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By centering on the music and the moves, MJ: The Musical becomes Chicago's newest hit

MJ: The Musical
​
THEATRE REVIEW
​
By Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago


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Before social media dance challenges, Michael Jackson was the original viral dance inspiration. Whether it was moonwalking, defying gravity, or trying to copy his music video choreography, no one made a bigger impact than The King of Pop. Yet, his family & tabloid headlines were just as prevalent as his catalog of hit songs, and we get all of that in this show.  

Let's talk about the star Roman Banks: from the first words spoken and first moments on stage, you actually feel like you're watching Michael Jackson. While some generations grew up watching Michael's every move, for some theater goers this might be their first time witnessing these stories, songs and moves on stage. That's something we have to remember, especially with the Dangerous tour, as Jackson gets ready to perform songs from his fourth solo album.
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The stage production takes us in the moments leading up to Michael's Dangerous World Tour. As one of the biggest pop stars at the time, there is immense pressure to create something even bigger than anyone's wildest dreams. We also see the price and financial risks that he's willing to take to make this tour a success.

We get a tiny glimpse into The King of Pop's world, mainly from those who tried to get close to him or those who were too afraid to ask any questions. While we don't get any new insight into Michael's life, we do get an unbelievable recreation of iconic performances from Smooth Criminal to Billie Jean and a breath-taking interpretation of Thriller.

Having never been able to see Michael Jackson in concert, this feels like I'm transported back to the early 90's. One interesting omission in Michael's catalog of hits is Remember the Time from the Dangerous album. That track was one of the biggest of the albums. but also left off the Dangerous Tour, which is why we don't see it in MJ: The Musical.' Also, don't forget your sequin glove, fedora or red jacket, fans flocking to this show bring their best interpretation of Michael's looks to the shows. ​​
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3.5 stars (out of four)

MJ: The Musical
Now Playing through September 2, 2023


James E. Nederlander Theatre
24 West Randolph Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601
www.broadwayinchicago.com
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  • Video of the Day
    • A sneak preview of the reeling film fest
    • ARC Music Festival - Editor's Review
    • Family fun activities in Chicagoland
    • Unique movie experiences in Chicagoland
    • Haunted Mansion - Editor's Review
    • Barbie - Editor's Review
    • Summer theatre performances for kids
    • Theatre Camp - Editor's Review
    • No Hard Feelings - Editor's Review
    • Disney's The Little Mermaid - Editor's Review
    • Explore magical fun in Chicago this summer
    • Mafia Mamma - Editor's Review
    • Top 10 Headliner Chicago Videos of 2022
  • The Weekender
  • Theatre Reviews
    • Hamilton
    • MJ: the Musical
    • Moulin Rouge! The Musical!
    • Good Night, Oscar
    • King James
    • La Cage Aux Folles
    • Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!
  • Archives
    • Moulin Rouge! The Musical!
    • Hocus Pocus 2 - Editor's Review
    • Top Gun: Maverick - Editor's Review
    • The Lost City - Editor's Review
    • I Want You Back - Editor's Review
    • Marry Me - Editor's Review
    • Subsurface - Editor's Review
    • Scream - Editor's Review
    • Encanto - Editor's Review
    • Scream 6 - Editor's Review
    • A Recipe for Disaster
    • Spooky Weekend Guide for Kids and Families
    • how to celebrate galentine's day in Chicagoland
    • Tiffany - interview
    • Time Out Market
    • Thema Houston - Interview
    • The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
    • Museum of Illusions
    • Love Actually? An Unauthorized Musical Parody
    • Jay Sethi - Diageo Beer Company (Guinness Tap Room)
    • Movie picks for National Cinema Day
    • FREE TICKETS - I Want You Back - SNEEK PREVIEW
    • 57th Annual Chicago International Film Festival
    • Halloween Films Set in Illinois
    • Dear Evan Hansen - Editor's Review
    • Disney's Frozen
    • The Green Knight - Editor's Review
    • The Tomorrow War - Editor's Review
    • Wolfgang - Editor's Review
    • A Christmas Story Christmas - Editor's Review
    • Museum of Illusions
    • Swissotel's Santa Suite
    • To-Go Valentine's Day menu from Chicagoland hot spots
    • Top 10 Headliner Chicago Videos of 2021
    • 10 Acts to See at Lollapalooza
    • New Year's Eve Outfit - A trip to Primark
    • Family Shows & Musicals Coming to Chicagoland
    • Elton John at Lollapalooza?
    • St. Patrick's Day Events in Chicago
    • Cinco De Mayo in Chicago
    • Chicago is the home for great comedy this February
    • Santa Suite, breakfast with Santa & more at Swissotel this holiday season
    • Chevy Chase coming to suburban Raising Cane's for holiday lighting
    • Chicago is about to become "Harry's House"
    • Park Ridge's Pickwick Theatre is closing
    • Chicagoland Pride Celebrations
    • SPOILER ALERT: Gaga's Chromatica Ball preview & setlist
    • Lollapalooza - Surprise Guests & Backstage Celebs
    • Etty Farrell on favorite Lollapalooza performance & special memory with Dua Lipa
    • A sneak preview of the Reeling Film Festival
    • Kick off the weekend with these Chicago holiday traditions
    • Concert Review - The Smashing Pumpkins at the Metro
    • CONCERT REVIEW: Dua Lipa
    • Revisiting Lady Gaga's Favorite Chicago Spots
    • Let's Celebrate Taylor Swift the Chicago way!