MJ the Musical Review (Melbourne, Australia 2025)
Summary: MJ the Musical Review (Melbourne, Australia 2025) ... amazing from start to finish!
5
... amazing
Let’s start with the review clichés first… spectacular, best musical of 2025, emotional, powerful and thoroughly entertaining, that’s right, these words perfectly capture the spirit of MJ the Musical! And when it comes to musicals, MJ is a true blockbuster as the stars and ensemble give the audience 110% of themselves that when matched with the story, sets and of course the legendary music of the King of Pop himself, it felt like I was part of Michael Jackson’s extraordinary story.
Photos Daniel Boud, used with permission
So after rave reviews at The Sydney Lyric Theatre, it’s now time for Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne to pulse with energy as MJ the Musical as it truly delivers a high-octane tribute to one of the greatest singers to walk among us, and from the moment the curtain rises, the audience is immediately drawn into the whirlwind of Michael Jackson’s artistry, ambition and contradictions.
The story is set during rehearsals for Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour and the musical cleverly uses this pivotal moment to flash back through his meteoric rise from Motown prodigy to globalicon. Serving as a link to the audience, Rachel (Home and Away’s Penny McNamee) is an MTV journalist that along with her cameraman Dave (Tim Wright) have been given the task of interviewing Michael Jackson during the Dangerous World Tour rehearsals – to help the with the multitude of scenes, the production uses clever flashbacks that are integrated into the today, amazing lighting and larger than life sets.
Leading the Melbourne cast in Melbourne is Broadway sensation Ilario Grant, reprising his acclaimed role as MJ following standout performances in New York and Sydney. Grant’s portrayal is faultless in precision and passion, capturing Jackson’s voice, movement and mystique with uncanny authenticity. Besides his amazing singing abilities, he also captures the emotions of Jackson, which is very uncanny. There is also a darker side to the legacy of Michael Jackson that is briefly addressed in the story and while some may feel this was quickly brushed aside, it was still a bold statement. They also mention the financial stressors of the star, including remortgaging Neverland due to the budget of the Dangerous World Tour.
The Melbourne production also features William Bonner as young Michael, portraying the Jackson 5 era with charm and vocal brilliance. Then you have Liam Damons as the young adult Michael, embodying the star during his Thriller and Billie Jean years with emotional depth and charisma. Derrick Davis adds further gravitas in dual roles as Joseph Jackson and Rob, who almost steals the show with his powerful onstage presence, who swaps between the emotions of these characters in a flash. Additionally, Conlon Bonner captures the soul of both Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones with Josslyn Hlenti Afoa perfectly embodying the warmth of Katherine Jackson.
Technically, the show is a marvel. Dazzling sets, HD projections and seamless choreography recreate Jackson’s most iconic performances. The live band breathes new life into hits like “Smooth Criminal,” “Beat It,” and “Man in the Mirror,” while Christopher Wheeldon’s direction ensures every moment is charged with kinetic energy. I’ll go back into cliché territory again but if you see one musical in 2025, this is it – and with so much happening on stage and with the music of Michael Jackson, it is also a musical that you could easily see again.
Final Thoughts?
MJ the Musical succeeds in its mission to celebrate Jackson’s musical genius, which is a spectacle that thrills, moves and provokes, sometimes all at once. Whether you leave humming “Billie Jean” or grappling with the complexities of fame and morality, one thing is certain, this production will leave beaming from ear to ear and will more than likely make you want to rediscover the music of Michael Jackson and again, Ilario Grant is truly fantastic as the King of Pop.
Brilliant and so is the “surprise” ending… worth the remortgaging of Neverland Ranch!
Gallery
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
Related Posts
LORDE (NZ) announces USA rapper, singer and producer Kevin Abstract & MORE →
Unwrap the Magic of Pop Culture at Oz Comic-Con Xmas Edition →
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA IN 2026 WITH KOOZA →
