THE OLIVIER AND FOUR-TIME TONY AWARD-WINNING BLOCKBUSTER MJ THE MUSICAL WILL OPEN AT HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE FROM 9 SEPTEMBER
Australian producer Michael Cassel, alongside original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain, is thrilled to announce that Broadway star Ilario Grant will lead the Melbourne season of the Olivier and Tony Award-winning MJ THE MUSICAL.
A powerhouse performer, Grant takes on the iconic role of MJ at Her Majesty’s Theatre following acclaimed performances on Broadway and in Sydney, where he captivated audiences as both MJ and Michael.
The Australian premiere season marks the fifth production of the global sensation since its Broadway debut in February 2022. With celebrated runs in London, Germany and across the US, Melbourne is the next city set to experience the must-see theatrical event of the year.
Australian producer Michael Cassel said:
“Ilario has been part of this show’s journey from the world’s biggest stages, and I’m so proud to have him leading our Melbourne season. He brings incredible heart, intensity and artistry to every performance, and Melbourne audiences are going to feel that from the moment he steps on stage.”
Grant said:
“It’s such a blessing to lead this role in Melbourne. Being new to the city I’ve been soaking up everything – the amazing food, the creative energy on every corner, and the coffee is fantastic. I already feel so welcomed and inspired here and can’t wait to bring my energy and passion to Melbourne audiences.”
Casting for the Australian production has been a meticulous process, led by director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon OBE, who added:
“Performing as MJ is an enormous undertaking, but when I first met Ilario, I knew he was one of those special performers who would be able to capture the authenticity and power of this great performer. We have been lucky enough to witness his talents on Broadway, and now I am so excited that the audiences in Melbourne will get to experience his exceptional performance as the King of Pop.”
Brisbane performer Liam Damons will reprise his role in Melbourne as Michael in his teenage years. MJ marks the newcomer’s professional debut.
The cast is completed with Josslynn Hlenti Afoa as Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine; Conlon Bonner playing the dual roles of Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones; Derrick Davis playing Michael’s father, Joseph, and his tour director, Rob; Yashith Fernando as Alejandro; Wonza Johnson as Berry Gordy and Nick; Tim Wright as Dave; and Home and Away star Penny McNamee making her highly anticipated return to the stage as MTV journalist, Rachel.
The rest of the adult cast is completed by Ceeko, Albanus Terry Strickland II, Beth Appiah Cain, Shewit Belay, Martha Berhane, Eric Boyd, Charlie Bryant, Liam Costello, Xavier Gibson, Kyle Kavully, G Madison IV, Loredo Malcolm, David L. Murray Jr, Sebaga Neumann, Coby Njoroge, Warren Nolan Jr, Fletcher O’Leary, Brittany Page, Dustin Praylow, Tigist Strode and Iris Wei.
Set in 1992, MJ offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson’s iconic Dangerous World Tour. The production goes far beyond the signature moves and global hits, inviting audiences on to share in the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status, brought to life through the lens of an MTV journalist granted rare rehearsal-room access. From the mind of two-time Pulitzer Prize winning Lynn Nottage (Ruined, Sweat), MJ explores intimate moments from the complex history of Jackson’s life as he attempts to align the Dangerous World Tour to his creative genius.
Seen by over 1.9 million people on Broadway, MJ was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning four including Best Choreography for the show’s creator, Artistic Associate of The Royal Ballet Christopher Wheeldon OBE (An American in Paris) and Best Actor in a Musical for the show’s original Broadway star, Myles Frost. Most recently, MJ received three Olivier Award nominations, with Christopher Wheeldon OBE taking home the award for Best Theatre Choreography.
Featuring more than 25 of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits – including Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Man in The Mirror and Thriller – MJ has captured the hearts and imaginations of packed houses around the world. Australian fans have gone wild for MJ, describing it as “the most incredible thing I’ve seen in my life” and “mind-blowing”.
The internationally renowned creative team for MJ also includes Scenic Design by Tony Award and two-time Emmy Award winner Derek McLane (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Lighting Design by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz (Once), Costume Design by Tony, Emmy, and most recently Academy Award winner Paul Tazewell (Hamilton, Wicked), Sound Design by Tony Award and Olivier Award winning Gareth Owen (Come From Away), Projection Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen), Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles LaPointe (The Color Purple) and Make-up Design by Joe Dulude II. Musical Supervision is by Tony Award nominee David Holcenberg (Matilda), and the Orchestrations and Arrangements are by David Holcenberg and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb (The Color Purple). Casting Director for the Australian Production is Lauren Wiley with Additional Casting by The Telsey Office (Rachel Hoffman, CSA & Lindsay Levine, CSA).
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.
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