the mommy avenger

I grew up in the 1980’s and love the music of the era. Interwoven into the fabric of my childhood, it would be impossible to not look back on the 80’s and remember Michael Jackson. His music was everywhere, his videos a constant on MTV, and his photo was almost always on the cover of magazines, both mainstream and tabloids. While I was too young to really understand what was happening at the time, I knew that there was always controversy around his name.

With my love for the 80s and musical theater, I was thrilled at the opportunity to come and see MJ The Musical, part of the Broadway at the Eccles 2023-2024 season last night. I knew very little about this production so went into the show blind…sort of. I, of course, knew the music, but didn’t know the real story behind it.

The show begins and we find ourselves at rehearsal for the upcoming Dangerous Tour that is to begin in two days. Ever evolving, expensive, and greatly anticipated, this tour is set to break records and all proceeds are going to be donated to Michael Jackson’s charity, Heal the World Foundation, with his goal of donations exceeding $100 Million.

In the midst of the intensity and stress of the rehearsal, a reporter from MTV has been granted permission to record and interview Jackson as he gears up for the world tour debut.

By way of interview, we are transported through time, back to the start of the Jackson 5 and Michael’s career. Through flashbacks we get a glimpse into Michael Jackson’s upbringing, successes, and setbacks. We see who his family was, how his father influenced his path, and really start to get an idea of what formed Michael Jackson’s determination and behavior.

40 songs make up this musical and you will find yourself enthralled. Roman Banks portrays MJ in the current day (1992). Unbelievably smooth in voice and moves, he brought Michael Jackson to the forefront of the stage. It was uncanny how well he channeled the King of Pop. Demeanor and idiosyncrasies were captured in every action. Also portraying younger versions of young Michael were alternating performers Josiah Benson and Bane Griffith, impressing us with the early days of the popstar’s career. Brandon Lee Harris performed as Michael as he embarked on his solo career. Powerful and exciting, his rendition took me back to the days of my youth. His performance was incredible! With Michael Jackson being such an identifiable pop culture icon, it is remarkable to find these actors that could carry the weight of the expectation the audience had in mind. They nailed it.

At times, it felt as if we were watching a concert with Michael Jackson. There are just so many hits that we enjoyed as part of the show, but I loved the flashbacks to real life events in Michael’s life and being able to delve into his past. It was a really great story. While all the songs were great, there were definite highlights to the show, as you couldn’t help but get excited to hear Thriller and Smooth Criminal.

I really enjoyed the storyline and the in-depth look at just one moment frozen in time at the height of his career, before allegations and even more controversy found him. It was a fascinating look into his world.

Want to go see the show for yourself? You’re in luck! MJ the Musical is playing at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City now until March 3, 2024. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to see it performed live on the stage. Just be prepared to want to listen to the music again on the way home and all the next day.

To learn more about MJ the Musical and get your own tickets, visit them online. Be sure to see what is in store for the rest of the season and for the 2024-2025 season, too!

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are my own*}