It might take three Russian cargo planes to bring “MJ: The Musical” to San Diego’s Civic Theatre this weekend, so extravagant is the jukebox musical about the King of Pop. With a multitude of costumes, complex set changes and lighting feats galore, the musical is visually stunning before even acknowledging the incredible dancing brought to the stage by the 32-member cast as they sing through 25 of Jackson’s hits.

The incredible production value of the Broadway hit’s first tour mirrors the plot of the musical though, with the exacting Michael Jackson of 1992 demanding his management team push his international Dangerous tour to new heights, unsafe jet pack and all.

The musical is set in a Los Angeles rehearsal room, where the adult musician, played by Roman Banks, is haunted by his past selves: the abused child, played by Josiah Benson, whose star power is already apparent to the adults around him and the emerging solo artist, played by Brandon Lee Harris, under pressure not to leave the guidance of others, whether they be family or producing aficionado Quincy Jones (Josh A. Dawson).

While being interviewed by an MTV reporter team, Banks’ refrain in a high-pitched, whispery voice is that it’s about the music, not him as an artist. Those hoping to see a glance at enigmatic Jackson’s inner world from the musical will be disappointed. Even while going through the beats of his life, MJ remains aloof. The musical creates fans, not friends.

Amid dozens of Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson numbers, “MJ” also delves into Jackson’s influences. Bob Fosse, Fred Astaire and the Nicholas Brothers all have cameo dances. The Isley Brothers, Don Cornelius of Soul Train, and James Brown make appearances in the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning Lynn Nottage and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. The soundtrack situates Jackson as rooted in African American music history before creating pop for all audiences.

Joe Jackson is the clear villain of the piece, a physically abusive, manipulative perfectionist that forced his sons to practice for long hours under threat of violence even after a successful performance as he uses them to fulfill his own dreams of fame.

Devin Bowles’ stage presence and acting talent was a standout of the cast. With a posture and accent change, he switched between the caring yet concerned manager Rob and the menacing Joe Jackson who haunts MJ in PTSD-like moments. Bowles appears as a zombie terrorizing MJ in the full throttle “Thriller” rendition, truly the pièce de résistance of the entire show.

The color barrier MJ faced getting his music on MTV and accusations of betraying his race through bleaching his skin are brought up but not delved into. His struggle with the skin condition Vitiligo and many plastic surgeries are also referenced. Problems swirl around him even as the musical MJ begs everyone to focus only on the songs, not the singer.

There are oblique references to the later controversies that would dog his career, such as that it looks bad to have a family joining the tour. It is not until 1993 that Jackson is first accused of child sex abuse. Jackson pops pain pills frequently, much to the concern of his management team, an addiction the audience learns stems from his hair catching fire while filming a Pepsi commercial. Despite suffering from second- and third-degree burns, Jackson pushes through to continue touring with his brothers. The real Jackson went to rehab in 1993.

The musical shows the many pressures Jackson is under: hounded by the media, by financial managers forced to mortgage his estate Neverland, producers and family members seeking to profit from him, and most of all, his father Joe Jackson. The 1992 MJ has internalized this pressure, seeking perfection from himself and everyone around him.

Banks has the dancing chops to showcase the innovative Jackson’s style but impersonating such a charismatic yet uniquely voiced individual must be a challenge. All three Michaels bring their best to the role but only a younger audience unfamiliar with the legend will be fooled. The disparity between play and reality only highlights Michael Jackson’s unmatched talent. The dazzling production wins on song and dance alone, even as MJ’s hollow core is never penetrated.

“MJ: The Musical” is playing at the Civic Theatre through Sunday, March 10. Find tickets at BroadwaySD.com.