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It’s been a while. A lot of life has happened. Most worthy of chronicling, but the motivation to do so has been fleeting.
I went to see MJ the Musical while on a brief trip to NY on Easter. Fitting as Mike is the reason this blog exists and the reason I came back to it after more than a year. And who knows when the spirit will move me again.
I was really excited to see the show. I’d heard amazing reviews and could not wait to Ayana George kill it. The ensemble cast was really good.
I love the kid who played little Marlon. He had his zest when it came to the dance moves.
As for the three guys who played Michael…they did a damn good job. There were moments when I forgot I wasn’t watching Michael. Myles Frost was spectacular as Dangerous era Michael! Stupendous, fucking amazing. I feel that I enjoyed him most when he was talking. It was so real, raw, vulnerable, and authentic. He was in the pocket!!! Gyat DAMN! He had him. From the tips of his toes to the top of his head. I fought back tears so many times. Sometimes happy, sometimes sad. Mike is no longer a fully happy place for me and I haven’t really delved in since he passed. I have an avoidance grieving style.
The costumes were on point. Attention to detail and they fit him perfectly. I remember him hitting a note at towards the end that resounded in the theatre and initially I didn’t know what the sound was. It was a HOOOOOOO for the ages. It was booming, it was a combobulation of emotions. My gawd!
I swooned! Myles has IT and what a blessing for the stars to align for him to play this part! And for it be his Broadway debut! I cannot wait to see him rise to stardom.
The young adult Michael did a good job. He didn’t embody Michael though. It was like he was fighting the spirit. He had all of the notes and moves, but it wasn’t free, natural. I absolutely loved how he transitioned Michael over time through jackets. It was a beautiful thing to see. I would love to see him sing as himself because he has chops and conviction.
The kiddie Michael was just a kid who could sing and dance. Nothing to write home about, but he definitely has a future in show business.
The actor who played Joe and the tour manager was really cool. Did a good job showing softness and hardness of Joe. The dude who played Jermaine was so Jermaine. LOL. Ima need people to stop hating on him though. We know Jermaine is special and a shit starter and the actor embodied it well. He even sounded like Jermaine when singing.
They didn’t do any of the actual choreography for Mike’s music. Every group dance number was inspired by the original. Not bad, but not good when I came to see ya’ll smooth criminal and bad! Maybe it’s because of MJ One in Vegas. Who knows?
I loved the not-quite recreated, but Dangerous album cover inspired set. I was waiting for a little person to come out in the ringleader costume, but alas no one did. I did feel that they over-thrillered. It isn’t his best work, but it is the most popular, imo. And the Smooth Criminal set was amazing. Wish that visual would have come to fruition on the tour, but at least he got to be toasted.
Delving into their family dynamic as well has his personal struggles with pain killers was well done without being indecent. They did a good job humanizing him and giving some insight into the preparation for the Dangerous Tour, which I absolutely love.
The one thing that could have been removed is the white lady interviewer from MTV. She really didn’t add to the show at all.
At the end Mike finally got toasted out of the stage and I honestly felt like I was at his concert. That moment was the closest I’ll ever get to it unfortunately. It was electrifying.
The ensemble sang heal the world and the audience joined in. Felt like I was at my 5th grade graduation again. The joy, the jubilation, the beauty of Blackness and our gift of music. It was such an affirming space and show. I felt so full and overwhelmed in a good way. I knew I was when I was sitting with my hands clasped at my chest.
Mike would be happy with the product. I feel so honored to have received Mike’s message back in the summer of 1998. It has molded me in ways I am proud of and look forward to how his love will manifest itself through me the rest of my days on earth.
MJ the Musical was a balm for my soul.
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