While their Australian national tour of Beetlejuice the Musical was unfortunately cut short, the Australian theatrical producer Michael Cassel Group has seen considerably more success with MJ the Musical, concluding their full national tour in recent days. According to the producer, this 67-week run saw more than 875,000 audience members attending 532 performances across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Pertth.
Some other highlights shared by the producer include:
- MJ THE MUSICAL created employment for 290 Australians across performing, creative and technical positions. Work on the production began well before its first performance in 2025, with teams involved in auditions, casting, rehearsals and technical preparations.
- A touring company of 72 full-time members was joined by 42 local musicians and more than 400 local staff across the four cities. The production also supported more than 200 additional Australians through businesses providing specialist equipment and services.
Broadway performer Ilario Grant led the company in the title role during the final part of the tour. The production also provided several Australian performers with their first professional stage roles. For example, Brisbane performer Liam Damons made his professional stage debut in the production, alongside Albanus Terry Strickland II, Beth Appiah Cain, Ceeko, Iris Wei, Liam Costello and Xavier Gibson.
Australian producer Michael Cassel said the production had been several years in the making and credited its performers, musicians, crew and creatives for bringing the show to audiences around the country:
Bringing MJ to Australia has been an unforgettable journey that began back in 2019 when Lia Vollack was first developing the show for the Broadway stage, and seeing it come to life on stages across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth has been incredibly rewarding. This production represents the work of hundreds of talented performers, musicians, crew and creatives whose passion and commitment have made every performance something special.
I’m immensely proud of what this company has achieved together and grateful to everyone who played a part in making this tour such a remarkable experience. To everyone who joined us along the way, thank you for helping make it so special.
Original Broadway producer Lia Vollack added that the Australian season had become an important part of the production’s international history, highlighting the work of the local company.
Australia has been an incredibly special chapter in MJ’s global journey. Beyond the warmth of Australian audiences, we’ve had the privilege of working with an exceptional company of performers, musicians, crew and creatives who have brought this production to life with extraordinary talent, passion and heart. We couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved together
These reflections come amid a difficult period for Australian musical theatre, with several productions ending early or cancelling parts of their seasons and national tours. They are also a timely reminder of something I witnessed firsthand while working in strategic communications at a major Australian venue: just how many careers, both onstage and behind the scenes, are supported by these productions. The comments arrive as the industry continues to discuss what support may be needed, particularly as cost-of-living pressures affect audiences’ ability to purchase tickets and raise concerns about the future viability of some productions.
You can read my full review of MJ the Musical HERE.
