On this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the star of M.J.: The Musical, Roman Banks who plays the legendary Michael Jackson. Roman was the first African American cast as Evan Hansen on Broadway and also starred in High School Musical: The Series, as Howie. But as Michael Jackson, Banks is realizing a dream come true as he brings the King of Pop back to life for an unforgettable Broadway in Chicago experience. It’s the music of Michael Jackson that presents the good, the bad and the ugly, but with an appreciation for what MJ meant to the world of music. A legend, an icon….he defined the music of a generation. The musical plays at the Nederlander Theater through September 2nd and you can get tickets at: www.BroadwayinChicago.com

MJ: A Musical Thriller in Every Way!

Once in awhile, Chicago is blessed with a musical production that stands head and shoulders above all else; one that is jaw dropping. MJ is that musical.

Michael Jackson’s music catalogue defines a generation, but we realize it’s also the means by which we can understand Jackson’s complicated life. We can finally see the man in the mirror’s reflection back at us which is that of an incredibly gifted, talented, complicated and troubled artist who sought perfection but faced a never-ending scrutiny by the media and public.

Sometimes Michael teaches us, you can’t believe what you read in the papers…the production does not dwell on the difficult if not controversial parts of Jackson’s life but they are not ignored either. Instead the story chooses to let us focus on the joy and talents of an artist taken away  all too soon. Indeed, some songs propel the story forward and others are presented for the pure pleasure of experiencing them as MJ fans did for years.

The star….Roman Banks does not play Michael Jackson….he IS Michael Jackson!

At every moment, with his every inflection and movement, with a perfect voice, if you never got the chance to see MJ perform live, it does not get any closer than this show…. It’s no wonder that Banks received no less than 4 standing ovations before the final curtain bow. His performance is stunningly perfect.

I wish this production would just stay in Chicago because you’d go see it time and time again…in fact, I can urge you to Don’t stop…til you get enough…..and with MJ, you will never get enough. It’s that good!! Sounds corny….but this show is gonna be startin’ somethin’…and that is a race to the box office for tickets in what is sure to be a sell out run. Don’t miss it!

My rating decision was as easy as ABC, Do Re Mi but not  123…..no, that’s where I had to up the number…..this production gets a perfect 4!!

****/4