by Pat Lindsey The Fabulous Fox is nearing...
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“MJ” is Thrilling Spectacular the Fabulous Fox ’til May 24
by Pat Lindsey
The Fabulous Fox is nearing the end of its superb season of shows with one of itshottest tickets, “MJ.” It’s the jukebox musical that Michael Jackson fans have beenwaiting for all year. Chock full of MJ’s hits, it satisfies the fans while glossing over themurky parts of Jackson’s life. At the end of the show, I had to get the reactions of those sitting near me. With big smiles on their faces, they said, “Sensational!” “Fantastic!” and “Oh, my gosh!”
My reaction was all of the above and more. The actors and dancers arephenomenal. Michael Jackson, played by Jordan Markus, looks and sounds like the real Michael Jackson reincarnated. His familiar gliding moves back and forth across the stage, his soft speaking voice, and his falsetto singing voice would have kept me captivated even if I hadn’t been into all of Jackson’s Grammy Award-winning songs.
Two other young men play Michael Jackson as a little boy and a teenager. Theyoungest one, Eric Wiltz, could have easily stolen the show. He’s a confident 9 year-old (who looks much younger) with outstanding singing and dancing ability. Teenage Michael is convincingly played by Brandon Lee Harris. Each of the Michael Jackson characters have scenes with their mean and condescending father, Joseph Jackson, played by Devin Bowles. Both young actors have mastered that distinctive Michael Jackson voice.
The sets and choreography in this show blew me away. Scenes with brilliantflashing lights and startling sound effects change seamlessly before our eyes. Glittering costumes and workout clothes continuously fill the stage. The high-energy choreography that MJ rehearsed over and over again until it was perfect was directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon. Two of the many outstanding numbers are “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal.”
The small band of musicians on stage are accompanied by the orchestra in the pit.
Together they brilliantly perform more than two dozen MJ hits, including, “Billie Jean,” “I’ll Be There,” “Black or White,” “Man in the Mirror,” “She’s Out of My Life,” and “Bad.”
This tribute to a legend is based on a book written by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage. Added to the impressive creative team are scenic designer Derek McLane and costume designer Paul Tazewell. Musical direction, orchestrations, and arrangements are by David Holcenberg and Jason Michael Webb.
“MJ” is intensely entertaining. It will excite all of your senses. And it’s nostalgic asit brings back musical memories of past decades with Michael Jackson’s chart-topping hits It will only be at the Fabulous Fox for a short run ending May 24. Don’t miss this one! Tickets were still available through Metrotix at 314-534-1111 or visit the Fabulous Fox box office. For more information, go to fabulous fox.com.
