Over the weekend, Prince Jackson made a stylish appearance in Sydney to lend his support to "MJ the Musical," the Tony Award-winning spectacle that commemorates his father's illustrious career on stage. As the eldest scion of the late Michael Jackson, Prince graced the official Australian premiere of this jukebox musical at Sydney's Lyric Theatre on Saturday, March 8th, donning an elegant dark pinstripe suit adorned with a striking purple tie.
Fresh from its triumphs across the globe, including Broadway, London, and Germany, this four-time Tony Award-winner whisks audiences back to the thrilling year of 1992, immersing them in the high-stakes creative fray of Jackson's iconic "Dangerous World Tour." Through the imagined lens of an MTV documentary crew, the musical delves deeper than just Jackson's unforgettable choreography and melodies; it explores his relentless artistic pursuit and the hidden struggles behind the scenes.
Producer Michael Cassel, who, alongside original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain, brought "MJ" to Australian shores, expressed awe at the overwhelming response. "I predicted that Australian audiences would be captivated by this extraordinary show, but I never anticipated the sheer fervor with which they would embrace it! From fans dressing up in themed attire to patrons grooving in their seats, this production has truly ensnared Sydney's affection."
At the helm of the cast stands Roman Banks, whose portrayal of Jackson has garnered critical acclaim in the United States, where he made his debut in Chicago in 2023 and has since embodied the role over 200 times. This isn't the first instance where Prince has shown his steadfast support for the production, which made its Broadway debut in 2022 and has since expanded its global footprint. In March 2024, he attended the London preview night, accompanied by his siblings, Paris Jackson and Bigi Jackson, continuing their heartfelt tradition of honoring their father's enduring legacy.
Two years ago, Prince and Paris Jackson graced the stage of the 2022 Tony Awards, amidst the buzz surrounding "MJ the Musical," which garnered multiple nominations, including the coveted Best Musical award. That evening, the siblings introduced the cast's electrifying rendition of "Smooth Criminal," with Prince sharing a heartfelt tribute to their father's profound affection for musicals.
"Many perceive our father, Michael Jackson, as the innovator who revolutionized popular music. And who are we to contest that?" he exclaimed during the awards ceremony. "Yet, what remains undisclosed to many is his boundless love for musicals, both on screen and on stage."
Following its triumph in New York, "MJ the Musical" has embarked on a global journey, making its mark in London's West End, embarking on a U.S. national tour, and now, captivating audiences in Australia, with Sydney as its initial stop before venturing to other cities.
Michael Jackson continues to reign as one of music history's most celebrated icons, his influence spanning generations. With "Thriller" holding the record for the best-selling album of all time and 13 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits under his belt, his groundbreaking performances, groundbreaking music videos, and iconic dance moves have reshaped pop music, cementing his status as the undisputed "King of Pop."
Prince Jackson remains steadfast in preserving his father's legacy, attending events in his honor and sharing personal anecdotes about his upbringing. Alongside his siblings, he has dedicated himself to charitable endeavors and music-related projects, ensuring that Michael Jackson's impact resonates with future generations.
As "MJ the Musical" expands its reach worldwide, it is evident that the enchantment of Michael Jackson's music continues to captivate audiences, decades after he first mesmerized the world with his moonwalk into history. Throughout his illustrious career, 13 of his solo singles soared to the No. 1 spot, with 30 songs reaching the top 10 and six albums topping the Billboard 200.
Tickets for "MJ The Musical" are now available at mjthemusical.com.au, offering fans the chance to experience the magic of Michael Jackson's music firsthand.
