MJ: The Musical at Greenville’s Peace Center. Clip of “Smooth Criminal.”
“Smooth Criminal” performed by Roman Banks during MJ: The Musical coming to The Peace Center Sept. 19-24
A.J. Jackson, Greenville News
In its first national tour, MJ: The Musical will venture through the legend of Michael Jackson’s beginnings, creation of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour and his life’s journey as eight shows arrive at the Peace Center in Greenville from Sept. 19 through 24.
The King of Pop’s musical will open the Peace Center’s 2023-2024 Broadway lineup.
MJ: The Musical features two hours and 30 minutes from Brandon Lee Harris, who plays Jackson between the ages of 16-22, and Roman Banks, who portrays Michael during the Dangerous era. Tickets for the show are still available, ranging between $70 and $130 per seat.
Both Harris and Banks use their stage personality to embody Jackson’s artistry in a dual uniqueness that will be the tour’s first theatrical performance in the South.
“It’s really Michael discovering himself,” Harris said of the upcoming musical headed to downtown Greenville. “It’s a show about Michael, but it’s also a story about striving in artistry, creativity and perseverance. I’m excited to see how people in the South embrace it.”
How to buy tickets safely: Peace Center in digital stand-off with ticket scalpers, brokers.
Here’s more about the two co-stars and what ticketholders can expect from the upcoming shows:
Banks says MJ: The Musical can ‘win over any audience member’
Banks learned about MJ: The Musical auditions back in 2018.
“If there’s one show I can do, I need to be in that room,” he said in a video interview with The Greenville News.
He grew up with Jackson’s music and artistry, but he originally only wanted to do Broadway. He saw touring as a second option.
“We’re excited to bring the show to this market to connect with different styles of people,” said Banks of MJ: The Musical’s appearance in Greenville. “Michael did so much for the world, and I’ve never seen the diversity quite like his shows bring out.”
Banks, who plays the adult Jackson, admits, MJ: The Musical is not a traditional musical. It is often a person’s first introduction to the genre since it involves the lore and artistry of Jackson’s life and legacy.
On top of the music, the show also captures Jackson’s influences, mentors and the legend of his music and dance. The musical also explores his career highs and lows, including Jackson burning his hair on the set of a Pepsi commercial. It also delves into his addiction to painkillers.
Banks noted the touring show ― especially the music ― has been able to break through language and cultural barriers as MJ: The Musical connects a diverse audience through Jackson’s voice, dance moves and passion for entertainment.
“You’re never going to satisfy everyone,” said Banks. “There’s too much brilliance because he (Jackson) worked from age 5 to 50. It’s a show that brings people together like I’ve never seen before. It has the power to win over any audience member.”
Banks’ favorite Michael Jackson songs: Man in the Mirror, Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, Don’t Stop.
Harris excited to showcase MJ’s musical genius
Lee is no stranger to the bright lights. Performances in the reputable Brighton Music Hall in Boston and Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal have prepared him for his role as an adolescent Jackson.
The Berklee College of Music graduate and Chicago native believes his bubbly and lively personality is what landed him the role. It sprouted into an opportunity to showcase one of his favorite all-time artists.
“We explore so much of his genius and how it came to be. MJ: The Musical takes you out of the world of just a musical theatre production and brings you into Motown, and it also feels like a concert, where you want to get out of your seats and dance,” he said.
Banks, who first auditioned in March of 2022 in Boston and New York, is now excited to bring his interpretation of Michael Jackson to Greenville.
“Michael’s legacy is so generational where babies, elders and people from all over the world can recognize his greatness,” Harris said. “This show takes you out of the world of just a musical theatre production, it should ignite the similar love we all have for Michael.”
Harris’ favorite Michael Jackson songs: Baby Be Mine, Stranger in Moscow, Rock My World.
– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment, and more for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on Twitter @ajhappened.
