ALEXANDRIA, VA – Without a doubt this national tour is one of the most spectacular and electrifying musicals this reviewer has ever seen. It’s a ten for dance, cast, production values, musical numbers, orchestration and costumes… and here’s why.
The story of Michael Jackson’s extraordinary career and its influence on all subsequent pop music cannot be understated. From his start as a child singing lead with his brothers as the Jackson Five to his supersonic career trajectory, his passion to create new and exciting music has been rock solid.
Above all, he considered himself an artist keeping a firm hand on all production decisions as well as composing most of his biggest hits. He worked with Berry Gordy early on then segued to a recording relationship with Quincy Jones, both of whom told him he would be nothing without them. He proved them wrong at every turn as his star continued to ascend. It was the height of the Motown years and there were appearances on Soul Train and Amateur Night at the famed Apollo Theatre in Harlem that brought the house down. All these career-making moments are played out here through his biggest hits with over a half dozen of the best dancers. Forty!!! of his greatest hits expressed in this musical both in song and dance highlight his massive career.
The story does not gloss over the fraught relationship he had with his brutal father who controlled his boys with threats accompanied by physical abuse or his mother who tried in vain to protect him. It tells of the brothers he drew back into his orbit at the height of his success and his relentless fight for perfectionism. “I like to process my ideas through my body,” he reveals.
Jackson studied the greatest dancers – Bob Fosse and Fred Astaire and the Black duo, The Nicholas Brothers – all evident in his signature moves. The choreography features breathtaking gymnastics, ballet influences and the crispest mime movements. I read years ago that Jackson’s shoes were made by Astaire’s shoemaker. If the shoe fits…
Who can forget his version of “The Robot” that became a huge craze? As a boy he learned the moves from his friend and neighbor, Robert Shields, the legendary White dancer, comedian and Vegas headliner known as the “Mechanical Man”. It became a viral sensation when Jackson introduced the Pop & Lock with “Dancing Machine”. He learned what was then known as the “Backslide” from Black singer/dancer Jeffrey Daniel. When Jackson introduced it, it became known as the “Moonwalk”, and you know the sensation that caused.
The technical aspects of this production are mind-blowing with explosive, head-spinning technical wizardry and video projections that are used to establish the arc of his supersonic rise to fame. The number “Thriller”, replete with frightening creatures, is reflective of his relationship with his “monster” of a father.
Along with the stresses of Jackson’s epic show biz career, worldwide concert tours and eight Grammy wins came injuries, pills and anxiety. None of the highs or lows of his life are left out in this story backgrounded by a female director and her cameraman who are there to make a documentary on him.
Starring Jamaal Fields-Green or alternate Jordan Markus as MJ; with Devin Bowles playing Rob and Joe Jackson; Cecilia Petrush as Rachel; Brandon Lee Harris as Michael; Josiah Benson/Bane Griffith as Little Michael; Bryce A. Holmes as Little Michael; Ramone Nelson as Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones (August 13th – August 25th) Josh A. Dawson (August 26th September 8th); Anastasia Talley as Kate and Katherine Jackson; Anthony J. Garcia as Alejandro; J. Daughtry as Nick, Berry Gordy, Don Cornelius, Doctor; Jed Resnick as Dave; Jōvan Dansberry as Tour Dancer, Randy Jackson, Jackie Wilson; Jay McKenzie as Tour Singer, Jackie Jackson, James Brown; Kellie Drobnick as Tour Dancer, Soul Train Dancer; Amber Jackson as Tour Dancer, Suzanne de Passe, Isley Brother; Zuri Noelle Ford as Tour Dancer, Isley Brother, Nicholas Brother; Matteo Marretta as Tour Dancer, Fred Astaire; Croix Diienno as Tour Dancer. Bob Fosse, Newscaster; Jacobi Kai as Keith, Jermaine Jackson, Isley Brother; Brion Marquis Watson as Tour Dancer, Marlon Jackson, James Brown, Nicholas Brother.
Directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, Book by Lynn Nottage, Scenic Design by Derek McLane, Music Supervision, Orchestrations & Arrangements by David Holcenberg, Orchestrations & Arrangements by Jason Michael Webb, Lighting Design by Natasha Katz, Costume Design by Paul Tazewell, Sound Design by Gareth Owen, Projection Design by Peter Nigrini, Wig & Hair Design by Charles G. LaPointe and Make-up Design by Joe Dulude II.
Five stars! Don’t miss it!
Through September 8 at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. For tickets and information call the box office at 800-513-7540 or visit www.TheNationalDC.com.
