Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...The movement in the show is recognizably in the Jackson gestalt, but it's not a replication. It's a fresh, independent, complicated and often dazzlingly beautiful choreographic suite, as interpreted not by actors who dance but by dancers, first and foremost. Now that I've seen it a couple of times, my admiration has only grown for how well Wheeldon satisfied the imperative of offering people the moves they think they came to see while at the same time extending everyone's choreographic vocabulary, both presentationally and emotionally. It's a brilliant fusion of originality and reference, art and commerce, homage and the subtlest of challenges to the record. And it's fabulous to watch, just like the King of Pop."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The musical remains at its most glorious during the big production numbers, which include a rich catalogue of Jackson hits, with Jackson’s ruthless perfectionism shining through in Banks’ almost mind-blowing performance. If you didn’t know better, you’d swear that was Jackson himself moving through the sinewy, rueful “Human Nature” and the crackling rage of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ ” or the celebratory “Black or White.”"
Daily Herald - Recommended
"...director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's production is undeniably entertaining. His singer/dancers are top-notch, and he has in the talented Banks a leading man who speaks in Jackson's breathy tenor, re-creates his crystalline vocalizations and hiccups and executes flawlessly his distinctive moves. Irresistible tunes and exhilarating dance animate this show, and for Michael Jackson fans, that is enough."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...While Jackson is regarded by many as a crucial pop figurehead and bona fide icon—he had a career stretching over 40 years and was an inspiration for generations of artists—his many surgeries, eccentricities, and sexual abuse allegations have made a lasting negative impact on his legacy. Still, his life is a fascinating one to explore, and what better era to analyze than the times before MJ’s second world tour, promoting the follow up to Bad, one of the biggest albums of all time?"
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...MJ features 40 song titles, exhilarating to Jackson 5 and Michael fans as they listen to epic songs like Bad, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dancing Machine, and Thriller and some of the Jackson 5 hits, ABC, Blame It On The Boogie and Can You Feel It. You will only get a few choruses of most songs as there is no way to get 40 songs into 2 hours and 30 minutes of production."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Chicago has been waiting for Broadway's hit musical, "MJ" for almost a year. Guess what? It is here! It is a sparkling example of how a tribute can truly take one deep into another's life without hurting what MJ brought to the world of music. The play is an exciting story filled with truths and myths with a book by Lynn Nottage, and the music from all those who created the music that Michael Jackson ( and his family) were a part of for many years."
WTTW - Highly Recommended
"...The large supporting cast in this show is first rate. But the man you will be watching for more than two hours in this immensely demanding production will be Banks. And you will have absolutely no doubt that this "man in the mirror" is the real Michael Jackson."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...After years of delay, complications and Covid-caused theatre shutdowns, this long-awaited musical is finally making its splashy debut in Chicago. And, as indicated by the well-deserved standing ovations opening night, the show's 2023 arrival was, indeed, well worth the wait! This infectious jukebox musical is an eye-popping, high-octane tribute to Michael Jackson, dubbed The King of Pop. He's undeniably one of the greatest entertainers of all time, and this respectful testimonial to Jackson's talent, generosity and commitment to perfection illuminates every one of his best qualities."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...Chicago is in for a real treat. And based on the full theater at last night's opening, I think most expected this production would be something special - and it is. MJ the Musical is a lavish production based on Michael Jackson's amazing life that engages its audience from beginning to end and it is now playing at the James M. Nederlander Theatre through September 22nd."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...But I’m here to tell you that if you want a primer or recap on why people go to bat for the guy, come hell or high water, having seen MJ the Musical, I think I get it.
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...There's so much to see and absorb while watching MJ, the musical about late pop star Michael Jackson, that theatergoers can't be blamed for wanting to see this show more than once. The opening of MJ's national tour rocked Chicago this week, with a sense of anticipation and excitement that literally had the capacity crowd buzzing."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...By the time we get to the finale, with its glimpses of the tour (including the “toaster lift” effect Jackson used for his initial entrance, an expensive indulgence MJ had fought for throughout the show), we have been treated to a vibrant, thrilling (pun intended) evening with the King of Pop. It may not satisfy those wanting to dig deeper into his complicated life, but who cares? With all of the great performances enhanced by a dynamic set design (Derek McLane), exciting projections (Peter Nigrini), amazing costumes (Paul Tazewell), and a perfect blow-them-out-of-their-seats sound design* (Gareth Owen), this is a show you’ll remember for a long time."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...Presented by special arrangement with the estate of Michael Jackson, a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and directed and choreographed with unbridled passion by Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon, “MJ” features a non-stop adrenaline rush of several dozens of Jackson’s chartbusting music including hits from the early days of the Jackson Five and his ground-breaking solo career."
Chicago Culture Authority - Recommended
"...Exactly 33 1/3 miles from the Michael Jackson Family Home in Gary, Indiana, MJ spins a platinum LP worth of hits at the Nederlander Theatre as Broadway in Chicago launches the Tony Award-winning musical's national tour with a note-perfect, fleet-footed lead performance by Roman Banks. The King of Pop role fits him like a sequined glove."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Nottage, a perennial Michael Jackson fan since childhood, does not produce the typical jukebox biomusical you may have to come to expect. This is not a cradle-to-grave story. She allows us to view a slice of MJ's life through a behind the scene's glimpse of the development of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Her genius is in creating a resoundingly successful musical centered on the pop icon Michael Jackson's profound artistry while sensitively referring to his failings and travails. Her creation strikes the perfect balance between joyful entertainment, heart-wrenching drama, and humor. She has Michael often displaying his childish, clownish moments."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...For those who want to experience a sense of what a live Michael Jackson show was all about, "MJ: The Musical" offers a satisfying sense. For those who grew up with this music, it is presented authentically, albeit tailored for a Broadway-style show."