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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


Picture
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
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Video of the Day
    • Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning - - Editor's Review
    • Mother's Day suggestions in chicagoland
    • how to celebrate st. Patrick's day the chicago way
    • Paddington in Peru - Editor's Review
    • An interview with Benjamin Ingrosso
    • Queer - Editor's Review
    • Wicked - Editor's Review
    • ARC music festival 2024
    • Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - Editor's Review
    • Labor Day Fun - the unofficial end of BRAT summer
    • Lollapalooza 2024 Recap
    • Pride events in chicagoland
    • Star Wars Celebrations for May the 4th
    • Mother's Day shows in Chicagoland
    • How to best experience Monday's solar eclipse
    • It's time to visit Rosemont this Spring & Summer
    • Possible surprise guests at Lollapalooza 2024
    • Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire - Editor's Review
    • The editor's predictions for lollapalooza 2024
    • A Preview of Chicago's Concert Festivals
    • Spring & Summer shows in Las Vegas
  • The Weekender
  • Theatre Reviews
    • & Juliet
    • Network
    • Little Bear Ridge Road
    • Death Becomes Her
    • The Thanksgiving Play
    • Mrs. Doubtfire - A Musical Comedy
    • Boop! The Musical
    • La Cage Aux Folles
  • Archives
    • Last Minute Valentine's Day Gifts
    • where to celebrate "the Big Game" in chicago
    • A trip to Delightful Pastries - A paczki paradise in Chicago.
    • Chicago celebrates Madonna's Tour Stop
    • Wonka - Editor's Review
    • Mean Girls - Editor's Review
    • Chicagoland's Winter Holiday Pop-Ups
    • Saltburn - Editor's Review
    • A First Look at the 59th Chicago Film Festival
    • Unique movie experiences in Chicagoland
    • Trolls Band Together - Editor's Review
    • Family fun activities in Chicagoland
    • Moulin Rouge! The Musical!
    • Barbie - Editor's Review
    • Halloween Celebrations in the Chicagoland Area
    • 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
    • Top 10 Headliner Chicago Videos of 2023
    • how to celebrate st. Patrick's day the chicago way
    • POTUS
    • Marry Me - Editor's Review
    • A sneak preview of the reeling film fest
    • Subsurface - Editor's Review
    • King James
    • Haunted Mansion - Editor's Review
    • Scream - Editor's Review
    • Encanto - Editor's Review
    • Scream 6 - Editor's Review
    • Good Night, Oscar
    • A Recipe for Disaster
    • MJ: the Musical
    • Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!
    • Hamilton
    • Spooky Weekend Guide for Kids and Families
    • how to celebrate galentine's day in Chicagoland
    • Tiffany - interview
    • Time Out Market
    • A Sneak Preview of the 17th Annual Chicago Restaurant Week
    • Chicagoland celebrates Elvis Presley's 89th Birthday
    • Top 10 Headliner Chicago Videos of 2022
    • Holiday Shows in Chicagoland
    • Thema Houston - Interview
    • Let's Celebrate Taylor Swift the Chicago way!
    • The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
    • Museum of Illusions
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    • 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
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    • Summer theatre performances for kids
    • Disney's Frozen
    • The Green Knight - Editor's Review
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    • Wolfgang - Editor's Review
    • A Christmas Story Christmas - Editor's Review
    • Museum of Illusions
    • Swissotel's Santa Suite
    • Explore magical fun in Chicago this summer
    • 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
    • No Hard Feelings - Editor's Review
    • Family Shows & Musicals Coming to Chicagoland
    • Elton John at Lollapalooza?
    • Theatre Camp - Editor's Review
    • St. Patrick's Day Events in Chicago
    • Cinco De Mayo in Chicago
    • Mafia Mamma - Editor's Review
    • Disney's The Little Mermaid - Editor's Review
    • 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
    • Chicagoland's Winter Holiday Pop-Ups
    • 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
  • About Dad Time
    • Despicable Me 4 - Editor's Review
    • chicagoland summer activities for kids
    • Kung Fu Panda 4 - Editor's Review
    • Chicagoland Kid-Friendly Events in March
    • Spring break ideas for a chicago staycation
    • Visit St. Charles this February