The national tour of MJ the Musical, the dazzling bio-musical celebrating the life and music of the King of Pop, is in Kansas City through May 12, and opening night was nothing short of a thrill for the audience. From the first iconic beat to the final curtain call, the high-energy show had the crowd on the edge of their seats and on their feet dancing along to Michael Jackson’s greatest hits.
While there was much to like about the performance, the talented cast stole the show. Heading the ensemble, Roman Banks gave a tour-de-force performance as the adult Michael, nailing his signature vocals, dance moves, and magnetic stage presence. Banks’ renditions of classics like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” were spellbinding. The opening night audience roared for “Thriller” and the voodoo-inspired choreography and staging.
The supporting cast also shined, from the soulful vocals of Anastasia Talley as Katherine Jackson, particularly on “I’ll Be There,” to Devin Bowles as a tour manager and Joe Jackson. Josiah Benson and Brandon Lee Harris capture Michael in his youth from the Jackson 5 days to MJ’s “Off the Wall” era.
Beyond the first-rate top-line performances, the show has spectacular production value. There’s the masterful lighting, videography, and elaborate sets, and that’s before even mentioning the slick choreography of the dancers comprising MJ’s crew. It makes sense that the original Broadway production won the Tony Awards for best lighting, sound design, and choreography.
The musical takes place during rehearsals of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour with flashes back throughout Michael’s storied career. The staging is family-friendly and largely steers clear of the abuse scandals that would develop aside from minor allusions in the dialogue like, “Who’s this family you are bringing on tour?” So, if you are looking for a dark, in-depth look into that part of Michael, this is not it. The musical is set before any of that, with MJ at the height of his powers.
MJ the Musical, much like the Dangerous Tour itself, will have Michael Jackson fans dazzled by the sheer spectacle. Opening night left the audience walking on air, having experienced the pure joy, artistry, and indelible legacy of the greatest entertainer of all time.
MJ the Musical
May 7 – 12 at Music Hall
Runtime 2 hours 40 minutes
Tickets start at $37 and are available at bit.ly/MJatMusicHall
