Eric Colchamiro

The musical can also be a loud, pop concert of a show. As the first act plows through 13 different songs, Tazewell’s costumes are often bright, the pace is fast, and the sound of Jackson’s music reverberates throughout the 189 year-old National Theatre. As much as Nottage is a talented writer, this is a show that is intended to be more of a celebration of Jackson’s music instead of a deeper look into a dark and troubled man. The audience sees reference to tabloid headlines, and the cracked imagery Nigrini projects on stage reminds you of Jackson’s controversies during the second act. Yet Michael’s issues do not, and perhaps cannot, be the center of this jukebox musical for it to succeed.

At the center of it is Tony-nominated Rob McClure as Euphegenia Doubtfire. McClure’s Doubtfire is zany, snarky when necessary, especially with Miranda’s new love interest Stuart, an appropriately buff Leo Roberts. He is all over the stage with excitement in contrast to the more reserved Miranda, played by McClure’s real-life wife, Maggie Lakis.