MJ The Musical recently took center stage at the Marcus Performing Arts Center from May 27-June 1. The production follows the life and career of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson more specifically his ideation and preparation for the 1992 Dangerous tour.
The musical also explores Jackson’s early life and his time with the Jackson 5, while incorporating important figures from his life, such as his father, Joe Jackson, who Devin Bowles portrays.
In a UWM Post interview, Bowles said, “One thing I want the audience to leave with is he was human. At the end of the show, we have this monologue that Joe does, that explains his love. I also want audiences to gain a better reasoning of why he did what he did.”
Bowles also told the UWM POST he hopes the audience sees Jackson as more than an icon.
“I want audiences to see that Michael was a visionary, a perfectionist, and most importantly, human,” Bowles said. “We take away the records and outfits and dances, and we see this man’s heart. We see this man’s mind and that is what connects us with the artist: a level of authenticity and likeness. That is who Michael was, a child at heart.”
“MJ The Musical” utilizes Jackson’s visionary artistry and imagination to give audiences a deeper understanding of his life. The production also invites fans to connect with him through his music and mind. Concepts such as depression, media misinformation, and achieving the impossible are explored throughout the show.
The musical also explores Jackson’s complex relationships with the media. One message stands out: “Just because you read it in a magazine or see it on a TV screen doesn’t make it factual.”
Over the years, Jackson was targeted by bizarre and false media narratives that aimed to tarnish Jackson’s image.
One message is clear from the Musical and Jackson’s legacy: He remains unstoppable, unbreakable, and undeniably the King of Pop.
After viewing this production, it is evident that “MJ The Musical” captures the essence, life, and beauty of the legendary Michael Jackson, with its powerful visuals, choreography, dialogue, and storytelling. The production is as captivating as the legend it portrays.