Almost halfway through its Brisbane premiere season, MJ the Musical is currently being performed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). This run precedes the show’s inaugural Perth season, which is scheduled to commence in early June 2026. The musical, a strong new production that has been touring Australia since last year under the helm of Australian producer Michael Cassel Group, tells the story of Michael Jackson. Its narrative structure centres on interviews conducted by an MTV journalist with Jackson during the 1992 Dangerous World Tour rehearsals. As you will see from my review, while it does skirt some of the controversies surrounding the artist, it shines at bringing Michael Jackson’s songs to life and is a masterclass in choreography, set design, and inhabiting the shoes of different personalities.
During this production, we Michael Jackson at three major stages of his life in relation to the 1992 Dangerous World Tour – childhood, his middle years, and then the (at the time) present day. Portraying the middle years, Michael is Liam Damons, making his professional theatre debut after experience in films such as Mortal Kombat 2 and Bring Her Back. We have been fortunate to pitch some questions to Damons, as we talk about his time on the production, the character, and much more!
You’ve been touring with MJ the Musical since its Sydney premiere early last year, through Melbourne, and now into Brisbane. How has the journey been for you so far, and how have you seen the show – and your own performance – evolve across your time with the production
It’s honestly been a bit surreal. When we first opened in Sydney, everything felt so new and there was definitely a sense of just trying to stay afloat and do the show justice. Over time, especially moving through Melbourne and now Brisbane, I feel like I’ve been able to settle into it more and actually live in the performance rather than just execute it. The show itself has tightened a lot, but for me personally, I think the biggest evolution has been trust. Trusting my instincts, trusting the work we’ve done, and allowing myself to be more present each night instead of overthinking it.
The Brisbane season is something of a homecoming for you. What has it meant to step onto the QPAC stage and perform in front of a hometown audience, and has their energy felt any different to what you experienced in Sydney and Melbourne?
The energy has been unreal. Walking out at QPAC knowing that there are people in the audience who’ve watched me grow up, or who knew me before any of this, adds a different layer to it. I’d never even seen a show at QPAC, only ever seeing the action from the outside, walking past it on the way to acting class on the weekend. This city has truly shaped me into the person and performer I am today.
MJ the Musical uses three actors to portray Michael Jackson at different stages of his life. As the “Middle Michael”, you’re capturing him during his teenage years where he is discovering and transitioning into his own style. How did you go about finding your version of Michael at that specific point in his life?
For me, it started with understanding where he was at in his life emotionally. That period is such a turning point, he’s still got that Jackson 5 foundation, but you can feel him starting to break away and discover his individuality. I tried to focus less on imitation and more on intention. What is he feeling in this moment? What is he trying to prove? Once I grounded it in that, the physicality and the style started to come more naturally.
With three Michaels sharing the stage, there’s a unique dynamic at play that audiences don’t often see in musicals. What has it been like building that creative relationship with Ilario Grant and the young Michael’s of each city?
It’s been one of the best parts of the job, honestly. There’s something really cool about the three of us representing different parts of the same person, but still needing to feel connected. With Ilario and the younger Michaels, there’s a real sense of support. We’re all looking out for each other, and there’s an understanding that what each of us does feeds into the bigger picture. It’s very collaborative! Especially from Ilario, he’s had experience in playing both Middle Michael and MJ, so he’s been a wealth of knowledge, and we’ve really grown closer as the tour progresses!
I can imagine that performing Michael Jackson’s catalogue live, night after night, is a different beast to just listening to it. Has spending this much time inside his music changed the way you hear or appreciate it, and have you discovered something new about a song through the process of performing it on stage?
Oh 100%. You hear the music so differently when you’re inside it every night. There are little details, both musically and lyrically, that you don’t always notice just listening casually. Performing it forces you to connect to those details, and I think that’s given me a much deeper appreciation for how intentional his work was. It’s not really the type of music you can get sick of easily.
You trained in screen acting at NIDA and have worked on major films like Mortal Kombat 2 and Bring Her Back – but MJ is your professional theatre debut. Is there anything that has surprised you most about making that leap from screen to stage, and has your screen training informed your approach to this role in ways you didn’t expect?
I think the biggest surprise has been the stamina that theatre requires, not just physically, but mentally as well. You don’t get a second take, so you have to be fully present the whole time. My screen training has actually helped more than I expected though. It’s made me really focus on truth and subtlety, even in a big theatre space, which I think helps keep the performance grounded.
