Off the Wall: Jordan Markus’s performance as the King of Pop is bursting with energy.
I was so excited to learn that Jordan Markus had gotten the lead role as Michael Jackson in MJ The Musical. We had seen him back in SDMT’s 2022 production of In The Heights as Benny and then Xanadu the following year as Sonny.
The Broadway touring show came back to San Diego after three years, and it seemed reloaded, with the music, lighting, and special effects Off the Wall.
Now that the movie Michael is in movie theatres everywhere, it is very pertinent to revisit this chapter of the King of Pop’s story. The plot of the musical is set during all the preparations for the Dangerous World Tour in 1992, amongst various allegations surrounding the singer’s personal life and spending habits. The timeline alternates between Michael’s childhood and his rise to fame until 1992. Showing the causes of stress for the popstar like family pressure, mostly from father and former manager Joe Jackson, as well as large budgets and creative longings.
Curiously, Lynn Nottage, who wrote the book, handled the duality between the roles of Joe Jackson and Michael’s creative right-hand in the 90s, Rob, played majestically by Devin Bowles. The first shows no affection and continuously demands from Michael, while the second does not want to upset the artist and make him happy with every creative and monetary desire for the tour.
Other standout performances are Eric Wiltz as Little Michael and Brandon Lee Harris as younger/teen Michael. The characterization of all three Michaels is on point, with each actor delivering their famous mannerisms and dance moves. Wiltz is enchanting, Lee Harris is impressive, and Jordan Markus is astounding. From Christopher Wheeldon’s direction and choreography, mixing dialogue with music, song, and dance, to mind-blowing transitions by Natasha Katz’s lighting and Derek McLane’s set design, handling elaborate projections, Michael Jackson’s magic came alive. Songs like Thriller, Beat it, Smooth Criminal, and Man in the Mirror, amongst earlier Jackson Five hits like I want you Back, and their rise to fame on the Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night are captured in the two-act musical.
The musical also touches on the MTV documentary “Dangerous Diary,” questioning journalistic decisions about material that should have remained private rather than been made public.
All in all, MJ The Musical is a true force for fans, taking them down memory lane and letting them experience some of the best and most successful songs ever made. There are still four performances left at the Civic Theatre, with RUSH opportunities for tickets up to three hours before the performance. For more information, please click here.
