Brisbane audiences are falling hard for the Tony Award-winning MJ the Musical, with standing ovations and waves of applause becoming a regular part of the experience.
The moonwalk, the music, the magic — Michael Jackson’s influence on popular culture is undeniable. Bringing that legacy to the stage in MJ the Musical requires extraordinary discipline, stamina, and heart. For Liam Damons, playing the King of Pop is both a physical challenge and an emotional journey. Ahead of the show’s arrival, he shares what it really takes to transform into one of the most recognisable performers in the world.
What initially drew you to audition for MJ the Musical?
I received an email one day through my agent from the casting director, Lauren Wiley, asking if I’d be interested in auditioning! I was of course immediately intrigued. It was something so new to me. Musical theatre was something I’d always enjoyed but never thought I’d get an opportunity to do so soon! I saw it as a great challenge, and something I could use to step out of my comfort zone, to hone in on my other talents I was once too scared to share with people. I’m so grateful I did!
How did you prepare to step into the role of Michael Jackson, such an iconic figure?
It was months-long preparation: gym, Pilates, ballet, jazz classes, hip hop classes, singing lessons, and then a trip to LA to work with legends Rich and Tone Talauega (who are an encyclopedia of Michael Jackson movement vocabulary). Some of my more personal preparation was definitely research, looking into Michael Jackson’s creative process, watching interviews and, of course, the short film music videos!
What aspects of Michael Jackson’s personality were most challenging to portray?
I think his insecurity can be the most challenging part to play. It’s hard to wrap your head around how someone so electric on stage could feel so fragile underneath. In some ways, I relate to that too, and I’ve actually learned a lot about myself through understanding him.
How do you balance honoring the real person while making the role your own?
For me, it’s about finding that line between truth and interpretation. I have so much respect for who he was, so I start with really understanding him, his mannerisms, his voice, the way he moved and thought. But at the same time, I can’t just imitate him, because then it feels hollow. I have to filter it through my own instincts and emotions, and trust that what I bring to it is enough. That’s where it starts to feel real, not just like I’m playing him, but actually living it.
Michael Jackson’s movement is instantly recognisable—how did you train to replicate his style?
His movement is so specific, so I knew it wasn’t something I could just wing. I spent a lot of time studying him, breaking down the details, the musicality, the way every move starts from a feeling rather than just a shape. Like I said, working closely with the choreographers to really get it in my body, but at the same time, it wasn’t about copying him exactly. It was about understanding the intention behind it, and then letting it live through me so it still feels natural and alive on stage.
Which dance routine or song in the show is the most physically demanding for you?
This show requires a lot from you as a performer, but the number that takes the cake has to be the “Boogie/Dancing Machine” medley! I never fail to come off stage a sweaty, out-of-breath mess afterwards! This is the first time you see me as Michael, so I definitely try and give it my all!
What’s your favourite Michael Jackson song to perform and why?
My favourite song to perform can vary from time to time, but I’ve always said “Can You Feel It” is one of my favourites! The song is so punchy and almost allows me to use whatever I had going on that day and apply it to my performance!
What does a typical day look like for you when you’re performing?
I usually wake up around 9:30am and begin warming up for the show almost immediately! I don’t talk until at least 10:00am, and I start doing some gentle straw work (SOVT) to wake my cords up. I take my time getting ready for the day, before either making something to eat or heading out to a café. After a full belly, I’d chill and catch up with friends or on any other work I need to do for the day, before heading to the theatre for the hour call! Before this, I would’ve also done my breathing exercises (Wim Hof) and taken my ever-important Gaviscon. I need to brush my teeth and have a shower before heading onto stage! This can definitely change from day to day, but typically this is how you’ll find me!
How do you handle the pressure of portraying someone so globally recognised?
There’s definitely a lot of pressure that comes with it, you can’t really ignore that. He’s someone the whole world feels like they know, so there’s a responsibility to get it right. But I try not to let that overwhelm me. I focus on the work, on telling the story truthfully, and on staying present in each moment. At the end of the day, I remind myself I was cast for a reason, and that gives me a bit of trust to just do my job and not overthink it.
What do you hope audiences take away after seeing your performance?
I hope they leave with a deeper understanding of who he was beyond the icon. Not just the spectacle and the music, but the humanity underneath it all. If people can connect to him in a more personal way, and maybe even see a bit of themselves in his journey, then I feel like I’ve done my job.
If you could ask Michael Jackson one question, what would it be?
I think I’d want to ask him how he handled being so misunderstood while still staying so open and creative, and if he ever felt truly at peace with himself, or if that was something he was always searching for.
Favourite MJ song of all time?
This is such a tough one. A song I’ll never skip has probably got to be Human Nature or Heaven Can Wait.
How are you feeling bringing this show home to Brisbane audiences?
It feels really special bringing it home to Brisbane. There’s something different about performing for a home crowd, it just hits a bit deeper. I feel proud, a little nervous, but mostly just excited to share it with people who are close to me and who’ve supported me from the start.
MJ the Musical is playing at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, until May 24 2026.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
