MJ The Musical has been met with excessive reward and demanding acclaim since its debut on Dec. 6, 2021. The present produced by the Michael Jackson Property has made its means from Broadway in New York to Broadway in Chicago. The high-energy manufacturing is centered across the making of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Harmful World Tour. The actor chosen to painting the icon was stored beneath wraps till Jun 6, 2023. Roman Banks, 24, auditioned for the function a yr earler and was lastly in a position to announce to the world that he’ll play Michael Jackson. Rolling out spoke with Banks about his new function, the preparation it took and what individuals can anticipate from the manufacturing.
How does it really feel to have the ability to share the information?
In the present day particularly, it feels actual. I discovered [out] this information about 9 months in the past. I didn’t present my picture to any of my buddies or household as a result of I needed us to rejoice this second collectively. Michael was simply so magnificent and to be embraced immediately, not solely by family and friends however by followers of Michael is what feels essentially the most magical. I’m simply attempting to work as laborious as I can to harness all of this and ship night time after night time.
How has the preparation been?
It’s been intense. Each week we’re doing ballet, we’re doing dance periods anyplace from two to 4 hours. We’re doing vocal classes, fitness center coaching periods, dialect teaching and 30-minute stretch periods.
There’s a whole lot of work inside and out of doors of the room. It by no means stops as a result of even once I go residence I watch clips. I’m studying his autobiography Moonwalk. It doesn’t really feel like work and that’s the place the love of the dream comes into play. The place you may take deep dives into individuals who have been so influential and had such impression in your life that it nearly seems like a very lengthy artwork mission and I’m actually grateful for that.
What have been among the largest challenges in making ready for the function?
Michael was so particular and intentional in his motion. I’ve by no means seen him do a transfer that didn’t have intention behind it. There was vitality behind it. You need to convey that in the best way that you simply transfer. It’s taken a whole lot of grit and a whole lot of repetition, however it’s lastly beginning to settle in. It feels good when your physique simply does it. True freedom and creative expression is once you’ve practiced with a lot repetition that you simply discover freedom.
What can individuals anticipate from this manufacturing?
You possibly can anticipate to stroll away with a unique sense of someone you thought you already knew so nicely. I like that we humanize Michael on this present. I hope that we present individuals a unique [side] of him and I hope they arrive able to have enjoyable with us. I would like individuals to convey all of the vitality they’ll muster.
MJ The Musical is taking part in on the James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago from August 1 – September 2, 2023
Get tickets right here.
