Jarrod Michael

At the center of this story is Ali, played by Maya Drake. The role is portrayed with remarkable freshness and emotional openness by a performer whose youthfulness is not just evident, but essential. She brings a sparkling sincerity to the role, wide-eyed yet determined, making Ali’s journey feel immediate and deeply personal. There is an unmistakable sense that we are watching a young artist at the beginning of something special. It’s thrilling to imagine where her voice, instincts, and storytelling will be five years from now as she continues to refine an already compelling craft.

The standout of the production, without question, is Kyra Belle Johnson. Her character is consistent and direct. Although many personalities in the new script seemed to have significant changes, the role of Belle is tried and true. Johnson’s highlight moment is the song “A Change in Me” in Act Two. Her powerhouse vocals paired with her impeccable technical placement give the audience everything they could want in that moment.

MJ: The Musical showcases clear talent across its cast and is supported by beautiful design elements that bring the world of Michael Jackson to life onstage. The choreography and staging capture many of Jackson’s iconic moves and moments with precision, and the production design helps immerse the audience in the spectacle synonymous with his legacy. However, despite these strengths, the premise and book occasionally feel at odds with the complexity and creative genius of the character at its center. While the show touches on key milestones and the pressures of fame, it often misses opportunities to delve deeper into the internal struggles, innovative spirit, and emotional layers that defined Jackson as both an artist and a person. This leaves the production feeling at times more like a ‘tip of the iceberg tribute’ than a fully realized exploration of a visionary mind. In the end, MJ: The Musical delivers undeniable entertainment and honors the star power of its subject, while at the same time suggesting that there is still more to be uncovered about the ‘Man in the Mirror’.”

Neil Diamond - Then, portrayed by Nick Fradiani, proved a remarkable leading man, capturing the essence of Neil Diamond with a presence that was both magnetic and deeply human. His vocals were so uncannily reminiscent of Diamond’s Signature Sound that, at times, one could almost forget it wasn’t the man himself standing center stage. Yet, rather than settling for imitation, Fradiani took subtle, thoughtful liberties with the material. His delicate vocal inflections and interpretive choices honored the original while grounding the character in truthfulness.

This touring production of Some Like It Hot is undeniably packed with talent, featuring a dynamic cast that delivers strong vocal performances and truly impressive dance numbers. The choreography is crisp, stylish, and full of energy, bringing a vibrant visual flair to the stage. However, despite these strengths, the show itself doesn’t quite come together as a fully engaging theatrical experience. The book feels uneven, with humor that sometimes misses the mark and dialogue that struggles to build momentum. Additionally, while the score is lively and enjoyable, many of the songs felt more like entertaining diversions rather than essential storytelling moments, often stalling the plot rather than propelling it forward."

The simplicity of the set in Mamma Mia! was a testament to the power of creative design, allowing the story and performances to take center stage while evoking the charm of a sunlit Greek island. With clean lines and versatile structures, the set effortlessly transformed to suit each scene, providing just enough detail to spark the imagination. The creative use of color—bold blues, crisp whites, and vibrant pops of warm tones—brought the island to life, mirroring the joy and energy of the music. This minimalist approach proved that sometimes less truly is more, offering a visually striking yet unobtrusive canvas that beautifully supported the heart of the production.

This touring production is well rehearsed and seamlessly executed. The contrast of the stoic nature of the set and the wild comedic ride of the content provides a unique and energetic experience. The elegance of the set was the perfect canvass for outrageous personalities that the audience met along the way. The design allowed for smooth transitions that never left a dead moment.