Liam Damons || MJ The Musical

The Fame Reporter interviewed one of the incredible leading stars of the Tony-Award winning show, MJ The Musical playing Michael Jackson during his formative years as the global icon discovers himself as a solo artist. The electric Broadway production is now playing at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre until 24 May.

We caught up with Liam to chat about performing on home soil, the demands of taking on Michael Jackson’s iconic role, and how his training and experience shape his approach, what audiences can expect from MJ the Musical and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Liam, as a Brisbane local, how special does it feel to be performing in your home state at QPAC?
It feels so special to be back in Brisbane! I feel like I’m discovering and rediscovering new things about the city every day, and I couldn’t be more keen to perform it for Brisbane audiences!

This city has truly shaped me into the person and performer I am today!

What has surprised you the most about portraying Michael eight shows a week?
I was surprised by the sheer amount of stamina needed to perform this show 8 times a week. vocally, physically, mentally and emotionally! It’s something i’ve had to learn very quickly, especially as a newcomer to musical theatre.

You’ve trained at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art. How did your time at NIDA shape you as a performer, and what lessons from that training do you carry with you onto the stage in MJ the Musical?
My training at NIDA was very much screen focused, however, the foundations I’ve learned is definitely transferable!

Learning to improvise when things (inevitably) go wrong, and finding new choices and beats each show really allows me to keep things fresh!

Theatre is such an ancient art form, and there’s no better classroom than the stage, each night is a new opportunity to learn and grow!

You’ve appeared on screen in projects like Mortal Kombat 2, Bring Her Back, and A (Very) Musical Christmas. How does working on a major film set compare with performing live in a high-energy show like MJ the Musical?
While we’re performing MJ, we have that immediate audience feedback, and it can feed into your performance. The energy on stage is already so intense, but coupling that with an audience who are so excited to see the magic happening on stage is next level!

On screen, you can have a lot of downtime, and of course if things go wrong, we can always reset and take it from the top. It’s VERY rare that we do that in our show!

Both stage and screen can challenge you as a performer in many different ways.

Do you find that your screen work informs how you portray Michael in the more intimate, reflective moments of the show?
The nuances, and the stillness definitely help inform the way I portray Michael in the show.

However, the characters I’ve played on screen have been very different to Michael Jackson. He truly is a beast of his own!

I feel Michael has informed the way I perform/prepare for any of my future film and tv works!

MJ the Musical explores Michael’s creativity during the 1992 Dangerous World Tour rehearsals. What have you discovered about his artistic process while working on the show?
What’s really struck me is how intentional everything was. Working on MJ The Musical, you realise nothing Michael did was accidental, every movement and musical choice had a purpose.

I’ve discovered his process is a mix of discipline and instinct. He had a clear vision and insane precision, but he was also constantly exploring and reshaping things until they felt right, not just technically, but emotionally. That’s something I’ve really connected to, leading with feeling.

It’s not just about getting it “right,” it has to actually mean something.

Michael Jackson was known for his meticulous attention to detail. How do you capture that perfectionism on stage?

For me, it starts with respecting the level of detail he had. michael wasn’t just performing, he was crafting every single moment with intention, so I try to approach it the same way.

Working on MJ The Musical, I’ve learned that even the smallest things, like the timing of a look or the placement of a hand, can completely change the impact.

I think it’s also about not letting that perfectionism become stiff. He was so precise, but it still felt effortless and alive. So for me, it’s about doing the work in rehearsal, really drilling those details, and then on stage, letting it go a bit and trusting it, so it still feels human and present rather than overthought.

That balance between control and freedom is what I’m always chasing.

Which moment in the show best captures the genius of Michael Jackson for you?
The moment where Michael is building ‘Wanna be Startin’ Somethin’’ captures his genius incredibly!

Without giving too much away, you get to see the process of building something from the ground up, and how quickly his mind works! It’s like a feeling, and deep understanding of music, and rhythm!

