MEDIA RELEASE - 14TH DECEMBER 2024 - AUSTRALIAN MJ ANNOUNCEMENT
BANKS COMES DIRECT TO SYDNEY FROM THE US NATIONAL TOUR WHERE HE ORIGINATED THE ROLE OF MJ.
Photo supplied by Matthew Murphy
Australian producer Michael Cassel, alongside original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain, is thrilled to announced critically acclaimed performer Roman Banks will lead the Australian premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical MJ when it debuts at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in February 2025.
Banks made his historic Broadway debut in the award-winning production Dear Evan Hansen, marking the first time an African American performer had portrayed the title role. After leaving Dear Evan Hansen, Banks was cast as Howie in Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, before returning to the stage to lead the US National Tour of MJ.
Banks’ portrayal of the title role in MJ earned him both audience and critical acclaim with the Chicago Sun-Times calling him “a force of nature” while the Houston Chronicle said “What Banks does on stage as MJ is nothing short of miraculous” and the Denver Post said “The beautiful trick that Banks pulls off as the adult MJ is to embody, not merely mimic...Banks brings an aura that is his own”.
Speaking of the casting, Director and Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon said: “Sydney won’t know what hit it when they Roman explodes onto the stage. His artistry and his interpretation of the role are astonishing, we are so lucky to have him lead our company in Australia.”
MJ will mark Banks’ debut performance in Australia, and he said he couldn’t wait to bring this extraordinary production to Sydney.
Banks will be joined by Brisbane-based newcomer Liam Damons who will make his professional debut playing Michael as a young adult.
MEDIA RELEASE - 18TH NOVEMBER 2024 - CAST ANNOUNCEMENT
Australian producer Michael Cassel, alongside original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain, is thrilled to announce the cast of the Tony Award-winning musical MJ, set to make its Australian debut at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in February 2025.
Starring as Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine Jackson is Josslynn Afoa, Conlon Bonner will play the dual roles of Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones, Derrick Davis will play Michael’s father Joseph and his tour director Rob, breakout star of & JULIET, Yashith Fernando plays Alejandro, Wonza Johnson will play Berry Gordy and Nick, Tim Wright stars as Dave, while Home and Away star Penny McNamee makes her highly anticipated return to the stage as MTV journalist, Rachel.
The rest of the cast is completed by Ceeko, Albanus Terry Strickland II, Beth Appiah Cain, Shewit Belay, Martha Berhane, Eric Boyd, Charlie Bryant, Liam Costello, Xavier Gibson, Kyle Kavully, G Madison IV, Loredo Malcolm, David L. Murray Jr, Sebaga Neumann, Coby Njoroge, Warren Nolan Jr, Fletcher O'Leary, Brittany Page, Dustin Praylow, Tigist Strode and Iris Wei.
The performers who will play Michael Jackson will be announced at a later date.
Casting for the Australian production has been a meticulous process, led by director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon OBE who recently earned great acclaim for his creation of Oscar for the Australian Ballet, the first full length narrative ballet commissioned by the company in two decades.
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry is heading to Australia in the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical MJ.
Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status.
Created by Tony Award®-winning Director / Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday 26 February to Sunday 25 May 2025
Duration: Running time is approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission.
Ages: MJ is recommended for ages 8+.
Location: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Accessibility: Actively welcomes people with access needs.
Notes:
Plans are underway to include AUSLAN-signed performances and audio-described performances of MJ.Performance dates and booking details will be forthcoming.
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