Dance Along to the Broadway tour of MJ at Hartford's Bushnell Performing Arts Center
By Kiersten Bjork (December 10, 2024)
The national tour of MJ: The Musical, which played at The Bushnell in Hartford December 10-15, is a thrilling, electrifying musical about the life and career of Michael Jackson. Featuring a book by Lynn Nottage, orchestrations and arrangements by Jason Michael Webb and David Holcenberg, music supervision by Holcenberg, and electronic music design by Strange Cranium, MJ features countless hits from Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5, and more. The tour features direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon and music direction by Nathanael Wilkerson and Jason Yarcho, with Dontee Kiehn as global associate director, Michael Balderrama as global associate choreographer, and John Miller as music coordinator. Michael Jackson movement is by Rich + Tone Talauega.
MJ sheds light on Michael Jackson, from his family experiences to his contracts with producers and record labels, to the highs and lows of performing both with groups and as a solo act. The story focuses on the creation of the Dangerous Tour in the current moment, and the documentary piece being made about the tour, all the while incorporating the personal struggles that Jackson faced, as well as the magic that he created in the rehearsal room and on stage, expanding upon his past with flashbacks. With a fantastic score filled with all of your favorite Michael Jackson tunes, from “Thriller” to “Human Nature,” “Billie Jean” to “Man in the Mirror,” MJ is a rockin-good time for music fans everywhere. You’ll be dancing along in your seat from start to finish, and you might even learn something about Michael Jackson’s life that you didn’t know before.
The national tour of MJ: The Musical, which played at The Bushnell in Hartford December 10-15, is a thrilling, electrifying musical about the life and career of Michael Jackson. Featuring a book by Lynn Nottage, orchestrations and arrangements by Jason Michael Webb and David Holcenberg, music supervision by Holcenberg, and electronic music design by Strange Cranium, MJ features countless hits from Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5, and more. The tour features direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon and music direction by Nathanael Wilkerson and Jason Yarcho, with Dontee Kiehn as global associate director, Michael Balderrama as global associate choreographer, and John Miller as music coordinator. Michael Jackson movement is by Rich + Tone Talauega.
MJ sheds light on Michael Jackson, from his family experiences to his contracts with producers and record labels, to the highs and lows of performing both with groups and as a solo act. The story focuses on the creation of the Dangerous Tour in the current moment, and the documentary piece being made about the tour, all the while incorporating the personal struggles that Jackson faced, as well as the magic that he created in the rehearsal room and on stage, expanding upon his past with flashbacks. With a fantastic score filled with all of your favorite Michael Jackson tunes, from “Thriller” to “Human Nature,” “Billie Jean” to “Man in the Mirror,” MJ is a rockin-good time for music fans everywhere. You’ll be dancing along in your seat from start to finish, and you might even learn something about Michael Jackson’s life that you didn’t know before.
Jamaal Fields-Green as 'MJ' and the cast of the MJ First National Tour (Matthew Murphy)
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(from L) Brandon Lee Harris as “Michael,’ Josh A. Dawson as “Quincy Jones,’ Jamaal Fields-Green as ‘MJ’ and the cast of the MJ First National Tour (Matthew Murphy)
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Jamaal Fields-Green plays the titular role of MJ, and he absolutely knocks it out of the park. The singing voice, the speaking voice, the iconic dance moves – Fields-Green has it all and more in spades. Any time he is on stage, you can’t help being transfixed by the quiet energy that builds into show-stopping vocal performances and the smooth, fluid dance and movement that evokes the MJ we know and love. It was just announced that Fields-Green will be heading across the pond to play MJ in the London production, and I look forward to seeing what audiences there have to say about this stand-out performer.
Rob, MJ’s choreographer, and Joseph Jackson, Michael’s father, are played by Devin Bowles. Though Rob and Joseph are opposites in their methods, each plays a father-figure-like role in Michael’s life. Bowles makes excellent physical and vocal choices to distinguish the two characters, switching back and forth between the two quite quickly at times, but always keeping the audience clued in fully to which character is on at any given moment. The volatility and roughness of Joseph, compared to the calm, passionate Rob, put Bowles’ range on impressive display.
Cecilia Petrush takes on the role of Rachel, the reporter documenting the process of creating the Dangerous Tour. Petrush gives Rachel a soft intensity, toeing the line of what she can and can’t do in the interviews with Michael while maintaining a respect for the performer throughout. I particularly liked her duet with Fields-Green on “Human Nature.” Rachel’s cameraman, Alejandro, is played by Anthony J. Garcia. Garcia plays Alejandro as a mix of dedicated worker and giddy fan, crafting a loveable character that the audience enjoys.
