“MJ” is a Nederlander Theatre “Thriller” and “Jam,” lead Roman Banks a “Dancing Machine”
No artist who’s thus far walked the earth made an impact to the immeasurable extent of Michael Jackson, who may have been “Gone Too Soon,” but continues to penetrate every single facet of popular culture.
Statistics such as moving over a billion records, scoring the best-selling album ever with “Thriller” and still standing as the #1 streaming catalogue artist across the entire internet more than speak for themselves, plus he’s been double inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Jackson 5 and solo.
But the late “King Of Pop” can now add another accolade to his arsenal now that Broadway “MJ: The Musical” took home four Tony Awards and is currently on the road, chronicling the rehearsals for 1992’s colossal “Dangerous” World Tour.
Fans and theater lovers alike are given an intimate glimpse into Jackson’s rarely seen creative process with a concert-styled production, which is arguably the closest anyone could ever come these days to what was intended for 2009’s “This Is It” residency, had he not died a month beforehand.
And while it’s unclear exactly how much of this show is verbatim fact versus artistic liberty, such as when an MTV crew films the entire proceedings, it’s nonetheless a “Jam” from the single-gloved bounce of “Beat It” until the orchestra’s outro of “Working Day And Night.”
Of course, the most vital component in the equation is the man portraying the adult version of Michael Jackson, Roman Banks, an awe-inspiring “Dancing Machine” and versatile vocalist, plus an ensemble that’s just as eager to please, including Brandon Lee Harris, Josiah Benson and Ethan Joseph alternating between the main character’s various ages.
It’s all tied together by the vision of Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, who do a knockout job interweaving an unbelievable songbook within a complex but generally light-hearted personality, though it needs to be noted “MJ” takes place prior to the entertainer being tried and acquitted of child sex abuse allegations, so the subject is conveniently avoided.
As far as what makes the cut, there’s nothing not to love about the Gary, Indiana native’s rags to riches ascent alongside his brothers at Motown or shattering racial barriers on the path to becoming the planet’s supreme star, despite family squabbles, constant industry pressure and media scrutiny.
Yet his musical ingenuity and visual grandeur will likely be all it takes to leave audiences breathless, especially when it comes to the classics “I’ll Be There,” “Bille Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Can You Feel It,” “Bad,” “Black And White” and a mound of imaginative mash-ups.
Perhaps the top “MJ” takeaway is to simply take a look at the “Man In The Mirror,” just as the main “Moonwalker” did when it came to his shortcomings, and strive to “make that change” on a quest to hopefully someday help “Heal The World.”
“MJ: The Musical” continues at the James M. Nederlander Theatre through Saturday, September 2. For additional details, visit MJTheMusical.com and BroadwayInChicago.com.