” MJ”

*****  Chicago has been waiting for Broadway’s hit musical, “MJ” for almost a year. Guess what? It is here! It is a sparkling example of how a tribute can truly take one deep into another’s life without hurting what  MJ brought to the world of music. The play is an exciting story filled with truths and myths with a book by Lynn Nottage, and the music from all those who created the music that Michael Jackson ( and his family) were a part of for many years.

This “road company” is filled with talent and under the direction of Christopher Wheeldon, who also handled the choreography, Chicago audiences will see a production that will remain a part of their lives for years to come. This is a pure tribute to Michael and his legend. Opening night was indeed an opening that might be called a “Thriller” as we watched the cast and the musicians walk about the stage prior to the actual start. They spoke to one another, carried on costumes and props and made us feel as if we were backstage prior to the opening. In reality, the entire story in this production is about the making of a documentary with many  time shots of his growing up in a family that was for all intents and purposes, dysfunctional.

We get to watch the Jackson Five get their start and progress to the point where they only wanted Michael. We watch the struggles with his father (Devin Bowles is powerful) and his mother (deftly handled by Anastasia Talley). The brothers and the ensemble members are all powerful and it takes all of them to make this powerhouse truly work. Did I say work? This performance had several show stoppers and by my count 4 standing ovations during the show, and then concluded with a curtain call that prompted the cast to do another song- they were into it just as we were.

“MJ” is of course a very important part of making this production work and I must say watching Roman Banks was almost as if Michael himself came back to do the show. Every move that he made, every smile, every song that he sang. It was if he was born to play this role. What a talent! Yet he is not alone. The younger Michaels are both amazing talents: Brandon Lee Harris and Ethan Joseph are both spectacular. (The younger role has Josiah Benson as an alternate).

The overall vision is spectacular. The set(Derek McLane) is made up of mirrors and moving pieces and the show within a show for “Thriller” is absolutely award-winning material. The costumes by Paul Tazewell are extraordinary and are sheer perfection in exploring the life and legend of one Michael Jackson. The projections that add to the story are by Peter Nigtini who truly gets the job done. It is not often that one can view a play and find it flawless, but this is the exception to that rule.

On opening nights we are often asked to say something special that will make our readers react to the show. My first thought, being a Chicagoan, is to let the world know that Chicago has a new “MJ” in town and instead of his arena being on Madison Street, it is on Randolph between State and Dearborn- this is the play to see if you are into musicals ( the music  is all that you can ask for), dance ( you will see the influences of Bob Fosse, Fred Astaire and others ) and a story that will make you see why “MJ” became who he was and maybe gain a little understanding into his struggles with growing up.

“MJl” will continue thru September 2nd

Tuesdays:          7:30pm