The ‘MJ the Musical’ Cast on the Music That Changed Their Lives
MJ the Musical has officially moonwalked its way into Melbourne
In Partnership With ‘MJ the Musical’
MJ the Musical has officially moonwalked its way into Melbourne. Created by Tony Award-winning Director and Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Lynn Nottage, MJ the Musical is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Currently on sale through to December 2025, you can get your tickets here.
Daniel Boud
The show is centred around the making of Michael Jackson’s 1992 “Dangerous” World Tour, offering a glimpse into the creativity and craft of the man who achieved legendary status. Throughout the musical, the audience is taken on a journey through the singer’s life with three actors portraying the hit-maker at various pivotal points.
From a young boy born in Gary, Indiana, performing with his brothers in the Jackson 5 to the cultural juggernaut he was by the early 1990s, “MJ the Musical” dives deep into Michael Jackson’s artistry and ambition.
The musical features over 25 of Jackson’s greatest hits, including “Beat it,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Billie Jean,” “Man in the Mirror” and “Thriller”, and has been enjoyed by over 5 million audience members worldwide.
Daniel Boud
For the Australian production, William Bonner, aged 11, portrays Michael as a child getting his start in the Jackson 5.
“I think it’s so amazing that I get to portray him. He was such an incredible entertainer,” Bonner tells Variety AU/NZ.
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When asked who his three biggest musical influences are (so far), Bonner looked to the musician he’s portraying on stage. “I love his songs.”
In addition to Michael Jackson himself, Bonner references The Backstreet Boys’ album “Millennium” and his own father, Conlon Bonner, as musical heroes. Bonner Senior portrays Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones in MJ the Musical.
“My dad is my biggest musical inspiration. I’ve always looked up to him. I think he’s so amazing and I want to be just like him.”
When it comes to Bonner Junior’s favourite Michael Jackson hit, Bonner references “I Wanna Be Where You Are,” a song from his character’s era. The track was released in 1972 and is one of Michael Jackson’s early solo career hits.
Daniel Boud
Brisbane-based actor Liam Damons portrays the “middle Michael,” Michael Jackson as a young adult during his “Billie Jean” era. Damons describes portraying the King of Pop as one of the greatest honours of his life.
“Michael Jackson is one of the most influential artists of all time, and to have the responsibility of bringing his story and music to life on stage is something I don’t take lightly. I feel both humbled and inspired stepping into his shoes every day. To share his legacy with audiences is truly a dream come true,” Damons says.
Damons notes his favourite Michael Jackson era as the “Thriller” era. “That’s when he really had his breakout and honed in on his artistry. The music, the visuals and the album’s impact is truly ground (and record) breaking.”
After growing up in a “music-loving household,” Damons struggled to pick his top three musical inspirations. However, if he had to choose, the actor would pick musician Frank Ocean (“”Blonde” is one of those albums I can always go back to”), Stevie Wonder and the man himself, Michael Jackson.
“[Stevie Wonder’s] musical genius and the joy he brings through his songs have been a constant source of inspiration for [me and] so many incredible artists. He represents the timeless power of music to uplift and connect people,” says Damons.
The actor credits Michael Jackson as the reason so many musicians “fell in love” with performing in the first place.
“His artistry, work ethic, and ability to move people across generations is unmatched.”
Daniel Boud
Ilario Grant plays the 1992 version of Michael Jackson in the Melbourne production. Grant also describes the opportunity as a “dream come true” and is proud to keep the legacy of Michael Jackson’s music alive.
MJ’s director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon praised Grant: “Performing as MJ is an enormous undertaking, but when I first met Ilario, I knew he was one of those special performers who would be able to capture the authenticity and power of this great performer.”
When asked who his top three musical inspirations are, Grant names Michael Jackson as his number one.
“He was an artist who studied to become great, and that’s a trait I’ve learned from and taken into my own artistry,” Grant shares.
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It’s MJ’s “Bad” era that Grant says speaks to him the most.
“He completely changed his look and sound from what anyone had seen or heard in his younger years. It was truly a remarkable chapter in his career.”
“Secondly, I would say Stevie Wonder. He sounds so angelic, and it’s who I’ve modelled my singing voice after. And last but not least, Usher. He combined Michael’s work ethic with modern-day talent that set him apart from any other artist of his generation.”
As the lead in MJ the Musical, Grant hopes that audiences leave Her Majesty’s Theatre feeling moved by the story and uplifted by the music.
“I want people to feel like they were at a concert. We encourage the audience to get up and dance during the curtain calls and it’s always a vibe,” says Grant.
Now in its fifth international production since 2022, Melbourne is next in line to experience what many are calling the most electrifying musical of the year. With the buzz building and seats filling, now’s the time to grab your tickets for MJ the Musical.
MJ the Musical is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Head to mjthemusical.com.au for tickets.
