipate, many are left grappling with a sense of unease—a reminder that the brilliance on stage is inseparable from the controversies that continue to haunt its subject.

MJ THE MUSICAL is a landmark production that encapsulates the duality of Michael Jackson’s legacy: a towering creative force whose artistry continues to inspire, and a troubled figure whose personal life raises difficult, unresolved questions. It’s a show that dares to celebrate brilliance while forcing us to confront the cost at which that brilliance came. As audiences leave the Lyric Theatre, they carry with them the challenging dialogue of reconciling the irresistible allure of Michael Jackson’s music with the darker chapters of his story—a conversation as enduring as the music itself.

MJ THE MUSICAL is now playing at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre.

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