Roman Banks Will Star in Australian Cast of MJ the Musical

Roman Banks, who opened the national tour of MJ the Musical, will get the chance to reprise his work in the title role for Australian audiences next year.

Banks, who made history as the first African American actor to play the title role in Broadway's Dear Evan Hansen, will lead the Australian premiere of MJ when it debuts at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in February 2025.

Banks, who will be making his Australian performance debut, will be joined by Liam Damons as Michael as a young adult, Josslynn Hlenti Afoa as Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine, Conlon Bonner as Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones, Derrick Davis as 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 Penny McNamee as MTV journalist Rachel.

READ: Roman Banks Says Starring in Broadway's Dear Evan Hansen Changed His Life

The rest of the company 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.

Director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon said in a statement, “Sydney won’t know what hit it when Roman explodes onto the stage. His artistry and his interpretation of the role are astonishing, we are so lucky to have him lead our company in Australia.”

"Starring in the first national tour of MJ The Musical 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," Banks added.

Performances are currently scheduled to continue through May 25.

Australian producer Michael Cassel produces alongside original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain.

MJ, which began Broadway previews December 6, 2021, at the Neil Simon prior to an official opening February 1, 2022, features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and a score made up of some of the most popular songs in recording history. Tony Award winner Wheeldon directs and choreographs.

The musical also has sets by Derek McLane, lighting by Natasha Katz, costumes by Paul Tazewell, sound design by Gareth Owen, projection design by Peter Nigrini, hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe, music direction by Jason Michael Webb, musical supervision by David Holcenberg, and orchestrations by Holcenberg and Webb. Casting is by Rachel Hoffman of The Telsey Office.

The show took home four 2022 Tony Awards in total, including Best Choreography, Best Lighting Design in a Musical, Best Sound Design in a Musical, and Best Actor in a Musical for Myles Frost.

Read more about MJ in the Playbill Vault.

For tickets visit MJtheMusical.com.au.