The four-time Tony® Award-winning musical MJ has officially opened in Sydney with a star-studded premiere performance attended by celebrities from around Australia and the globe, including very special guest, Michael Jackson’s son Prince Jackson.
It is the fifth production of the blockbuster show to have opened since it premiered on Broadway in February 2022. Productions in London, Germany and a US tour followed.
Brought to Australia by leading producer Michael Cassel, alongside original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain, MJ is now playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.
“Since our very first preview, Australian audiences have embraced this show with an energy and passion beyond our wildest expectations. The love for MJ here is truly extraordinary, and it’s been incredible to witness the joy, excitement, and electric atmosphere that fills the theatre every night. We are so excited to share this production with you,” said MJ’s original Broadway producer, Lia Vollack.
“I said Australian audiences would be obsessed with this incredible show, but I couldn’t have imagined just how passionately they would embrace it!” said Australian producer, Michael Cassel.
“From the fans coming dressed up, the audience members dancing in their seats to the people gathering at stage door every night to meet our cast, this electrifying show has truly captured Sydney’s heart and I can’t wait for more people to join us as we celebrate Michael Jackson’s artistry and creativity every night with our brilliant cast.”
MJ takes the audience back to 1992 and inside the creation of the iconic Dangerous World Tour. The production goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.
From the mind of two-time Pulitzer Prize winning Lynn Nottage, MJ imagines that an MTV journalist and her camera operator are invited into the rehearsal room of Michael Jackson’s spectacular concert experience and through their lens, reveals moments from the complex history of his life including the challenges he faces to match the Dangerous World tour to his creative genius.
Seen by more than a million people on Broadway, MJ was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning four including Best Choreography for the show’s creator, Artistic Associate of The Royal Ballet Christopher Wheeldon OBE, and Best Actor in a Musical for the show’s original Broadway star, Myles Frost.
Featuring more than 25 of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits from across his career including Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Man in The Mirror and Thriller, MJ has captured the hearts and imaginations of Broadway audiences where it consistently plays to packed houses. In Australia, fans have gone wild for MJ describing it as “the most incredible thing I’ve seen in my life” and “mind-blowing“.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our extraordinary Australian company,” said multi-award-winning creative, Christopher Wheeldon OBE. “From the very first rehearsal, they have brought an incredible dedication, passion, and artistry to this production, making it their own while honouring Michael Jackson’s artistry and creativity.
“Seeing MJ come to life here in Sydney with such phenomenal talent has been an absolute joy. I am beyond thrilled that this show has found a home here.”
Critically acclaimed performer Roman Banks leads the Australian company following his spectacular debut in the role in Chicago in 2023. He went on to play the role more than 200 times across the United States.
Banks is joined by newcomer Liam Damons who will make his professional debut playing Michael as a young adult, Josslynn Hlenti Afoa as Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine, and Conlon Bonner playing the dual roles of Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones,
Derrick Davis plays Michael’s father, Joseph, and his tour director, Rob, Yashith Fernando as Alejandro, Wonza Johnson as Berry Gordy and Nick, Tim Wright as Dave, and Home and Away star Penny McNamee making her highly anticipated return to the stage as MTV journalist, Rachel.
The rest of the cast is completed by Ceeko, Ilario Grant, Albanus Terry Strickland II, Kayleb Alese, Beth Appiah Cain, Blaiyze Barksdale, Charlie Batchelor, Shewit Belay, Martha Berhane, William Bonner, Eric Allen Boyd, Charlie Bryant, Liam Costello, Cayden Dosoruth, Xavier Gibson, Kyle Kavully, G Madison IV, Daniel Makunike, Loredo Malcolm, David L. Murray Jr, Sebaga Neumann, Coby Njoroge, Warren Nolan Jr, Fletcher O’Leary, Brittany Page, Zavier Pillay, Dustin Praylow, Kael Smith, Tigist Strode and Iris Wei.
Casting for the Australian production has been a meticulous process, led by director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon OBE who recently earned great acclaim for his creation of Oscar for the Australian Ballet, the first full length narrative ballet commissioned by the company in two decades.
The Australian premiere of MJ is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. “Staging productions of this calibre showcases Sydney as a cultural events capital while supporting the jobs and opportunities in the creative and hospitality industries,” said Minister for Arts, John Graham.
MJ continues at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. Due to overwhelming demand, the season has been extended to 22 June 2025. Tickets available here! For more information, visit: www.mjthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: MJ The Musical (Australian Company) – photo by Daniel Boud