An award-winning musical about Michael Jackson is heading to Australia next year.
“MJ: The Musical” will debut at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in February 2025, led by Australian producer Michael Cassel and starring Roman Banks in the title role. The original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca and John McClain are also onboard.
Roman Banks, who made history as the first African American performer to star in “Dear Evan Hansen” on Broadway, will make his Australian debut with “MJ.” Since then, he’s appeared in Disney+’s “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” and led the US national tour of “MJ,” earning rave reviews.
The Chicago Sun-Times called him “a force of nature,” while the Houston Chronicle described his performance as “miraculous,” and the Denver Post praised his ability to embody MJ’s essence without simply mimicking him.
Director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon shared his excitement about Banks joining the Australian production: “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.”
For Banks, this marks an exciting milestone: “Starring in the first national tour of MJ: The Musical across the United States was a dream come true. As a performer, this creative team has given me the ultimate gift in being able to play this extraordinary role.
“Not only that, but they’ve created a vehicle to celebrate the artistry and inspiration of one of the most significant black performers the world will ever see. Joy is an understatement, and I’m so deeply enthralled for another opportunity to share this show, music, and captivating story with Australia.”
Joining Banks is Brisbane newcomer Liam Damons, who will play Michael as a young adult in his professional debut. The cast also includes Josslynn Hlenti Afoa as Michael’s mother Katherine, Conlon Bonner as Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones, Derrick Davis as Michael’s father Joseph and tour director Rob, and “Home and Away” star Penny McNamee as MTV journalist Rachel.
“MJ: The Musical” takes audiences back to 1992, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson’s “Dangerous” World Tour. It explores the collaborative process that shaped the tour and delves into MJ’s creative vision and personal challenges.
Featuring over 25 of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, including “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Man in the Mirror” and “Thriller,” the musical has wowed audiences worldwide. Since opening on Broadway in February 2022, it’s been seen by over a million people and won four Tony Awards, including Best Choreography for Christopher Wheeldon and Best Actor in a Musical for Myles Frost.
With packed houses on Broadway and productions in London, Germany, and across the US, “MJ: The Musical” has become a global phenomenon.
The show opens at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in February 2025, with tickets on sale now at mjthemusical.com.au . Due to overwhelming demand, the season has already been extended until May 2025.
“MJ: The Musical”
More information available here
From February 2025
Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont 2009