MJ: The Musical Reviews
Stage and Cinema- Highly Recommended
"...Three actors portray Michael: Little Michael of the Jackson 5, played by Ethan Joseph (see Stage and Cinema‘s interview) alternating with Josiah Benson; teenage Michael (Brandon Lee Harris); and adult Michael of Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad (an indefatigable Roman Banks). All three Michaels are outstanding and hold their own along with the rest of the extremely talented cast and musicians. From the first scene in a rehearsal studio,.."
Stage Scene LA- Recommended
"...No matter what your personal feelings are about Michael Jackson (and mine are decidedly conflicted), there’s little denying that MJ the Musical, now playing at Hollywood’s Pantages, is skillfully crafted, sensationally sung and danced, and spectacularly designed, no matter how frustratingly uncritical it is of its subject."
Ticket Holders LA- Highly Recommended
"...With direction and Tony-winning choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, a book by two-time Pulitzer honoree Lynn Nottage, and produced with the blessings of the estate of Michael Jackson, the west coast premiere of MJ — The Musical is indeed the perfect treat for us seasonal cheer-challenged Angelenos."
Indulge Magazine- Highly Recommended
"...In a seismic collaboration with the Estate of Michael Jackson, the Pantages Theatre pulsates with the resplendent energy of “MJ,” a mesmerizing musical unveiling the enigmatic life of the King of Pop. With its ambitious narrative, this production steers through the meteoric rise, complex controversies, and deeply poignant moments of the musical luminary’s life."
Broadway World- Recommended
"...Although the weakest and most predictable part of this tale is the reporter conflict, Nottage's story is otherwise completely empathetic and allows the heart and soul of Michael Jackson, the creative artist, to rise above the humiliation and misfortune that his legend suffered well past his death. It's purely Michael, with love. And the entire cast, especially lead Roman Banks (opening night) as Jackson render a spectacular feat of narrative musical theater like nothing that we've seen in 2023. MJ the Musical is celebratory and deeply triumphant."