Michael, the pre-MJ version of Michael Jackson, is portrayed by Erik Hamilton. Like Fields-Green, Hamilton has the vocal and physical characteristics of Jackson down. He lights up every time he steps forward to solo, and some of my favorite moments are when Hamilton and Fields-Green get the chance to perform opposite each other.
Josiah Benson played Little Michael at the performance I attended, with Bane Griffith sharing the role. I am always incredibly impressed with talented young performers, and Benson knocks it out of the park as Little Michael, showing off some serious vocal skills in the Jackson 5 numbers. Similarly, Bryce A. Holmes as Little Marlon stands out, his delightful energy and dancing assets to each and every number he is a part of.
Anastasia Talley shines as Katherine Jackson and Kate. Her soulful voice is on display in numerous solo moments that wowed the crowd, and I loved her duets with Fields-Green. Their voices blended beautifully, and it helped to build musically upon the relationship between Michael and his mother.
Rob, MJ’s choreographer, and Joseph Jackson, Michael’s father, are played by Devin Bowles. Though Rob and Joseph are opposites in their methods, each plays a father-figure-like role in Michael’s life. Bowles makes excellent physical and vocal choices to distinguish the two characters, switching back and forth between the two quite quickly at times, but always keeping the audience clued in fully to which character is on at any given moment. The volatility and roughness of Joseph, compared to the calm, passionate Rob, put Bowles’ range on impressive display.
Cecilia Petrush takes on the role of Rachel, the reporter documenting the process of creating the Dangerous Tour. Petrush gives Rachel a soft intensity, toeing the line of what she can and can’t do in the interviews with Michael while maintaining a respect for the performer throughout. I particularly liked her duet with Fields-Green on “Human Nature.” Rachel’s cameraman, Alejandro, is played by Anthony J. Garcia. Garcia plays Alejandro as a mix of dedicated worker and giddy fan, crafting a loveable character that the audience enjoys.
Michael, the pre-MJ version of Michael Jackson, is portrayed by Erik Hamilton. Like Fields-Green, Hamilton has the vocal and physical characteristics of Jackson down. He lights up every time he steps forward to solo, and some of my favorite moments are when Hamilton and Fields-Green get the chance to perform opposite each other.
Josiah Benson played Little Michael at the performance I attended, with Bane Griffith sharing the role. I am always incredibly impressed with talented young performers, and Benson knocks it out of the park as Little Michael, showing off some serious vocal skills in the Jackson 5 numbers. Similarly, Bryce A. Holmes as Little Marlon stands out, his delightful energy and dancing assets to each and every number he is a part of.
Anastasia Talley shines as Katherine Jackson and Kate. Her soulful voice is on display in numerous solo moments that wowed the crowd, and I loved her duets with Fields-Green. Their voices blended beautifully, and it helped to build musically upon the relationship between Michael and his mother.
Jamaal Fields-Green as 'MJ' in the MJ First National Tour (Matthew Murphy)
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Jamaal Fields-Green as 'MJ' and the cast of the MJ First National Tour (Matthew Murphy)
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Josh A. Dawson usually plays Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones, but at the performance I attended Jahir L. Hipps covered the role. Joining Hipps as the Jackson siblings are Malcolm Miles Young (Randy Jackson), Jay McKenzie (Jackie Jackson), Avilon Trust Tate (Jermaine Jackson), and Brion Marquis Watson (Marlon Jackson). The performers are strong singers and dancers, embodying the Jackson sounds and styles to perfection. The group numbers are fun and packed with energy, and Hipps, Young, McKenzie, Tate, and Watson are fantastic not only as the Jacksons, but also as the other characters incorporated into their tracks.
Nick, Berry Gordy, Don Cornelius, and the Doctor are played by J. Daughtry, whose performance across the roles is impressive. Each character is distinct and memorable, and Daughtry takes care to give them their own key characteristics as he shifts from one to the next.
Jed Resnick plays MJ’s business manager, Dave. His no-nonsense, serious demeanor played opposite MJ’s constant “yes” attitude creates an interesting dynamic, and Resnick embodies this role quite well.
