10 Feb 2025
BLOCKBUSTER MJ THE MUSICAL NOW PLAYING IN SYDNEY
The four-time Tony® Award-winning musical MJ brings the music, moves and story of Michael Jackson to the stage exclusively in Sydney this year. Brought to Australia by leading producer Michael Cassel, alongside original Broadway producers Lia Vollack,
John Branca, and John McClain, MJ is now playing at the Sydney Lyric. “I couldn’t be more thrilled with the way audiences on Broadway and across the world have embraced MJ with such enthusiasm and joy, and I am beyond delighted that Sydney is the next city on this incredible show’s journey,”
MJ’s original Broadway producer, Lia Vollack, said. Australian producer Michael Cassel said: “Bringing MJ to Australia for the very first time is a thrill. This production is dynamic, electrifying, and a true celebration of Michael Jackson’s artistry. With breathtaking choreography, unforgettable music, and spectacular staging, I know Australian audiences are going to be obsessed with this incredible show."
MJ takes the audience back to 1992 and inside the creation of the iconic Dangerous World Tour. The production goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.
From the mind of two-time Pulitzer Prize winning Lynn Nottage, MJ imagines that an MTV journalist and her camera operator are invited into the rehearsal room of Michael Jackson’s spectacular concert experience and through their lens, reveals moments from the complex history of his life including the challenges he faces to match the Dangerous World tour to his creative genius.
Seen by more than a million people on Broadway, MJ was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning four including Best Choreography for the show’s creator, Artistic Associate of The Royal Ballet Christopher Wheeldon OBE, and Best Actor in a Musical for the show’s original Broadway star, Myles Frost.
Featuring more than 25 of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits from across his career including Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Man in The Mirror and Thriller, MJ has captured the hearts and imaginations of Broadway audiences where it consistently plays to packed houses.
Critically acclaimed performer Roman Banks leads the Australian company following his spectacular debut in the role in Chicago in 2023. He went on to play the role more than 200 times across the United States. 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, a portrayal that earned him both audience and critical acclaim, with the Chicago Sun-Times calling him “a force of nature” and the Houston Chronicle saying “what Banks does on stage as MJ is nothing short of miraculous.” MJ marks Banks’ debut performance in Australia, and he said he is thrilled to be part of this extraordinary production in Sydney.
"Starring in the first national tour of MJ 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." he said.
Banks is joined by newcomer Liam Damons who will make his professional debut playing Michael as a young adult, Josslynn Hlenti Afoa as Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine, Conlon Bonner playing the dual roles of Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones, Derrick Davis playing Michael’s father, Joseph, and his tour director, Rob, Yashith Fernando as Alejandro, Wonza Johnson as Berry Gordy and Nick, Tim Wright as Dave, and Home and Away star Penny McNamee making 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.
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. “Finding the people who will bring this incredible story to life has been an enormous undertaking,” Wheeldon said.
“We can’t wait to introduce you to our MJ, and we are thrilled to share our supporting cast of true triple threats who will deliver the same authenticity and power that audiences have loved on Broadway, throughout the United States, in the West End and in Germany.” The Australian premiere of MJ is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
Minister for Arts, John Graham, said: “Staging productions of this calibre showcases Sydney as a cultural events capital while supporting the jobs and opportunities in the creative and hospitality industries.” MJ opened on Broadway in February 2022 while a US tour began performances in Chicago in August 2023.
A London production began in March 2024 and the German production opened in December 2024. MJ is now playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre tickets available at mjthemusical.com.au. Due to overwhelming demand, the season has been extended to 22 June.