The choreography in MJ the Musical is clearly demanding. Without giving too much away for Brisbane first-timers, is there a particular number or moment in the show that you still look forward to performing each night, and why?
There are a few moments, but Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ is definitely one number where everything just clicks, the energy, the audience, the choreography, and it kind of feels like you’re riding a wave. Without giving too much away, it’s one of those moments where you can feel the audience come with you, and that never really gets old. Another favorite of mine (that I’m not in) is Smooth Criminal.
Michael Jackson’s artistry and legacy are deeply personal and perceived differently to so many people in the audience. How do you navigate the weight of that responsibility each night – honouring the icon while also making the role your own – and has there been a reaction from an audience member that has stuck with you?
I think you have to approach it with a lot of respect, but also not let that pressure paralyse you. At the end of the day, you’re telling a story, and you want to do that honestly. If you focus too much on trying to please every perception of him, it becomes impossible. So I try to honour what he represented, while still bringing my own truth to it. It never gets old seeing people aged 9-99 in their best MJ outfits, and getting to see everyone get so excited when MJ finally enters the rehearsal room.
Touring for over a year means long stretches away from home, new cities, and the same show every night. What does life on tour actually look like for you off-stage, and now that you’re back in Brisbane, have you had a chance to rediscover the city through fresh eyes?
Tour life has a bit of a strange rhythm. A lot of routine, show, rest, warm-up, repeat – but you find little pockets of normality where you can. Being back in Brisbane has been really nice though. I really do feel like I’m rediscovering the city. Even simple things feel a bit more meaningful because it’s familiar, but you’re experiencing it from a different place in your life. Brisbane is also an incredibly gorgeous city. All love to Sydney and Melbourne, but Brisbane’s natural beauty takes it for me.
What advice do you have for those who may be looking to follow in your footsteps and pursue their own careers in the performing arts industry?
I’m always a sponge for advice myself! but if I could give advice to others it would definitely be to get into classes, it sets you up for success, and gets you working the muscle regularly. Focus on getting better at your craft rather than chasing outcomes. The more grounded you are in what you do, the more sustainable it becomes. And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, that’s something I’m still learning as well.
Rapid-Fire Questions
Favourite song of Michael Jackson’s
Ooh tough one, it’s truly impossible to pick a favorite. But probably ‘Heaven Can Wait’ or ‘Human Nature’
Favourite song to perform in MJ the Musical
Can You Feel It
Favourite moment in MJ the Musical?
Coming out for Blame It On The Boogie (iykyk)
Favourite piece of choreography in MJ the Musical?
Ooh another tough one, but I’d have to say the Moonwalk (of course)
Favourite outfit/costume in MJ the Musical?
My Thriller jacket
Favourite piece of staging / set design / lighting in MJ the Musical?
Without giving too much away, I’d have to go with Thriller. You have to see it to understand.
First impressions when walking into rehearsals on the first day?
Nervous, a bit intimidated, and buzzing with excitement
Favourite fun fact about MJ the Musical’s Australian tour
I think that this cast is truly special. I’ve never been part of a more welcoming, kind and supportive team before. We have such great chemistry on and off the stage.
Favourite pre-show ritual or routine?
I have to do my breathing exercises, meditate, shower, brush my teeth, and pray.
Favourite moment with the cast/crew so far?
Everyday I get to work with some of my best friends, so it’s difficult choosing exactly one moment. But I’d have to say getting to explore each beautiful city with them, is an experience I’d never forget.
Imagine you are a reviewer of MJ the Musical what would you say is the major highlight of the production?
The show slips between rehearsal room, past, and performance so seamlessly that it feels like you’re inside Michael’s mind while he’s creating. One moment you’re watching the mechanics of a number being built, and the next it explodes into the fully realised performance.
I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Liam Damons for being so generous with their time and sharing insights from their ongoing time as part of MJ the Musical. I wish them all the best for the remainder of the musical’s Brisbane tour, the upcoming Perth season, and anything that comes after that. I would also like to thank the team at Michael Cassel Group for facilitating this interview opportunity.
MJ the Musical is currently being performed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Lyric Theatre, with all tickets now on-sale for up to its final performance on 24 May 2026. It will then head to Perth’s Crown Theatre starting 7 June 2026. Ticketing information for both states can be found on the official Australian website for MJ the Musical.