Which number is the most exhilarating for you to perform?
‘Wanna be Startin’ Somethin’’ is one of the show stoppers, it’s high energy, and theres much happening on stage, it’s impossible not to be excited about it!

‘Can You Feel It’ has gotta be one of my favourite songs to perform, I always say, it’s a visceral experience!

Is there a particular dance move or sequence that took the most work to master?
The side glide was something I had to really drill during rehearsals! It takes precision, and coordination (like MANY moves in the show) but this one took a second to get into my body!

The show is created by Tony-winning director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Lynn Nottage. How does their creative vision shape the storytelling on stage?
Working with Christopher Wheeldon and Lynn Nottage, you really feel how intentional the storytelling is. It’s not just a concert of Michael’s life, it’s a deeper look at who he was, especially during that Dangerous era, and what was going on beneath the surface.

Christopher brings this incredible physical storytelling through movement, where the choreography isn’t just there to look good, it actually drives the narrative and emotion.

Of course, with Chris’ background in ballet, this doesn’t come as a surprise, and Lynn’s writing gives it so much depth and humanity, showing the complexity of Michael beyond what people think they know.

Together, the creative team shape the show into something that feels really layered and honest, not just about the performer, but the person as well.

What’s a rehearsal room moment that perfectly sums up the energy of this company?
This is such a great question, because there are so many rehearsal room moments that feel so meta.

A moment that comes to mind (especially at the end of the week) is the scene during ‘Jam’ when MJ says “They live for this right,” and looks back to us, clearly not. Although we love our jobs, by our final Sunday night show for the week, it can take a toll!

The scene before “Don’t Stop Til’ You Get Enough” where MJ is hyping us all up, and often, we’re all hyping each other up during that time. There’s some moments to dance and connect with each other, and it feels so authentic!

Do you have a personal pre-show ritual before transforming into Michael?
Yes! it’s changed so much since the beginning of our show run, but it consists of meditating, praying, listening to Michael Jackson’s music before showering, brushing my teeth, and some more grounding work!

Very often I have a quick check in with Rosie Harris (our vocal coach) to warm me up for the show/s ahead!

Michael Jackson influenced generations of artists. Who inspired you growing up as a performer?
Growing up, I was inspired by a mix of artists who all brought something completely different to the table.

Michael Jackson was obviously a huge one for me, not just in terms of performance, but his attention to detail and the way he told stories through movement.

Adele really influenced me vocally and emotionally, the honesty in her music is something I’ve always been drawn to.

Also Stevie Wonder, his musicality and soul, the way he feels every note is amazing. I think pulling from all three has shaped me into a more well-rounded performer.

If you could ask Michael Jackson one question about performing or creativity, what would it be?
Oof this one is a loaded one too, there are so many things I could ask him!

I’d love to ask how he managed to develop such a strong sense of self in his performance, despite being so heavily shaped and directed by his father from such a young age?

What are you most excited for Brisbane audiences to experience when they see MJ the Musical?
I think I’m most excited for Brisbane audiences to experience the energy of it all. It’s not just a show you sit and watch, it really pulls you in. there’s something pretty special about hearing that music live and feeling how electric the room becomes, especially with an artist like Michael Jackson at the centre of it.

Beyond that, I’m excited for people to see a more human side to him as well. The show gives you a glimpse into the process, the pressure, and the person behind it all, which I think people don’t always expect.

It’s that mix of spectacle and vulnerability that makes it hit a bit deeper.

Quickfire Round

Moonwalk or Smooth Criminal lean
Moonwalk

Favourite Michael Jackson song of all time
Human Nature

Glitter glove or fedora hat
Glitter Glove

Post-show snack
Depends on the day, but I love some popcorn and a movie. But can be partial to ordering a BBQ chicken pizza in!

Three words to describe MJ the Musical
Human, Vulnerable and Exhilarating

One thing audiences might not expect from the show?
How emotional it actually is. People come in expecting the spectacle and the hits, but there are moments that really catch you off guard and make it feel a lot more personal than you’d think.