Michael Jackson has come to life in Appleton.
“MJ the Musical,” playing at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center now through June 8, is a captivating tribute to Jackson’s performances that also offers a glimpse into the human behind the pop icon.
The entire cast at Appleton’s opening night June 3 was outstanding, but it was the show’s leading man, Jordan Markus, who brought Michael Jackson to life. Markus nailed the late singer’s unmistakable singing and speaking voice, unique vocalizations and iconic dance moves. At multiple times throughout the performance, Markus’ portrayal of Jackson elicited roaring cheers and exhuberant applause from the audience.
At times, it’s truly believable for an audience member to feel like they are watching Michael Jackson in the flesh.
The musical opens in 1992, amid rehearsals for Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour. The atmosphere is exciting, but tense, as Jackson repeatedly emphasizes to his dancers and tour managers his desire for perfection and special effects that are near-impossible feats, both financially and logistically.
In the midst of the tension, a two-person documentary crew from MTV shows up and are granted access to rehearsals for two days. Rachel (Cecelia Petrush), a tenacious journalist, continuously pushes boundaries Jackson tries to put in place to prevent the camera from capturing too much vulnerability.
Between conversations with the documentarians and his staff and his own reflections from performing his music, Michael recalls memories from his childhood, his beginnings of fame with The Jackson 5, and rise to greatness as a solo performer. A common theme throughout is pressures from his father, Joesph Jackson (J. Daughtry), an overbearing and at times violent presence who loom over Michael’s perception of his identity and his dedication to perfection.
The flashbacks are interwoven with the tour rehearsal process, blurring the lines of linear time. Musical performances, too, switch between the reality of the main plot and Michael’s own imagination and memories. At times, Markus’ Michael Jackson stands on stage with earlier versions of himself, played at the June 3 performance by Quentin Blanton Jr. and Jacobi Kai. All actors in flashbacks also play roles in the rehearsal room, which further muddies the show’s distinction between realities.
The result is an immersive production that aims to give the audience a somewhat complete picture of Jackson, showing the struggles and efforts that went into creating the pop sensation who broke barriers as Black artist in a White-dominated industry, and some of the demons that haunted him throughout his life.
The show portrays Jackson with a pill addiction, perfectionism that borders on self-destruction and a penchant for avoiding difficult conversations, sometimes with pranks. It discusses media portrayals of various allegations against him, and how he can do nothing to avoid the public eye on his every move.
The show does not, however, go near the most concerning accusations made about Jackson, of child molestation. Instead, concerns about Jackson’s increasingly bizarre behaviors are referenced in vague terms, and overall Jackson is painted as a flawed yet venerated figure.
While the plotline provides emotions and stakes, “MJ the Musical” is primarily a must-see due to the breath-taking spectacle of Michael Jackson musical numbers. Impeccably-executed choreography and an immersive set design make the production feel like the highest level of Broadway theater. When the bass reverberates in your chest, lights shine and dancers hit every beat in well-known hits like “Beat It,” “Thriller,” “Smooth Criminal”, and more, it’s hard not to smile ear-to-ear and loudly cheer like you would at a concert, rather than a musical.
“MJ the Musical” is a truly epic conclusion to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s 2024-25 Broadway season. For those that want to see it before it leaves town, tickets can be purchased online through Ticketmaster, or by phone at 800-982-2787, or through the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center ticket office in-person or by phone at 920-730-3760. The ticket office is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
Contact Kelli Arseneau at 920-213-3721 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @ArseneauKelli.