MJ The Musical Brings The King of Pop to Life at Altria Theater

by | Jan 31, 2025 | NIGHTLIFE, PERFORMING ARTS, POP & TOP 40, POP CULTURE

When MJ The Musical hit the Altria Theater on Tuesday night, Richmond showed up. A packed house, fans rocking single sequined gloves—yeah, the energy was Thrilling (pun intended). As an ‘80s kid, walking into that kind of atmosphere was electric.

The show revolves around Michael Jackson’s Dangerous tour (1992–1993), using flashbacks to trace his journey from child prodigy to the King of Pop. The stage design keeps things moving—literally—shifting from dark and moody to full-blown spectacle in seconds. And the music? Between the flawless performances and the crowd’s reactions, there were moments that felt like an actual MJ concert. This thing moves at lightning speed—2.5 hours never felt so short. No surprise it’s racked up awards.

What really works is the balance between MJ’s classic hits and original pieces that connect the different eras of his life. I walked in planning to watch like a proper critic, arms crossed, analyzing every scene. By the end? Fully locked in, cheering with the crowd.

MJ-The-Musical-Altria_story-by-Eugene-Henry_RVA-Magazine-2025

Now, if you’re looking for a deep dive into MJ’s more controversial chapters, this isn’t Behind The Music. The show keeps things light, acknowledging a few issues but keeping the focus where it wants to—on the music, the artistry, and the cultural impact. And in that, MJ The Musical delivers.

If you’re an MJ fan, this is a must-see. Period.

Buy your tickets HERE

Hip Hop Henry

Hip Hop Henry

Virginia St. Trojan x Hampton Pirate. Internet Radio Host. The Cheats Movement Podcast Co-creator. Half decent DJ at WRIR 97.3 FM. Dreamer for Hire. A Knxwbody.




more in music

RVA Live Music | WiFiGawd, Hot Mulligan, Heavy Friends & More

Starting the summer with some big shows. Kanawha Plaza is looking like the spot to be this season, but there is still plenty happening in the clubs around town this week. Lastly, Happy Pride! I'd love to feature as many LGBTQ+ artists as possible this month, so if...

‘Songs of Truth’ Brings Sojourner Truth to the Hippodrome

Editor's Note: For more on the life and legacy of Sojourner Truth, read Christian Detres' companion essay HERE. This has been an inspirational season for Richmond’s homegrown theatre. We are following up the sold-out run of Witchduck with the mid-project musical...

“The Game Is the Game” Reppa Ton Drops New Album

Editor’s Note: This piece was developed from an extended conversation between Reppa Ton and Chauncey “Chance Fischer” Jenkins. The new album drops tonight at midnight HERE. Sitting outside at Common House talking through Memento Vivere when the conversation drifts...

The BIG Richmond Summer Music Field Guide 2026

Trying to put together a list of shows in Richmond these days is becoming a pretty hard thing to do. The city has gotten really busy, but at least it’s not boring. There are more shows, festivals, DJ nights, and random Tuesday concerts happening in the River City than...

Salon de Résistance | Living Under Fire

Join us for Salon de Résistance on May 28 at Black Iris for an unfiltered conversation about surviving on the frontlines of global conflict in a world growing more violent, fragmented, and unable to protect civilians — with three of Virginia’s most seasoned experts in...