After being home to a group of musically gifted orphans and a swarm of cats on the night of a special ball, it has been confirmed that the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) Lyric Theatre will host the King of Pop starting in March 2026. Australian producer Michael Cassel Group has confirmed that, following the show’s runs in the US, London, Germany and other legs of its Australian tour, MJ the Musical will be performing in Brisbane next year.
Tickets for the Brisbane season will go on pre-sale from Monday 27 October 2025. Those seeking first access to early season tickets are encouraged to join the waitlist via the production’s official website.
Casting for Brisbane features Ilario Grant as MJ, with Brisbane’s own Liam Damons set to open the season in his hometown as Michael in his teenage years. Damons, who made his professional debut with MJ, is currently reprising the role in Melbourne.
Set in 1992, MJ takes audiences inside rehearsals for the Dangerous World Tour through the lens of an MTV journalist with rare access. Written by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, the production explores moments from Michael Jackson’s complex history as he works to align the tour with his creative ambitions.
The current adult cast includes Josslynn Hlenti Afoa as Katherine Jackson and Kate, Conlon Bonner as Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones, Derrick Davis as Joseph and tour director Rob, Yashith Fernando as Alejandro, Wonza Johnson as Berry Gordy and Nick, Tim Wright as Dave, and Penny McNamee as MTV journalist Rachel. The ensemble features Ceeko, Albanus Terry Strickland II, Luther Brooks IV, Beth Appiah Cain, Shewit Belay, Martha Berhane, Eric Boyd, Charlie Bryant, Liam Costello, Xavier Gibson, Kyle Kavully, G Madison IV, Loredo Malcolm, David L. Murray Jr, Sebaga Neumann, Coby Njoroge, Warren Nolan Jr, Fletcher O’Leary, Brittany Page, Dustin Praylow, Tigist Strode and Iris Wei.
Broadway producer Lia Vollack highlighted the response the show has received and the team’s plans for Brisbane.
The global response to MJ has been phenomenal. The entire creative team and I are thrilled to share this extraordinary production with Brisbane audiences, and to showcase the talented company who bring this show to life.
Australian producer Michael Cassel outlined what local audiences can expect from the staging at QPAC :
MJ has left audiences on their feet night after night thanks to its scale, precision and sheer electricity, and we’re thrilled to bring that energy to Brisbane. QPAC is the ideal stage for our world-class Australian cast; an ensemble of remarkable singers, dancers and musicians, including Liam Damons, who returns home to Brisbane in one of our leading roles. This production pairs an emotional theatrical story with the kind of big-night impact audiences love, and we can’t wait to share it with Queensland.