The rest of the talented company includes Kellie Drobnick, Amber Jackson, Zuri Noelle Ford, Matteo Marretta, and Croix Dilenno (Assistant Dance Captain and Fight Captain), and they take on roles from Tour Dancers to iconic vocalists and dance legends. Jojo Carmichael (Dance Captain), Joshua Dawson, Ui-Seng François, Faith Jones, Rajané Katurah, Kendrick Mitchell, Zion Mikhail Pradier, and Charles P. Way serve as swings for the production, with Jordan Markus as the alternate for MJ.
Nick, Berry Gordy, Don Cornelius, and the Doctor are played by J. Daughtry, whose performance across the roles is impressive. Each character is distinct and memorable, and Daughtry takes care to give them their own key characteristics as he shifts from one to the next.
Jed Resnick plays MJ’s business manager, Dave. His no-nonsense, serious demeanor played opposite MJ’s constant “yes” attitude creates an interesting dynamic, and Resnick embodies this role quite well.
The rest of the talented company includes Kellie Drobnick, Amber Jackson, Zuri Noelle Ford, Matteo Marretta, and Croix Dilenno (Assistant Dance Captain and Fight Captain), and they take on roles from Tour Dancers to iconic vocalists and dance legends. Jojo Carmichael (Dance Captain), Joshua Dawson, Ui-Seng François, Faith Jones, Rajané Katurah, Kendrick Mitchell, Zion Mikhail Pradier, and Charles P. Way serve as swings for the production, with Jordan Markus as the alternate for MJ.
Jamaal Fields-Green as 'MJ' and the cast of the MJ First National Tour (Matthew Murphy)
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Jamaal Fields-Green as 'MJ' and the cast of the MJ First National Tour (Matthew Murphy)
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Scenic design by Derek McLane leaves the bulk of the stage open at all times for elaborate dance numbers, setting the scene well for the rehearsal studio that the majority of the show takes place in. Alternate locations are evoked with moveable set pieces that are set and struck as needed, from road boxes to rolling Hollywood sign letters. The scenic design also establishes a variety of projection surfaces for projection designer Peter Nigrini to utilize, and Nigrini really goes above and beyond in this design. One of my favorite aspects of this production is the stunning projections used throughout.
Lighting designer Natasha Katz uses light, color, and shadow to perfection to craft the world that MJ lives within. From the sharp, focused spotlights to the pop/rock-show style pops of color and moving effects, the lighting work is incredibly well-done.
Costumes by designer Paul Tazewell are just right for the world of the show, particularly the iconic Michael Jackson looks that are recreated here, from the sparkling glove to the hats and jackets. Wig and hair design by Charles G. LaPointe and makeup design by Joe Dulude II are equally wonderful.
Sound design by Gareth Owen is solid – it’s a loud, high-energy show that features a hefty score and a large cast, and Owen has crafted and balanced it relatively well. There are a few moments however, especially when there was underscoring while MJ was talking, in which it was hard to hear the performers over the band.
Lighting designer Natasha Katz uses light, color, and shadow to perfection to craft the world that MJ lives within. From the sharp, focused spotlights to the pop/rock-show style pops of color and moving effects, the lighting work is incredibly well-done.
Costumes by designer Paul Tazewell are just right for the world of the show, particularly the iconic Michael Jackson looks that are recreated here, from the sparkling glove to the hats and jackets. Wig and hair design by Charles G. LaPointe and makeup design by Joe Dulude II are equally wonderful.
Sound design by Gareth Owen is solid – it’s a loud, high-energy show that features a hefty score and a large cast, and Owen has crafted and balanced it relatively well. There are a few moments however, especially when there was underscoring while MJ was talking, in which it was hard to hear the performers over the band.
Jamaal Fields-Green as 'MJ' and the cast of the MJ First National Tour (Matthew Murphy)
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Jamaal Fields-Green as 'MJ' in the MJ First National Tour (Matthew Murphy)
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The first national tour of MJ is exhilarating. It gives new life to the music of Michael Jackson, interweaving his life and experiences into a musical journey that you won’t want to miss. Experience the production for yourself – see the tour of MJ on their route later this year or in 2025. Dates and venues can be found at tour.mjthemusical.com/schedule/.
MJ: The Musical ran December 10-15, 2024, at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets for upcoming Bushnell events online at bushnell.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 987-5900.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
MJ: The Musical ran December 10-15, 2024, at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets for upcoming Bushnell events online at bushnell.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 987-5900.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.