What Australian Audiences Can Expect from MJ: The Musical at the Sydney Lyric Theatre
Australian audiences are preparing for a thrilling theatrical experience as MJ: The Musical makes its debut at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in February 2025. This jukebox musical, based on the life of the iconic entertainer Michael Jackson, explores the artistry, collaboration, and determination that went into creating his legendary Dangerous World Tour. With direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon and a book by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, the production combines a compelling narrative with some of Jackson’s most beloved songs.
Originally slated to premiere on Broadway in mid-2020, MJ: The Musical faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It finally opened at the Neil Simon Theatre in February 2022 after previews began in late 2021. The show was an immediate box office success despite mixed reviews, earning 10 Tony Award nominations and winning four, including Best Actor in a Musical for Myles Frost and Best Choreography for Wheeldon. By late 2024, the production had grossed over $230 million, making it one of the highest-grossing musicals of all time.
Set in June 1992, MJ focuses on the rehearsal process for the Dangerous World Tour. Michael Jackson is depicted in the midst of preparations, with only two days before the first show in Munich. The storyline weaves through flashbacks to key moments in Jackson’s career, such as his childhood under the guidance of Motown’s Berry Gordy, his groundbreaking collaborations with Quincy Jones, and the creation of his iconic albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Through the framing device of an MTV journalist, Rachel, and her cameraman, Alejandro, the audience gets an inside look at Jackson’s creative process, personal struggles, and the pressure of living under the media spotlight.
The production doesn’t shy away from portraying the complexity of Jackson’s life, including moments of triumph and vulnerability. Scenes of his relentless drive to perfect his craft are juxtaposed with explorations of his emotional experiences—his love for his fans, his challenges with the press, and his deep desire to create meaningful art. Songs like Beat It, Billie Jean, and Human Nature are not just performed; they are seamlessly integrated into the storytelling, offering insight into Jackson’s psyche and his evolution as an artist.
Roman Banks leads the Australian cast as Michael Jackson in his adult years. Banks, whose critically acclaimed performance in the U.S. National Tour of MJ earned him accolades like “a force of nature” (Chicago Sun-Times), is making his Australian debut. He will be joined by Brisbane-based newcomer Liam Damons, portraying Jackson during his young adult years, representing the Off the Wall era. Together, they capture Jackson’s journey from a rising star to a global icon. Supporting them is an exceptional cast, including Josslynn Hlenti Afoa as Katherine Jackson, Derrick Davis as Joseph Jackson and Rob, and Penny McNamee as Rachel.
The music of MJ forms the backbone of the production, with more than 25 of Jackson’s greatest hits featured throughout. Highlights include the breathtaking Thriller sequence, which has been described as “unlike anything else on the West End,” and the emotionally charged Man in the Mirror, which brings the show to a powerful climax. Songs are staged with a mix of homage to Jackson’s original music videos and fresh, innovative interpretations that keep the audience engaged from start to finish.
The creative team behind MJ is a powerhouse of talent, ensuring the production’s success both as a musical spectacle and as a deep dive into Jackson’s artistry. Christopher Wheeldon’s choreography draws on Jackson’s iconic moves, such as the moonwalk and the robot, while incorporating new elements to reflect the artist’s spirit. Scenic designer Derek McLane, lighting designer Natasha Katz, and costume designer Paul Tazewell have created a visual feast that transports audiences through the eras of Jackson’s career. Sound design by Gareth Owen ensures that every beat resonates, while the orchestrations and arrangements by David Holcenberg and Jason Michael Webb breathe new life into Jackson’s music.
Audiences are taken on a journey through Jackson’s creative process, from his ambitious ideas for the tour to the challenges he faced in bringing them to life. Memorable moments include the recreation of his Pepsi commercial accident and the heartfelt performance of Earth Song during a press conference where he pledges to raise $100 million for his Heal the World Foundation. The musical also portrays Jackson’s relationship with his father, Joseph, and his enduring desire for perfection in every performance.
Since its Broadway debut, MJ has expanded to productions in London and Germany, consistently playing to packed houses and earning critical acclaim for its energy, precision, and emotional depth. The Sydney premiere, supported by Destination NSW, is set to follow this trend, bringing the magic of MJ to Australian audiences. The production is more than just a jukebox musical—it’s a tribute to Michael Jackson’s unparalleled artistry and the collaborative spirit that made him a global phenomenon.
Tickets for the Sydney season are on sale now at mjthemusical.com.au. With the season already extended due to overwhelming demand, this is a theatrical event that no fan of Jackson—or musical theatre—should miss. Prepare to be dazzled, moved, and inspired as MJ: The Musical takes the stage, reminding us why Michael Jackson remains one of the most celebrated entertainers of all time.
