Michael Jackson was an icon that left a lasting imprint on music forever. But what if you could experience the magic of watching it happen firsthand? The first national tour of MJ the Musical is coming to the BJCC this month and trust me, you will not want to miss it. There’s a reason this Broadway show has won four Tony Awards—from the music to the choreography, this close-up look at MJ’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour is captivating, inspiring, and downright fun. Plus, it boasts a score of over 25 classic Michael Jackson songs, from “Thriller,” “Beat It,” “Man in the Mirror,” and more, artfully capturing the moments that catapulted MJ to legendary status.
WHEN CAN I SEE THE SHOW?
Check out one of these eight performances at the BJCC Concert Hall (2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham):
- Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2 & 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Feb. 22 at 1 & 6:30 p.m.
Is MJ the Musical Kid-Friendly?
Here’s what cast member Rajané Katurah, who plays Katherine Jackson (aka MJ’s mom) has to say: “MJ is for anybody who has a heartbeat…. It’s for everybody.” If you have really young children, she warns that there is one scene during the “Thriller” song that might be a little scary, but other than that, your kids will love it. (The show’s official age recommendation is 8+.)
Whether you remember watching Michael Jackson rise to fame in real time or you’re introducing his music to your littles for the first time, this musical is an experience, a journey. “This is the soundtrack for many parents’ lives,” Katurah explains, “and now we have a generation of kids [who love it too].” It’s a nostalgic show for many, and fun for all ages and stages. “Even some of the biggest fans feel like they’re learning something,” she declares.
If you’re not a die-hard MJ fan, take a risk. “Come see the show and if you don’t like it, I’ll refund your ticket,” Katurah jokes. “I say that every time and I’ve never had to refund anyone’s ticket…. If MJ’s your first show ever, I’m sorry because not every show is like our show. Our show embodies MJ’s peak to come together and make something magical.”
The 1992 Dangerous World Tour
The show isn’t like typical jukebox musicals or concert performances—it doesn’t start with a “Michael Jackson was born…” It’s set in a rehearsal room, centered on the creation of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. “You’re watching us imitate life,” Katurah says. “Most people in the show play two characters: a person in the rehearsal studio and a person from [Michael’s] life. I play Kate the backup singer, but also Katherine [MJ’s mom] in our flashbacks.”
What makes the show’s setting so cool is that they tap into so many pivotal moments surrounding the Dangerous World Tour, showing how Michael Jackson got there. “It’s exciting because…we’re able to jump back and see the Jackson 5 and tap into things that are influencing the tour,” Katurah states. This moment of the tour that the musical captures is huge: He was just coming off of being in the Top 100 and earning multiple awards and Grammys. “We’re focusing on his prime as he’s doing something epic,” Katurah says. “He’s doing things that are unheard of…, he’s pushing the bar and setting new perimeters.”
Fun Fact About Her Role, Katherine Jackson:
“[In the musical], we see how much of an influence Katherine has on Michael’s life,” Katurah explains. “She’s trying to protect him, even as she goes through her own issues. It shows the power and the cost of creating something so special. You’re watching Katherine nurture and learn how to care for and rear this thing.” Was she perfect? No, and the musical exposes that truth. Nevertheless, it shows a heartwarming tenderness: “She wanted to make sure he knew he was still a child and loved. A mother is a mother to the end. All parents make mistakes, but they’re giving us the best they can and what they think is right. It’s beautiful and at times a little heartbreaking, but it happened.”
Will They Sing My Favorite Song?
“I can guarantee three of your top five songs are in the show,” Katurah assures audience members. “There are so many amazing hits.” Will they play every Michael song? Sadly, no. “The musical would not end if we played everybody’s top Michael song,” Katurah says with a laugh. But usually the general consensus is “they hit my top five favorites, but missed my sixth.” They like to throw in some hidden gems into the musical, so you might hear some songs you didn’t even know are by Michael Jackson.
“I think people are always super happy when they hear the music and they’re singing it on the way home…. [It’s] the power of the music,” Katurah says. “Music is the soundtrack of lives, it heals, it transforms and surpasses lives.” She also recognizes the joy it brings people when they know the music for themselves and can sing along. “It’s fun and received well, and it’s a well-written show. The show is so good, I can be a part of this until the wheels fall off because it’s exciting and fun and high energy and I enjoy the music.”
Fun Fact: Rajané Katurah started off as a swing (an understudy) in MJ the Musical. Some people can cover up to five or six roles in the show! “The swings in our show have held our show together,” she says with high praise. “We’ve done more shows with swings and understudies than without.”
Catch Katurah live in action at one of the eight performances of MJ the Musical when it’s in town. Tickets sell out pretty fast, so be sure to order yours soon on BroadwayInBirmingham.com, BJCC.org, or Ticketmaster.com.
