I finally got to see MJ the Musical on Broadway… and honestly? I was blown away. If you’ve been on the fence about it, let me be the one to say—go. Just go.
The show takes place at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd St, NYC), and even before the curtain rose, the energy was high. There was a long line when I arrived—literally wrapping around two blocks—but it moved quickly, and you could tell everyone in line was just as excited as I was.
A Story That Goes Beyond the Music
What surprised me the most is that this isn’t just a “greatest hits” show—though yes, it has over 25 of Michael Jackson’s biggest songs like Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Thriller, Beat It, Bad, Black or White, and Man in the Mirror (my personal favorite).
But what makes it really special is the way they tell his story. It’s set during rehearsals for his 1992 “Dangerous” tour, and through conversations with a documentary film crew, we get to see flashbacks of his early life, the pressure of fame, his perfectionism, and the relationships that shaped him.
It offers a look into his creative process, what drove him, and the emotional weight of trying to stay true to yourself while constantly being under a microscope.
Insane Talent on That Stage
The lead actor playing Michael was next level. He looked like him. He moved like him. He had the voice, energy, presence, and vulnerability—I seriously kept forgetting it wasn’t actually MJ.
The choreography was flawless—so sharp, so smooth. I had goosebumps more than once. Every single person on that stage gave it their all—the supporting cast, the ensemble dancers, even the young actors playing Michael as a kid were beyond impressive.
There were so many standout scenes:
- The Smooth Criminal number with the famous lean 👀
- A powerful performance of They Don’t Care About Us that was so timely and intense
- And of course, the closing act, where the entire theater was on their feet
It was high-energy, emotional, nostalgic, and honestly, a masterclass in musical theater.
Kid-Friendly? Yes. Emotional? Also yes.
If you’re wondering whether it’s family-friendly, the answer is yes—but with depth. There’s no harsh language or inappropriate content, but they don’t shy away from the real struggles Michael faced. They show glimpses of the media pressure, his relationship with his father, and the isolation he experienced at the height of his fame. It’s handled with care, and it makes the joyful, musical moments hit even harder.
Quick Details to Know Before You Go:
- Location: Neil Simon Theatre, 250 West 52nd St, NYC
- Show Length: 2 hours and 30 minutes (includes one intermission)
- Lines: They can get long, so arrive early—but they do move fast!
- Seats: Try to sit center orchestra or front mezzanine for the best view of the choreography
- Dress Code: It’s Broadway, so dress up if you feel like it—but I saw people in everything from jeans to cocktail dresses
MJ the Musical reminded me why I love live theater so much. It was the perfect mix of entertainment and storytelling, with so much heart behind every scene.
As someone who grew up loving Michael’s music, this show felt personal. I was singing along quietly (okay… sometimes not so quietly 😂), totally lost in the moment, and left the theater feeling uplifted and inspired.
If you’re in NYC or planning a trip soon, put this on your list. Whether you’re a lifelong MJ fan or just looking for an incredible Broadway experience, MJ the Musical is truly unforgettable.
10/10 would recommend.
Have you seen MJ the Musical? What’s your favorite MJ song? Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram @liandmeinnyc!