**** Sometimes the best nights begin with an unexpected invitation. I wasn’t originally planning to see MJ the Musical this week, but when Al couldn’t make it, I eagerly took his ticket. After securing a last-minute date, we made the trek from Chicago to Milwaukee on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. Rush hour tried to slow us down, but with help from the tollway system (and a quick stop for gas and Subway sandwiches), we reached the Marcus Performing Arts Center in a smooth 75 minutes.
The Marcus Center is a gem—modern, spacious, and smartly designed with attached parking that makes getting to your seat almost effortless. With a seating capacity of over 2,100, the Uihlein Theatre still manages to feel intimate, and the legroom is unusually generous for a venue of its size.
As for the show itself? MJ is a fast-paced, emotionally charged tribute to the King of Pop, centered around the preparations for his iconic 1992 Dangerous Tour. Christopher Wheeldon directs with a clear vision, smoothly weaving past and present through a clever mix of flashbacks and real-time storytelling. The production explores Michael Jackson’s intense perfectionism, his physical and emotional pain, and the mounting financial pressures he faced—even revealing that he mortgaged Neverland Ranch to fund the tour.
Jordan Markus gives a standout performance as MJ, capturing not only the moonwalks and falsettos but also the vulnerability beneath the glitter. His portrayal is layered, showing the internal struggles behind Jackson’s public image, especially his dependency on painkillers following the infamous Pepsi commercial accident. Devin Bowles gives a commanding dual performance as both Michael’s stern father, Joe Jackson, and his business manager, Rob, while Anastasia Talley brings warmth and quiet strength to the role of Katherine Jackson, the mother who always stood by him.
The 21-person cast, bolstered by 13 swings, keeps the stage alive with kinetic energy and complex choreography. Technically, the show shines. LED lights and projections replace traditional sets, making for seamless transitions between eras and locations. One of the evening’s biggest showstoppers is the reimagined “Thriller” sequence. Act One gives us a compact graveyard scene, but Act Two escalates into a full-blown circus of ghouls and spectacle—a visual feast that earned roaring applause. My only regret? They skipped Vincent Price’s iconic voiceover.
With 40 hit songs spanning Michael Jackson’s legendary career and a tight, emotional narrative, this 2-hour and 15-minute production moves briskly. The orchestra, led by Nathanael Wilkerson, adds rich depth to familiar tunes, reminding us why MJ’s music continues to captivate.
“MJ the Musical: runs at the Uihlein Hall Theatre at the Marcus Center, 929 Water Street, Milwaukee, through June 1st.
Performances are:
Wednesday through Friday at 7:30 pm
Saturday at 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Sunday at 1 pm and 6:30 pm.
Tickets are available at marcuscenter.org or ticketmaster.com.
Whether you’re a lifelong MJ fan or just looking for a thrilling night out, this one’s well worth the drive.
Chicago- be prepared- August will be your next opportunity
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