After a national tour spanning Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, the Australian production of MJ the Musical has wrapped.
The production played 532 performances during its Australian season, with sold-out runs in Brisbane and Perth and standing ovations becoming a regular feature throughout the tour.
Presented by producer Michael Cassel in partnership with original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca and John McClain, the musical also delivered a significant economic and employment boost, engaging 290 Australians across performing, creative and technical roles since preparations began following its 2023 announcement.
The touring company comprised 72 full-time cast and crew members, supported by 42 local musicians and more than 400 local staff across its four-city run. More than 200 additional Australians were also employed through suppliers providing services including freight, construction, marketing, publicity, physiotherapy and psychology.
The Australian company was most recently led by Broadway performer Ilario Grant in the title role. The production also served as a launching pad for emerging Australian musical theatre talent, including Brisbane performer Liam Damons who made his professional stage debut in the show alongside fellow newcomers Albanus Terry Strickland II, Beth Appiah Cain, Ceeko, Iris Wei, Liam Costello and Xavier Gibson.
A number of young performers, including Kayleb Alese, Blaiyze Barksdale, Gebriel Batchelor Walters, Ben Bonner, Daniel Makunike, Zavier Pillay, Kael Smith and Lucas Wyllie, also made their professional debuts as part of the production.
“Bringing MJ to Australia has been an unforgettable journey that began back in 2019 when Lia Vollack was first developing the show for the Broadway stage, and seeing it come to life on stages across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth has been incredibly rewarding,” Cassel said.
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.
“This production represents the work of hundreds of talented performers, musicians, crew and creatives whose passion and commitment have made every performance something special. I’m immensely proud of what this company has achieved together and grateful to everyone who played a part in making this tour such a remarkable experience.”
Original Broadway producer Lia Vollack said Australia had become an important stop in the musical’s international success. “Australia has been an incredibly special chapter in MJ’s global journey. Beyond the warmth of Australian audiences, we’ve had the privilege of working with an exceptional company of performers, musicians, crew and creatives who have brought this production to life with extraordinary talent, passion and heart.”
The Australian production follows the show’s international success since premiering on Broadway in 2022. MJ the Musical has now been seen by more than seven million people worldwide, with productions staged across North America, London’s West End and Germany.
The Australian season also received industry recognition, winning four BroadwayWorld Australia Awards and two Green Room Awards before taking its final bow.
From Variety Australia
