MJ on Broadway-Mostly Jejune Jukebox Crowd Pleaser

Michael Jackson, a.k.a. King of Pop would have turned 65 this past August.  Alas, this indisputable artistic genius and multi-talented singer/song writer, dancer, arranger and trend setter's self-destructive trajectory proved fatal from an involuntary overdose of prescribed narcotics from his personal physician.  The 2022 Tony winner for best choreography, direction and orchestration doesn't delve into Michael's death at 50 or the allegations of sexual abuse.  This lively musical takes a stroll down the yellow brick road with a mostly white washed, innocuous past except for the bullying he received from Joseph, a.k.a. as Michael's dad.  These scenes of a father who withheld love and drove Michael and his brothers relentlessly does little to generate sympathy consider the celebrated achievements in the music and entertainment industry.  Where this musical soars; as it often does, is during its plentiful, elaborate musical numbers which deliver show stopping dancing and singing from the the young and older Michaels, his brothers and the various backup dancers. Credit famed Tony winning choreographer, director and professional ballet dancer Christopher Wheeldon who wields magic with the major suffusion of talent on stage.  It's a jukebox joyride when the Michael's sing some of his many hits, taking us through his evolutions as an artist.  The show begins before the gauzy curtain rises revealing a warm-up rehearsal on stage and Michael's handwritten notes on acclaimed musical artists along with inspiring, work ethics.  MJ was made with the cooperation of the Jackson estate (which at times Michael gambled) to create his visions.  The show is easily enjoyed with the musical legacy the show pays robust homage.  It's still fair to be cynical when critiquing a biopic show that offers up hit after hit but fails to flush out his multi-dimensional character and controversies surrounding Michael.  The book is written by two time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage. Nottage also received the Tony for Best Book of a Musical for MJ.  Still the show has plenty of holes and the staging of the young and old Michael's together doesn't deliver the emotional impact it intends.  Instead, it relies on Michael Jackson's music, dancing and showmanship that would make PT Barnum envious. MJ the Musical is light on its feet when it comes to storytelling but it can afford to when the King of Pop left us a stupendous soundtrack that should stand the test of time and you don't pay attention to the man behind the curtain.