Kelli Arseneau

While the plotline provides emotions and stakes, ‘MJ the Musical’ is primarily a must-see due to the breath-taking spectacle of Michael Jackson musical numbers. Impeccably-executed choreography and an immersive set design make the production feel like the highest level of Broadway theater. When the bass reverberates in your chest, lights shine and dancers hit every beat in well-known hits like ‘Beat It,’ ‘Thriller,’ ‘Smooth Criminal,’ and more, it’s hard not to smile ear-to-ear and loudly cheer like you would at a concert, rather than a musical.

Weaver was exemplary as Sophie. Because "Mamma Mia!" is so widely known, in large part due to two blockbuster films released in 2008 and 2018, taking on a lead role is a tall order. But Weaver did so phenomenally; she was extremely believable as a naive, headstrong young woman determined to make her dreams come true. The actress' impressive voice fluctuated between soft and angelic and a powerful, lilting wail.

The play also includes nods to the iconic board game throughout. The set design features a large mansion main entrance, with side rooms that rotate out to reveal locations like the parlor, the billiards room and the library. At one point a character holds the characteristic manila envelope labeled 'CONFIDENTIAL,' and at another point, a character holds up a map of the manor that is identical to the original Clue board. After two characters discover a trap door leading to an unexpected room, someone asks, 'Who designed this place?' and the butler quips 'the Parker Brothers.'

Collette's Beetlejuice was lovably hilarious. The entire cast was exceptionally talented, but Collette carried the show with his wit and larger-than-life stage presence. Every minute Collette was onstage was essentially a nonstop standup comedy act. With his ceaseless energy, impeccable comedic timing and occassional breaking the fourth wall, Collette made the audience howl with laughter during much of the two-and-a-half-hour show.