There are standing ovations… and then there are the kind that feel inevitable.
The opening night of MJ the Musical at Brisbane’s QPAC Lyric Theatre didn’t just earn one – it triggered waves of them. The kind that start mid-show, ripple through the crowd, and return again before the final curtain even has a chance to fall. It’s rare. It’s electric. And here, it’s completely justified.
From the moment the band – led by musical director Michael Azzopardi – kicks in, you know you’re in safe hands. Actually, more than safe – this is a production operating at a level of polish and precision that feels almost untouchable. The sound is rich, the staging slick, and the choreography (from Christopher Wheeldon) is as sharp and purposeful as you’d expect from one of the world’s great dance minds.
At the centre of it all is Ilario Grant as Michael Jackson – and “impressive” doesn’t quite cut it. This isn’t impersonation; it’s embodiment. Grant doesn’t just mimic Michael Jackson’s voice or movement – he taps into something deeper, capturing both the magnetism and the meticulousness that defined Jackson as an artist. It’s a performance that feels lived-in, almost channelled, and somehow sustains that intensity for the entire runtime without ever visibly cracking.
The structure, built around rehearsals for the “Dangerous world tour”, cleverly opens the door to Jackson’s past without ever feeling clunky. Flashbacks can be a dangerous device in jukebox musicals, but here they’re seamlessly woven in, giving emotional context without stalling momentum. Lynn Nottage’s book keeps things moving with confidence, allowing the music and movement to do the heavy lifting where it matters most.
And what a supporting cast.
J. Daughtry pulls off one of the night’s most impressive feats, switching between the domineering Joseph Jackson and the sharply focused tour director Rob with such fluidity it’s almost dizzying. Oyoyo Joi, as both MJ’s mother and one of his tour background singers, delivers vocal moments that soar straight to the rafters. And Brisbane’s own Liam Damons adds heart and unmatched charm as a teenaged Michael, proving that the legacy starts early – confidence, charisma, and just the right amount of star quality already intact.
But let’s be honest: this is a show that lives and dies by its music – and MJ absolutely thrives.
From the explosive opener “Beat It” (complete with that iconic, searing guitar energy) to Jackson 5 classics like “ABC” and “I Want You Back,” through to “Billie Jean,” “Bad,” and the show-stopping “Thriller,” the setlist is less a greatest hits package and more a reminder of just how untouchable this catalogue really is. “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” and “Thriller” in particular bring the house down – pure spectacle, executed with jaw-dropping flair.
Visually, it’s just as striking. The set pieces – especially during the aforementioned “Thriller” – don’t just recreate moments, they elevate them. There’s a sense throughout that every element has been refined to within an inch of its life: lighting, sound, movement, pacing. Nothing feels accidental.
What’s perhaps most notable is how the show navigates the weight of Michael Jackson’s legacy. It sidesteps the later controversies without ignoring the complexity of the man, choosing instead to focus on the artistry, the discipline, and the sheer cultural impact of the music. It’s a deliberate framing – and one that keeps the show firmly rooted in celebration rather than debate.
By the time the cast takes their bows – looking exhilarated rather than exhausted – you realise you’ve just watched something that doesn’t come around often: a production firing on every single cylinder. No weak links. No wasted moments. Just a seamless fusion of music, movement, and storytelling.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
MJ The Musical is playing at Brisbane’s QPAC Lyric Theatre through to May 24th, 2026, before arriving in Perth at the Crown Theatre from June 7th. For more information and ticket purchases, head to the official site here.
