Christopher Wheeldon is a ballet choreographer, and it shows in how this production dissects Jackson's movement vocabulary rather than copying it, especially in a Smooth Criminal built on the anti-gravity lean. Lynn Nottage's book keeps the tour rehearsal room as its anchor, which gives the numbers somewhere to come from. If you are going for the dancing rather than the biography, this is the strongest pure movement show running.
What to expect
A large ensemble working through Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller and Smooth Criminal in full production versions, interleaved with rehearsal-room scenes and flashbacks to the Jackson 5 years. Expect a heavy dance load, strong lighting effects and a very responsive house.
Good to know
- The Neil Simon is on West 52nd Street; the C or E to 50th Street and the N, R or W to 49th Street are closest.
- Front mezzanine is the better seat for taking in Wheeldon's full-company formations.
- The show uses strobe and loud amplified sound throughout.
- It deals lightly with the pressures of Jackson's childhood and career; suitable for older children and up.
- The theatre is a short walk from the Eighth Avenue restaurant strip for pre-show dinner.
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Does it cover the allegations against Michael Jackson?
No. The musical is an authorised production framed around the 1992 tour rehearsals and focuses on his creative process, childhood and family pressures rather than the later allegations.
Is it all his own songs?
Yes, the score is drawn from the Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 catalogue, arranged for a stage company rather than reproduced as a tribute concert.
Where should I sit for the dancing?
Front mezzanine or mid-orchestra. Wheeldon's choreography uses full-stage formations that read better from slightly further back and above.
More this weekend
