Review: MJ is a Thriller
Six seconds. Six seconds. That’s how long it took to convince me that Michael Jackson had found his way back to Earth and was in front of me at the Durham Performing Arts Center in North Carolina. From the moment the cast of MJ takes the stage, the energy is unstoppable.
Roman Banks as MJ and the cast of the MJ First National Tour
Starring Roman Banks as MJ and directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, the musical tells the story of Michael Jackson’s rise to fame and the lead-up to his highly anticipated Dangerous world tour. I’ll be the first to admit biographical jukebox musicals are not my favorite, and I find they often drone on and on and on. Fortunately, MJ was a pleasant, much-needed surprise. Set during the weeks leading up to the launch of the Dangerous tour, the production bounces back and forth between present day rehearsals and snippets of Jackson’s life as we see The Jackson 5 and his rise to solo stardom.
Roman Banks as MJ and the cast of the MJ First National Tour
The production begins with the Dangerous tour dancers rehearsing a number of “Beat It,” opening the production with a bang. Wheeldon’s choreography is impeccable, striking an effortless balance between smooth pop and snappy rhythm. This visually spectacular feat is carried through the rest of the production as the impeccable dancers resurrect Michael Jackson’s highly anticipated tour, taking audiences through his catalog of music, all led, of course, by the incomparable Banks.
From the moment he steps on stage, Banks is Michael Jackson, powered by charisma and showmanship. He doesn’t even have to open his mouth. A simple, swagger-filled walk with a white hat pulled low over his face does the trick. When coupled with costume designer Paul Tazewell’s flawless recreation of Jackson’s signature looks (who could mistake those black shoes and white socks?), the effect is magic. The energy in the room was electric as Banks embodied the King of Pop, right down to his soft, melodic speaking voice, and matched his unmistakable vocals note for note. As Banks sings his way through Jackson’s expansive repertoire, the production seamlessly avoids the pitfalls of so many biographical musicals. Rather than singing each song in its entirety, the production often includes only a few bars of each song, leaving space for Banks to dominate Jackson’s biggest hits.
Act II opens with a rehearsal for “Billy Jean,” and I truly believe one would not be able to tell the difference between Banks’ version and the original. As he pulls on the legendary sequin glove, Banks flawlessly executes a dance routine chock full of the moves Jackson made famous: the moonwalk, the crotch grab, the toe stand, and the robot, all performed with such perfection and talent, one would believe it was actually Jackson himself up on that stage.
Roman Banks as MJ and the cast of the MJ First National Tour
Of course, one cannot discuss Michael Jackson without discussing “Thriller.” Arguably Jackson’s biggest and greatest hit, it is imperative that the MJ team gets this right.
They do.
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as Little Marlon, Ethan Joseph as Little Michael, and the cast of the MJ First National Tour
The number begins as soft, gentle a capella. But as the stage becomes a carnival and the infamous zombies fill the stage, the room is filled with an electric energy as the undead rise again. As the drums echo in your head and your chest, the full “Thriller” dance is performed in all its glory. Musical theater magic and the magic of the King of Pop collide to recreate one of the most iconic moments in pop culture history, thanks to Tazewell (because it wouldn’t be “Thriller” without the red leather jacket) and the rest of the technical team, including scenic designer Derek McLane, lighting designer Natasha Katz, sound designer Garth Owen, and projection designer Peter Nigrini.
No story about Michael Jackson's upbringing would be complete without the talents of The Jackson 5. Fortunately, Josh A. Dawson (Tito Jackson), Jay McKenzie (Jackie Jackson), Bryson Jacobi Jackson (Jermaine Jackson), and Brion Marquis Watson (Marlon Jackson) are up to the challenge. Joined by Josiah Benson and Ethan Joseph as Little Michael, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as Little Marlon, and Brandon Lee Harris as Michael (Jackson in his teenage years and the early days of his career), The Jackson 5 are utterly charming as hits like “ABC” are indistinguishable from the band’s original recording. When coupled with their glitter fringe vests, Little Michael’s precious naivety, and an outpouring of unstoppable energy, the group is truly captivating.
Roman Banks as MJ and Mary Kate Moore as Rachel in the the MJ First National Tour
Mary Kate Moore takes on the role of Rachel, a journalist filming a documentary about MJ and the lead-up to his tour. Her relationship with MJ proves to be critical in moving the production along. As he narrates his story and opens up to her about his past, the production’s timeline bounces back and forth between the early days of his career and present day.
In this production, Jackson is treated as a sympathetic character. Our hearts break for him as we watch him struggle with his addiction to pain pills, an abusive childhood, and a swirling media storm of rumors, gossip, and whispered doubts. He is portrayed as a true artist and a deeply passionate philanthropist struggling under the pressure of his fame, and the production does not address any of the controversies Jackson faced later in life and in death. Instead, it is a joyous celebration, and audiences will see not only Banks’, but the entire cast and crew, heart and soul laid bare in a feat rivaled only by the King of Pop himself.
MJ will run at Durham Performing Arts Center through Sunday, October 22, 2023. Tickets can be purchased here. Not recommended for children under 8 years of age. Parental discretion is advised. Please note that all guests require a ticket, regardless of age. Children under the age of 6 are not allowed at this performance.
All photo credit to Matthew Murphy