KeyBank’s Broadway Series ‘MJ’ does justice to a phenom

No matter what your opinion of Michael Jackson there is one thing that nearly everyone can agree on. He was a living and breathing phenomena who changed the course of music, dance, entertainment, fashion, concerts and inclusion. If you want proof I offer “Thriller”, his inventive “moon walk” dance, his silver glove and stage outfits, his worldwide stadium shows and such stars as Mariah Carey, Beyoncé and a host of hip-hop and rap stars too numerous to mention who came after him.

He was also probably one of the most misunderstood mega famous individuals who had to deal with a lot of childhood issues that affected him physically and mentally through his entire life. MJ was simply a man-child robbed of his adolescence by an overbearing and fearsome father whose only goal was to live off his sons collective talents.

“MJ The Musical” delves into the man, the myth and the legend with some eye opening reveals that has the audience suddenly realizing the complexity of this misunderstood individual who simply wanted to please people and entertain.

It is the summer of 1992 as final rehearsals are being conducted for the “Dangerous” tour that is starting in mere weeks. After months of rehearsal and preparation Michael (Roman Banks) is still not happy with their efforts. He is trying for a degree of perfection that borders on mania with each special effect more spectacular than the last. Even though the tour is sponsored by Pepsi, with each creative change, Michael is forced to dig deep into his own pockets to the point of selling his Beatles catalog and putting Neverland (his famous hideaway compound) up as collateral even though the proceeds minus expanses are going to various charities including Michael’s “Heal The World Foundation”.

To add to the tension, MTV has sent a reporter, Rachel (Mary Kate Moore) and cameraman, Alejandro (Da’von T. Moody) to film the final preparations. Their presence and interview questions causes Michael to wonder about his artistic decisions bringing a shadow of doubt to the rehearsal hall. It also has Michael revisiting his painful and joyless childhood as his taskmaster father, Joseph (Devin Bowles) strove for an impossible level of perfection telling his sons that failure is what happens if the performance is not perfect. The concert manager, Rob (also Devin Bowles) is none too thrilled at having a reporter asking pointed questions and stirring up memories for an already fragile Michael.

Thus we are treated to flashback performances of a young Michael Jackson (Brandon Lee Harris) with the Jackson Five as well as teen Michael (Bane Griffith) during his Quincy Jones years. We are also witness to the constant abuse and belittling that Joseph put all of his charges through.

We get an insight into the real Michael and the demons that drove him. We also get answers concerning his so called “skin bleaching”, facial surgeries, oxygen chamber and various zoo critters. As the show unfolds we get a much better appreciation of the man himself. One telling scene is when Michael disguises himself as a janitor showing Rachel how this is the only way he can go out into the world as a “real person.”

As for the show, I must admit that it is the most impressively complicated performance I have ever seen. While some might term this a “Juke Box Musical” I would disagree. Rather than a throw away story with hit songs fitted in, this is a compelling tale of an extremely private individual (Michael seldom if ever gave interviews) who was forced to be a virtual recluse his entire life. It is also pointed out that Michael suffered from terrible back pains due to a series of dancing and performing accidents and heavily relied on prescription medications to ease the pain which later led to his death in 2009 at the age of 51.

Now in regards to the show. To start with, the video overlays by Peter Nigrini are simply mind blowing with overlapping scenes that truly add to the performance. At times they are the real star of the show. The stage design by Derek McLane seamlessly changes time and location. Natasha Katz’s lighting dazzles us with effects. Most important (as this is a rock and roll musical) is the sound design by Gareth Owen who gives us an ear ringing experience to take home with us. The terrific choreography by Christopher Wheeldon wowed us mere mortals as he conjures up visions of Bob Fosse and Fred Astaire.

As for the cast, Roman Banks IS MICHAEL JACKSON! His soft spoken but direct manner of speaking forces you to listen that much closer to what he is saying. He also has the dance moves and voice to pull off the tribute. You can sense his love of Michael by his portrayal. Mary Kate Moore as the reporter, Rachel, gives a very realistic performance as well as Da’von T. Moody as Alejandro who plays the star struck super fan to the hilt (in a good way). Devin Bowles is double tasked as both the concert manager, Rob who is all negotiator to Joseph the Father whom we all grow to dislike (dare I say hate?). The young actors portraying the young and teen Michael, Brandon Lee Harris and Bane Griffith on opening night had it down. If you would call up a you-tube video you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between them and the real deal. Lastly, the ensemble of singers, dancers and musicians leave it all on the stage. I have seldom seen a more exhausting performance in my life. BRAVO!

The Broadway show was originally scheduled for mid-2020 but was postponed by COVID. Myles Frost replaced Ephraim Sykes when it previewed in the Neil Simon Theatre on December 6, 2021 with its opening on February 1, 2022. It opened in the London West End in 2024 and its North American tour began this year.

Although it initially received mixed reviews, the show has been a raving box office success as it will be in Cleveland as well. The show was nominated on Broadway for 10 Tony awards and won four (Best Actor in a Musical, Best Choreography, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design). The original cast recording also garnered a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. The show is one of the highest grossing musical theater productions of all time.

Let me wax poetic for a while...THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS TO HIT CLEVELAND EVER! I hope I have not understated this. It has it all...music, dancing, acting, videos and quite a few surprises thrown in. Buy a ticket and see this show. That is all.

MJ The Musical will be on stage in the KeyBank State Theatre through August 11, 2024 and is part of the KeyBank Broadway Series. For more information and tickets go to www.playhousesquare.org or call (216) 241-6000.