Michael Jackson's legacy continues to shine, and through the Tony Award-winning musical MJ The Musical, his music, moves, and story come to life. The show, which has already run in New York and London, began its season in Hamburg at the Stage Theater an der Elbe in December 2024, celebrating his artistry.
In collaboration with Blue-i Group and Stage Entertainment, INFiLED contributed to the Hamburg production by supplying a large-format LED screen. The setup included 286 panels from the AR Series with a 3.9 mm pixel pitch.
The show, MJ–Das Michael Jackson Musical, was a resounding success, receiving excellent reviews from national press and Michael Jackson fans, thanks to its high production value and stunning visual effects. To understand the impact of the AR3.9 panels, the company spoke with Ethan Forde, European Sales Director at Blue-i Group, about how their LED technology contributed to this high-profile and complex production.
About the show: 'MJ – DAS Michael Jackson Musical'
MJ The Musical is a show that explores Michael Jackson's creative process leading up to his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. With iconic hits like Beat It, Billie Jean, Bad, Smooth Criminal, and Thriller, this successful Broadway musical—winner of four Tony Awards—premiered in Germany in December 2024 at the Stage Theater an der Elbe in Hamburg.
The challenge
The visual design was essential in creating an immersive experience. Vibrant, concert-style animations had to blend seamlessly with dramatic and intimate scenes, portraying different eras and key moments in Michael Jackson’s life and career. This required dynamic LED screens capable of synchronizing with projection mapping and integrating digital content with real-time physical scenery. In addition, flawless synchronization and impeccable visual quality were crucial. Reliability was another key concern due to the high frequency of performances. Ethan explains:
Since this is a long-running production with eight performances per week, we needed highly reliable LED panels. The screens had to perform consistently without the need for frequent maintenance.
The solution: 'Smooth Criminal' – INFiLED AR3.9
After evaluating the production’s requirements, Blue-i Group decided to upgrade the display solution using INFiLED’s AR3.9 series. Following a successful demo, video designer Peter Nigrini was impressed by the visual impact, which led to the installation of 286 panels (13,000 mm x 11,000 mm) for the Hamburg performance.
Main features of the AR3.9 that contributed to the show:
- 5,000-nit Brightness: The high brightness delivered vivid visuals, even under intense stage lighting. Ethan noted: “The image quality was phenomenal,” highlighting how this brightness level—typically used outdoors—was perfect for indoor use.
- 10-bit Color Depth: The AR3.9 panels reproduced the full color spectrum with exceptional accuracy. “This was crucial, as the colors had to pop and blend seamlessly with the stage design, especially during high-energy moments,” Ethan explained. “With color gradients spanning the full 13 meters of screen, avoiding banding was essential. The result was stunning—colors were reproduced exactly as expected.”
- High Reliability and Low Maintenance: The AR3.9 panels performed consistently throughout the install, requiring minimal maintenance despite eight weekly performances and multiple rehearsals. “Even after years of continuous use, INFiLED’s LED screens continue to meet the demands of an eight-show-per-week run,” said Karsten Walter, Production Video Engineer at Stage Entertainment.
- Superior Real-Time Visual Performance: AR3.9’s ability to render complex scenic elements, like a moving bridge, ensured precise real-time visual representation at every moment.
- Seamless Integration with Leading Tech Partners: The AR3.9 panels worked perfectly with Brompton Technology processors and Disguise media servers, supporting smooth workflows that met the production’s technical demands.
'Man in the Mirror': where emotion and visuals come together on stage
The integration of INFiLED AR3.9 screens elevated the audience experience to extraordinary levels. Critics and fans alike praised the show’s emotional depth and its ability to capture the spirit of their idol.
Every emotion was tangible, every scene perfectly executed. I was so moved I had to hold back a tear. The visual design was breathtaking, creating a unique atmosphere that brought the show to life, shared one audience member.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the project, Ethan commented: “For productions like this, choosing the right screen is essential. INFiLED’s AR3.9 LED screens delivered outstanding brightness and color fidelity, bringing the creative vision to life. The integration with Brompton and Disguise was also key to achieving a flawless production”.
Brompton and Disguise are long-time partners, and INFiLED is proud to see how this close collaboration continues to enhance workflows and user experiences in real-world applications. The partnership with Blue-i Group and Stage Entertainment was equally valuable for this production. As Karsten Walter stated:
Our collaboration with Blue-i Group, strengthened by their close relationship with INFiLED, allows us to rely on efficient communication during technical planning and a responsive supply chain in case any issues arise.
