Peace Center, Greenville, SC.
September 2, 2025.
MJ The Musical has returned to Greenville’s Peace Center, bringing its choreographic brilliance back by popular demand following a sold-out premiere in 2023. The multiple Tony Award®-winning musical was crafted by Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and writer Lynn Nottage. MJ goes beyond the signature moves and sound of Michael, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that made him the “King of Pop.” The National Tour stars Jordan Markus as MJ, Brandon Lee Harris as Michael and Quentin Blanton Jr. as Little Michael.
Markus embodied MJ from start to finish. It was apparent he took great care to capture the complexities of the often misunderstood and, at times, troubled pop star. He delivered the heart of Jackson convincingly, displaying an artist driven by perfection and a need for love, but also someone with a great sense of humor, desperate to be free to enjoy the gift of music. Markus’ vocals – both speaking and singing – were nearly identical to Jackson’s. While the show was brimming with catchy MJ hits, Markus’ voice really shone in the ballads like “Stranger in Moscow” and “Earth Song.” His flawless moonwalks, precise leg kicks and iconic pelvic thrusts further solidified the MJ persona.
Of course, the show wouldn’t be a true Michael Jackson tribute without his iconic dancing. With Wheeldon at the helm, MJ was a massive celebration of the moves that Jackson made famous, but more than that, it was a celebration of how movement was simply an extension of Jackson’s passion for music. In order to more authentically capture Jackson’s movements, Wheeldon enlisted the help of Rich and Tone Talauega, brothers who danced with Jackson on tour. The Talauega brothers provided invaluable firsthand experience in crafting the musical’s choreography and still offer periodic ‘tune-ups’ to the cast to ensure the moves remain authentic. With all these components, it’s easy to see why MJ won Tony for Best Choreography.
The stage was set during the pre-show for how dance-heavy the musical was. MJ’s tour dancers stretched and marked moves long before the first chords of “Beat It” began. From then on, movement on stage was nearly constant. When group numbers were not being performed, dancers remained onstage in the background continuing to rehearse in front of mirrors and in small groups. Although there was a heavy emphasis on hip hop, jazz and pop in the choreography, Wheeldon’s ballet background was both a subtle undercurrent and an explicit influence, with moments of classical grace appearing in the high-energy show.
The musical alternates between MJ’s rehearsals for his upcoming “Dangerous” Tour, with flashbacks to his growing up years in the Jackson 5. A notable difference was evident in the choreography between the two time periods. This contrast in choreography — the Jackson 5’s sharp, angular movements versus MJ’s later smooth moonwalks and leans — powerfully illustrates his artistic evolution and journey toward independence. There were also a number of nods to historic moments in Jackson’s life. During the ‘Soul Train’ scene, newspaper headlines flashing on the backdrop featured his iconic Robot dance, showcasing how Jackson could take a move and, with his electrifying influence, turn it into a global phenomenon.
Although dance was virtually non-stop during MJ, Act 2 opened with a spectacular tribute to Jackson’s moves and those who inspired them. “Billie Jean” began the act, and Markus cheekily interacted with the audience as he slipped on the sequin jacket and singular glove. He was met with hoots and hollers from the crowd as he moonwalked around the stage. As “Billie Jean” came to a close, the performance shifted into “Smooth Criminal,” an especially dance-heavy number. It opened with mentions of Fred Astaire, Bob Fosse and the Nicholas Brothers – all significant inspirations to Jackson’s dance. Each distinct style was highlighted, before transitioning into “Smooth Criminal” which was a seamless blending of the styles, again showcasing the depth of Jackson’s commitment to his craft. As the show came to a close, one final standout dance number was “Thriller.” Although there were definite hints at the original choreography, it was given new life with Wheeldon’s inventive take on the classic.
For a dancer, MJ The Musical is a dream. The thread of dance is constant and excellently executed from top to bottom. As cast members have been known to say, this show is a “beast” — a testament to the incredible stamina and breadth of ability required. Although the dancing and production are undeniably flashy, the intimate ‘Human Nature’ of Jackson was also incredibly impactful. His relentless drive for perfection revealed a new side of the ‘King of Pop,’ ultimately giving me a far greater appreciation for the complex man behind the superstar.
Don’t miss MJ The Musical. Visit tour.mjthemusical.com for a tour date near you.
By Melody McTier Thomason of Dance Informa.
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