Neil Simon Theatre — Attraction in New York

Experiencing MJ: The Musical on Broadway was nothing short of spectacular. From the very first note to the final curtain, the performance captured the essence of Michael Jackson’s artistry, leaving the audience in awe. It wasn’t just a show—it was an immersive journey into the life, music, and genius of one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

The production was flawless in its ability to weave Michael’s iconic songs with storytelling that felt both intimate and powerful. The choreography was electrifying, echoing Jackson’s legendary moves while still adding fresh creativity that kept it unique to Broadway. Every dance number had the audience on the edge of their seats, with bursts of applause and cheers throughout. The cast delivered performances that went far beyond imitation; they brought Michael’s spirit to life on stage. The lead’s ability to embody his voice, energy, and emotion was truly remarkable, making it feel as though the King of Pop himself was performing right before our eyes.

Beyond the performance, the music itself carried a nostalgic magic. Classics like “Thriller,” “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “Man in the Mirror” weren’t just performed—they were celebrated. Each song stirred something different in the crowd, from pure excitement to heartfelt emotion. It reminded us not only of Michael Jackson’s global impact but also of the personal connections people hold with his music.

The theater itself added to the experience in every way. Beautifully designed, intimate yet grand, it offered the perfect backdrop for a production of this caliber. The seating was comfortable, and the acoustics were outstanding, allowing every lyric, note, and beat to resonate with clarity and power. The lighting and stage design were also stunning, creating an atmosphere that elevated the entire show and made each scene feel like a masterpiece in itself.

What struck me most was the energy in the room. The audience was diverse, full of fans of all ages, united by their love for Michael Jackson’s legacy. By the end, people were clapping, standing, and singing along—it was impossible not to get swept up in the joy and electricity of it all.

In every sense, MJ: The Musical is more than just a Broadway show—it’s a celebration of music, art, and timeless talent. Coupled with the elegance of the theater, the night was unforgettable, and one I would eagerly...

Michael Jackson Broadway Show Review

Pros:

Iconic Song Selection and Well-Executed dances: Diverse range of Michael Jackson's hits and good representation of signature dance moves with precision.

Nostalgic Journey: Highlighted the Jackson 5 era, offering a trip down memory lane.

Black Representation: Heartwarming to see moments featuring an all-black cast, especially significant given Broadway's history and Michael Jackson's legacy in promoting and elevating black artists within the music industry.

Cons:

Limited Solo Career Focus: Missed showcasing more of Michael's solo career and iconic endeavors.

Vocal Disparities: Some characters like the woman who portrayed his mother and his managers outshone Michael vocally; his distinctive voice could be better captured.

Prolonged Interviews: Interviews felt lengthy and lacked new insights; replacing it with Janet Jackson could enhance the performance and incorporate songs like “scream”

Weird Pill Popping Multiple Times: The inclusion of the unexplained pill popping was off-putting; it didn't contribute meaningfully to the narrative or provide context.

Repeated Songs: While well-executed, the repetition of songs like "Jam" and "Thriller" left less room for showcasing other tracks like "Ghosts," and “Remember the Time”, limiting the overall representation of Michael's artistry.

Alarming Stage Effects: The loud stage effects were alarming, insensitive for an older audience which could impact one’s experience.

Rating: 3/5

The show offers a nostalgic tribute to Michael Jackson with its diverse song selection and focus on the Jackson 5 era. However, there's room for improvement in capturing Michael's solo career, addressing vocal disparities, streamlining interviews, and avoiding repetitive elements. The absence of Janet Jackson and revealing more of his personal life like his pet monkey was a bummer. Overall, a solid experience with opportunities for...

⭐️⭐️⭐️ ADA Assistance (Before the Show): When I arrived, I asked for ADA (disability) assistance. Two employees managing the entrance line were kind, helpful, and very accommodating to my group. However, two other employees near the lobby (both Black women) gave me an unfriendly, judgmental look when I asked for a seat due to my disability—despite having a 100% permanent disability that isn’t visible. One of them eventually allowed me to sit in the lobby, and a security guard kindly provided a chair while we waited for admission.

⭐️ Problem After the Show (Staff Behavior During Exit): After the show, the same two initial staff members (including one named Alexandria Roberson, with long wet and wavy hair) acted unprofessionally. It was pouring rain, and many patrons, including myself, stayed in the lobby to avoid the downpour. The staff grew impatient, saying they'd been there since 10 a.m. and wanted to go home, and that the house manager wanted to lock up.

As people didn’t leave fast enough (due to congestion and weather), the staff began speaking rudely to guests. They told people to “use their mannerisms” and say “excuse me,” and one guest was told she was “just standing there looking stupid.” I explained to them that we were stuck in a deadlock and asked them to speak to the people ahead. They ignored me completely and continued being rude, even arguing with another guest who was not being disrespectful.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Performance: Everything else was phenomenal. The performance was absolutely stellar—our second time seeing it, and it was even better this time. Highly entertaining and 100% worth seeing!

Because this is an amazing show, great theatre and otherwise great overall experience, I'd recommend sensitivity training during challenging circumstances or replacing employees who do not understand how to express Prussian professionalism, empathy and guidance during...