MJ the Musical, currently playing at the Sydney Lyric, is a thrilling spectacle that masterfully brings the legend of Michael Jackson to life on stage. Unlike typical biopic musicals that follow a linear, documentary-style approach, MJ is cleverly framed around the 1992 Dangerous tour rehearsals, allowing the audience to experience the King of Pop’s artistry at its peak. Through flashbacks and personal recollections, the show delves into MJ’s creative process, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and the personal struggles that shaped his career. This is not just a retelling of events; it’s a journey into the mind of a genius, wrapped in the electrifying energy of his greatest hits.

At the heart of MJ is the brilliant direction and choreography of Christopher Wheeldon OBE. Wheeldon has somehow done the impossible—capturing the essence of Jackson’s signature movements while making them feel fresh and theatrical. Every sequence, from the moonwalk to the precision-driven formations of Smooth Criminal and Thriller, is executed with breathtaking accuracy. The choreography isn’t just a tribute; it’s a seamless extension of the storytelling, reflecting MJ’s artistic vision and his meticulous attention to detail. The result is a show that feels exactly as Jackson would have wanted—tight, dynamic, and filled with visual spectacle.

Musically, the show is in safe hands with Michael Azzopardi as Music Director. The band is simply phenomenal, responding to every nuance of Jackson’s vocals with precision and passion. The energy pulsating from the orchestra pit is palpable, capturing the electricity of an MJ live concert. From the infectious funk of Billie Jean to the haunting depth of Earth Song, the sound is so authentic that you’d swear Michael himself was calling the shots. The music doesn’t just support the performance—it drives it, making every beat land with maximum impact.

What truly elevates MJ the Musical beyond a simple tribute show is how perfectly every creative element works together. The direction, choreography, and music operate in complete symbiosis, creating a production that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally compelling. This is one of those rare shows where every moment feels meticulously crafted to perfection, just as MJ himself would have demanded.

Then, of course, there’s the cast. Has there ever been a more talented ensemble on an Australian stage? Every performer delivers a career-defining performance, from the leads to the ensemble. The vocals, the character work, and the choreography are utterly faultless. As with other biopic musicals, you can feel the love and respect the cast has for their subject, elevating the production to something deeply personal and powerful.

For this performance, we had Kayleb Alese as Little Marlon, who was utterly adorable, and Cayden Dosoruth as Little Michael, whose vocals on the Jackson 5 numbers were nothing short of breathtaking. Josslynn Hlenti Afoa delivered a powerhouse performance as Katherine Jackson, bringing warmth and strength to the role. Her rendition of I’ll Be There was a true showstopper. Derrick Davis tackled the dual role of Joseph Jackson and Rob with incredible dexterity, switching between characters so seamlessly that it felt like two entirely different people. Usually, a musical’s villain receives reserved applause, but Davis’s work was so commanding that the crowd couldn’t help but cheer him on. Conlon Bonner embodied Quincy Jones with charm and charisma, crafting a strong on-stage relationship with MJ that felt incredibly authentic.

But at the centre of it all is Roman Banks as MJ. Taking on the role of one of the world’s most beloved performers is a monumental task, yet Banks makes it look effortless. His movements, vocals, and presence are so precise that, at times, it feels like MJ himself has returned to the stage. More than just an impersonation, Banks gives us a glimpse into the man behind the legend, balancing the superstar’s unrelenting drive with his moments of vulnerability. By the end of the show, the audience isn’t just applauding his performance—they’re falling in love with MJ all over again.

This is more than just a musical; it’s an experience, a celebration, and a must-see production. MJ the Musical at the Sydney Lyric Theatre is the closest you’ll ever get to witnessing the magic of Michael Jackson live. Don’t miss it.

– The other Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig is an international performer and has established himself as a trusted theatre specialist on the Sydney Arts Scene. While he understands the technical side of theatre, Dan writes for the everyday theatregoer (unlike some of those more prominent publications). When not in the audience, he loves to travel the world trying new gin.

MJ the Musical runs for 2 hours 30 minutes (with 20 min interval) and plays at the Sydney Lyric through 3 August 2025. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were guests of the Michael Cassel Group.
Image credit: Daniel Boud