Berkshire on Stage

To be honest, I’ve mixed feelings about Michael Jackson. I love his music and artistry, yet deplore his offstage behavior. So, I was hesitant about seeing MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical, when it first arrived on Broadway (where it’s been a hot ticket since). Any apprehensions I had quickly dissipated, as soon as the curtain went up at The Bushnell. This incendiary staging by Christopher Wheeldon just sizzles, and the solid book by Lynn Nottage punches up the creativity of Jackson as he rises to international success with his Thriller album. The show includes over 25 Jackson hits, including “Beat It”, “I’ll Be There”, “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough”, Billie Jean” and “Thriller” Sets (Derek McLane), costumes (Paul Tazewell), lighting (Natasha Katz) and projections (Peter Nigrini) show how spectacular Broadway can be at its best. Lynn Nottage’s book is multi-layered and strong. 

Although the production values and performances are superb, MJ is really an overblown, high-octane tribute show. Those who love Michael Jackson’s music will be thrilled, Those who want to know more about Jackson’s creative process and backstory may be underwhelmed. I fell into the latter category, and left at intermission, because the show had peaked too early on, and had nowhere else to go. 

Jamaal Fields Green plays Jackson. He trained at University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music, and toured in Hamilton, before taking on MJ. He is superb dancer and singer, and captures Jackson’s signature moves with aplomb, as the musical journeys from Jackson’s beginnings as part of the Jackson Five to the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. 

If you’re a Michael Jackson fan, you’re going to love MJ. If you like your Broadway brash and bold with sizzle, this show is for you. I just wished there had been some subtlety to the story. MJ runs through Sunday. For details: www.bushnell.org. 

The Bushnell presents: MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical. Book by Lynn Nottage. Music from the Michael Jackson catalogue. Directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. Orchestrations, arrangements, and musical supervision by David Holcenberg. Scenic design by Derek McLane. Costume design by Paul Tazewell. Lighting design by Natasha Katz. Projections by Peter Nigrini. With Jamaal Fields Green as MJ. Through December 15 at The Bushnell, Hartford. For details: www.bushnell.org. 

Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and The Yale School of Drama. He has worked for arts organizations nationwide, and reported on the arts for print and broadcast. Mark produces and hosts ArtsBeat, On The Mark, and Survivor Stories  for WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. He’s a regular contributor to Berkshire Onstage and a member of the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association.