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

Welcome Back Dave Matthews Band, Its Been Awhile

For the first time in nearly three decades, the Dave Matthews Band (DMB) will perform in Richmond, Virginia. The band has announced two back-to-back shows at the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront on July 15 and 16, 2025. For longtime Richmonders, this is more than...

Sound Check! Wes Parker, Rubblebucket, Sweet Bahs

In a dancing mood this week. We got some bouncers, some swayers, some goth sporadic twitching. Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your guy at griffin@rvamag.com.  Gallery5 Friday January 31st, 2025Wes Parker, Opin, Sun V Set...

Vinyl Conflict | Where Richmond Music Gets Love

Richmond isn’t flashy. Its culture doesn’t scream for attention; it waits for you to find it. Vinyl Conflict is a record shop that doesn’t just sling albums but actively shapes the city’s music scene, funding releases, hosting shows, and putting Richmond’s artists on...

Sound Check! Bone Machine, Benjamin Shepherd, Nicotine Dolls

Sometimes the world feels bleak. Right now, in my eyes, the world looks bleak. I went to think about it, take stock of what puts gas in my tank, and did my pondering at The Camel, at Gallery 5, at Bandito’s. After all that, I didn’t feel so bad. Got a show coming up?...

Meet the Man Bringing Shuffle Dance and FlingGolf to Richmond

Richmond’s own Garry Callis Jr. has a lot going on right now. Whether he’s lighting up the dance floor or making his mark on the golf course, he’s forging his own path and inspiring others to join him along the way. Photo courtesy of Garry Callis Jr. RVA Hard Dance...