First comes the glittering jacket, then the single white sequined glove, followed by the tilted black fedora. By then, the enthusiastic audience knows what’s coming next, even before the beat begins. It’s Michael Jackson, in his signature apparel, posing before he begins to sing and strut to “Billie Jean.” 

This is just one of many iconic performances highlighted in Broadway Sacramento’s “MJ The Musical,” now playing at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. Not only does Jordan Markus breathe life into Michael Jackson with impressive singing and dance moves, the entire cast, including two who portray younger Michael Jacksons, are also captivating with equal talent. There are jaw-dropping moments that leave you amazed at what you’re witnessing — the vocals, the coordinating moves and some of the special effects. 

Though the musical touches on Jackson’s childhood as part of the Jackson 5, and his maturing into a solo performer, it’s not a concert setting with Jackson singing and dancing for the audience.  

Instead, it’s a unique take on displaying some of his signature dance moves, fashion statements, iconic music and creative ideas as he prepares for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. It opens with backstage rehearsals as the staging and dance numbers are being prepared — dancers stretching, musicians warming up and the staging being built.  

A multi-Tony winner, “MJ The Musical” is a peek into Jackson wanting to control every detail of his upcoming concert, where he wants input and final say on every aspect of the sets, costumes, choreography and special effects.  

This is the evolution of his life, with flashbacks to his days as the young star of the Jackson 5, the tumultuous relationship with his father and the support of his mother. The setlist includes songs from the Motown years of “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There,” as well as his career-defining hits like “Beat It,” “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” and of course, “Thriller.”   

Though the songs and dance moves, including Jackson’s famous moonwalk and the robot, are fun to witness, the storyline lags and loses momentum at times and avoids his controversies. Some tightening of scenes and lengthening of songs would help, and the sets could use some change-ups. 

But overall, “MJ the Musical” showcases the reason Jackson is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, rightly labeled “The King of Pop.” 

The play runs two and a half hours.  “MJ The Musical” plays at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center through April 19; Tuesday and Wednesday 7:30 p.m.; Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday at, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. 1301 L St., Sacramento.   

This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics, the city had no editorial influence over this story. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Hmong Daily News, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.