MJ The Musical, a production celebrating the life and music of the legendary Michael Jackson, has been captivating audiences since its debut. The show is a journey through the King of Pop's career, from his beginnings with the Jackson 5 to his rise to global stardom. While the music and performances are electrifying, another element that plays a significant role in bringing Michael Jackson's world to life on stage is the set design.
Theatre, in its essence, is a visual art combining actors, dialogue, costumes, lights, and music on a stage. Set design is an integral component of theatre, laying the foundation for the story and providing the visual context for the show. Without it, the world of the show is incomplete, its storyline floating in a vague and undefined space.
In the case of MJ The Musical, the set design is not just about creating a backdrop for the performances; rather, it's about recreating the world of Michael Jackson, which was as bold, dynamic, and larger-than-life as the star himself. With every scene change, the set design of MJ The Musical transports the audience to a different chapter in Jackson's life.
The Role of Set Design in MJ The Musical
The majority of the story unfolds in a spacious, industrial dance rehearsal studio - a setting that serves as a blank canvas, waiting to be filled with the colors of Michael Jackson's life. But, the magic of the set design truly unfolds as we journey into the mind of the King of Pop. Through a clever interplay of scenes, we find ourselves transported into Michael's memories and dreams, creating an intimate connection with the iconic star.
The journey begins in Gary, Indiana, where the Jackson 5 was born. The set effectively portrays the legendary group's modest beginnings, with their living room doubling as a rehearsal space. The home's interior is filled with warmth, reflecting the nurturing environment where Jackson's talent was first nurtured.
From the Jackson 5's home, the set effortlessly transitions to different stages of Jackson's life. One of the standout pieces is a recreation of the iconic stages where Michael Jackson performed. The set captures the excitement and energy of these historic moments, taking the audience back in time to witness the birth of a legend.
The Visionary Behind the Design: An Introduction to Derek McLane
The task of bringing Michael Jackson's world to life on stage fell on the shoulders of an acclaimed talent in the theatre industry - Derek McLane. Avid Broadway-goers might recognize McLane's name, as he has designed more than 350 theatre productions over the years. The Tony® and Emmy Award-winning designer has a number of notable productions under his belt, including the recent hit Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. McLane's work perfectly captures the spirit of the story, translating it into visual metaphors that add depth to the show.
In approaching the set design for MJ The Musical, McLane faced a unique challenge. He aimed to encapsulate the life of a man who was as much a visual icon as he was a musical one. Michael Jackson's career was marked by his distinctive style, memorable music videos, and groundbreaking concerts that blurred the line between music and theatre. All of these elements needed to be represented in the set design, which had to capture the essence of Jackson's life and career.
The process of creating the set design for MJ The Musical was an elaborate journey that spanned several years and involved multiple workshops. In an interview with PIX11 News, McLane emphasized that the design of the show is fundamentally about transitions. The narrative spans different eras of Michael Jackson's life, requiring seamless transitions from one scene to the next. The challenge was to make these transitions smooth and visually focused, allowing the audience to journey through time without disrupting the flow of the narrative.
Projecting Michael Jackson's Life on Stage: Meet Peter Nigrini
The task of creating the visual projections for MJ The Musical was entrusted to Peter Nigrini, a seasoned professional with a rich portfolio of work in theatre and other areas of design. Nigrini’s previous Broadway credits include Here Lies Love, Beetlejuice, Dear Evan Hansen, Hell’s Kitchen, and many more.
One of the standout moments in the show is the Jackson 5's performance on Soul Train, where the narrative transitions from the rehearsal studio to a television studio. In an interview with LiveDesign, Nigrini explains, “This is the first time the production dives into Michael’s head. It is a nightmarish moment when Michael confronts the cruelty of his father and the naturalism ‘goes out the window,’ as it were.”
For the iconic “Thriller,” Nigrini used original graveyard footage obtained through Jackson's estate. He studied Jackson's music videos, or short films as Jackson preferred to call them, for inspiration. “He was an incredible visual artist, especially in the late ‘80s and ‘90s. I quoted some of the original videos or used them as a jumping-off point or visual cues," says Nigrini. His aim was to capture the multiplicity of styles seen in Jackson's videos, from the entirely white spaceship in “Scream” to the “Thriller” graveyard and 1930s-era New York for “Smooth Criminal.”
Natasha Katz: Creating The Tony Award® Winning Lighting Design of MJ the Musical
The role of illuminating the world of MJ The Musical fell to Natasha Katz, a lighting designer with an impressive career that spans multiple Broadway hits, including Aladdin, Sweeney Todd, and Some Like It Hot. One of the unique challenges of the show was the need to recreate the spectacle of Michael Jackson's distinctive live performances. Katz rose to this challenge magnificently, using dramatic spotlights, colorful washes, and dynamic lighting effects to emulate the electrifying atmosphere of a Jackson concert.
According to Katz, working on this show required a highly collaborative approach. Director Christopher Wheeldon, set designer Derek McLane, and costume designer Paul Tazewell all had distinct visions for the show, and Katz's role was to synthesize these visions into a coherent lighting design. Wheeldon, for instance, created a detailed storyboard early on in the production process, indicating where he envisioned light and shade. Katz had to take these cues and find ways to implement them effectively.
As much as words and pictures can try to convey the magic of the set design, there's nothing quite like experiencing it in person. So, if you're a fan of Michael Jackson, a theatre enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates good storytelling, don't miss the chance to witness this hit show. Experience the world of MJ The Musical, and let the power of set design transport you into the universe of the King of Pop.