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Roman Banks Set to Star in ‘MJ: The Musical’ at the Nederlander Theatre

Roman Banks once aspired to be “a serious actor,” in the vein of Will Smith’s Robert Neville in the 2007 film “I Am Legend.” But those aspirations changed when he got his hands on a bootleg copy of Hamilton and saw Black actor and singer Leslie Odom, Jr. play Aaron Burr. “When I saw myself […]
The post Roman Banks Set to Star in ‘MJ: The Musical’ at the Nederlander Theatre first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 year ago

July 28, 2023

Chicago Defender Staff

Roman Banks once aspired to be “a serious actor,” in the vein of Will Smith’s Robert Neville in the 2007 film “I Am Legend.”

But those aspirations changed when he got his hands on a bootleg copy of Hamilton and saw Black actor and singer Leslie Odom, Jr. play Aaron Burr.

“When I saw myself represented on stage when that musical struck a chord in me that I didn’t know I had, I said, ‘I’ve got to give that back to somebody else,’” the actor and musician told The Chicago Defender.

Banks is poised to do just that when he stars in his most significant role yet — Michael Jackson in “MJ: The Musical” at Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre, August 1 – September 2.

“MJ: The Musical” gives audiences a glimpse into Jackson’s life and the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, where he performed 69 shows over 15 months.

Banks will play Jackson in the first national tour of the Tony award-winning show.

“I’m not here for myself. I’m here for those who will follow.”

Each night, Banks will execute Jackson’s most beloved songs, style and moves for audiences who know the King of Pop’s routines like the back of their hand.

That’s every moonwalk and adlib, every note and clothing accessory.

But it’s an opportunity that Banks seems to relish.

Becoming MJ

To prepare for this role, he watched Jackson’s music videos, recorded concerts and award show speeches. He also spoke with people who knew the megastar personally, like the Talauega brothers, who danced for Jackson.

He even chatted with an uncle, one of the dancers in the music video for Jackson’s “Bad.”

But for Banks, the opportunity to portray pop music’s greatest entertainer is more than just performing his songs or dance moves with precision. It’s the recognition of his responsibility as the show’s principal actor.

“How can I be a leader on and off the stage? That’s just as important to me as portraying Michael,” Banks said, “Because it’s not all about the glitz, glam and fashion. I want anyone who will work with me throughout my entire career to look at me and know that I was a man who was reachable, who was honorable, and who was respectable to anyone, regardless of their position.”

“If there’s anything this trip is teaching me inside, it is that it takes a village, from my hair to my makeup, to my wardrobe, to my transportation. I wouldn’t be here without this wonderful group of humans,” he said. They help keep me strong, so I just want to do my best to lead with grace and diligence.”

Making the Musical His Playground

But back to this whole Broadway thing and seeing “Hamilton” for the first time.

When asked to elaborate on that feeling of identifying with that particular musical, Banks said it was like getting the opportunity to play on a playground that was previously off-limits.

“It’s like growing up and seeing a playground that looks so fun, but nobody like you plays on that playground,” he said, “Maybe you still play on the playground, but maybe it’s not as nice, maybe it’s not as updated, maybe it’s not as cared for. And it’s like being the first one to swing on that swing set.”

“I can go across the monkey bars, too, and let’s not only play on the playground, let’s build our own,” he said.

“That’s what Hamilton was for me. There was more possibility to my career than I had thought of previously.”

Not to belabor the metaphor, but Banks also said he wants to make that playground — Broadway theater and musicals — available to others.

Banks added, “Let’s make the playground ten acres long. Because everyone deserves to see themselves in this light. As a black man, that’s our history in this country — let’s leave behind a better tomorrow.”

“I’m not here for myself. I’m here for those who will follow.”

‘MJ: The Musical,’ What Audiences Should Expect

As for what audiences can expect when they see “MJ: The Musical,” Banks advised that they bring just one thing: an open heart.

“Come expecting to enjoy yourself and see where the show takes you,” he said.

He describes it as going to see a show with no preconceived notions. It’s going into a play with the thought, “I hope this art moves me today.”

“And that’s when I have the most fun in the theaters when I don’t know anything,” said Banks, “I’m amazed.”

“I hope people can come with that same kind of openness of, ‘I don’t know what journey I’m about to go on, but I’m open to it. And I’m excited for it,’” he said.

“And let us thrill you.”

For More Information

What: Broadway in Chicago presents “MJ: The Musical,” by Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and Playwright Lynn Nottage

When: August 1 – September 2, 2023. For showtimes and tickets, visit this link.

Where: James M. Nederlander Theatre (24 W Randolph, Chicago, IL 60601)

What Else: The show is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission

The post Roman Banks Set to Star in ‘MJ: The Musical’ at the Nederlander Theatre appeared first on Chicago Defender.

The post Roman Banks Set to Star in ‘MJ: The Musical’ at the Nederlander Theatre first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Chicago Defender Staff

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org