Latest news with #MJtheMusical
USA Today
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Broadway Joe? Cowboys free agent to make theatrical debut before lacing up for Dallas
Broadway Joe? Cowboys free agent to make theatrical debut before lacing up for Dallas The Cowboys needed help along the defensive line and went about adding several pieces to the puzzle this offseason. On such signing was Solomon Thomas, a former first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers who has spent the last few years with the New York Jets. Thomas played for new Dallas defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton and is looking forward to helping transform the Cowboys' unit into a fierce group that can stop the run, but first he will look to stop the show. A broadway show that is. Thomas will be part of a Broadway production, as he will appear on stage right after the team concludes their OTA schedule. According to the Ft. Worth Star Telegram, Thomas will make a cameo in MJ The Musical on June 13. Thomas will make a cameo in 'MJ the Musical,' in a one-night-only role on June 13. The Stamford product is no stranger to the theater scene and presented an award at the 2024 Tony Awards. Thomas has also worked as a theater correspondent for CBS, and producer Lia Vollack expressed excitement at bringing him aboard. 'Solly has been such a great supporter and friend of Broadway and our show,' said Vollack, 'We couldn't think of a better way to thank him for his time in New York - giving him his Broadway debut!' Thomas is an eight-year veteran and was the No. 3 overall selection in the 2017 draft. He signed with the Cowboys this spring on a two-year deal worth $6 million. He has both inside and outside versatility, but that appears to apply to his talents on and off the field.
NZ Herald
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Explore the hidden gems of NSW
Many Kiwis think they know Sydney – but with new experiences and attractions on offer, there's undeniably more to explore. Our nearest global city is a favourite go-to for a long weekend away, and it's well worth staying longer to uncover the hidden gems beyond the Harbour City. The good life, the night life – there's no arguing that Sydney has it all, and the city's vibe has been transformed in recent years by the traffic calming, greening and pedestrian-friendly makeover of George St. This includes a new light rail, a revitalised Rocks precinct and the harbourfront buzz of the Barangaroo precinct – think Wynyard Quarter, but on a whole other level. You might have been to Sydney often enough to have a favourite bistro in Surry Hills or boutique B&B in Woolloomooloo. But have you tried the dozens of new dining experiences and upmarket accommodation options that have emerged? Then there are the musicals that often have their Australian premiere in Sydney and iconic sporting spectacles. Sydney's jam-packed upcoming events calendar includes direct-from-Broadway spectaculars like MJ the Musical, inarguably one of 2025's hottest tickets. It'll have you moonwalking in your seat as it takes the audience behind-the-scenes of Michael Jackson's 1992 Dangerous World Tour. The Book of Mormon is also returning to Sydney. The irreverent and side-splitting comedy about two mismatched missionaries on the adventure of a lifetime has multiple Tony, Olivier and Grammy awards under its collars and ties. Kiwi travellers can take in Sydney's glorious beaches and bluffs – with bonus art – at Sculpture by the Sea, where a section of the spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk transforms into a free 2km sculpture park featuring over 100 sculptures by Australian and global artists from October 17 – November 3 2025. Auckland FC might have shown the way in trans-Tasman football but Wahs fans – and followers of other NRL teams – are thirsting for the NRL Grand Final, returning to Accor Stadium on Sunday, October 5, with the men's and women's premiership deciders. For motorsport devotees, the legendary Repco Bathurst 1000 is more than a race; it's a celebration of speed, skill, determination (and several ounces of good luck) at the adrenaline-pumping Mt Panorama circuit. And there's much more to see, do and enjoy in New South Wales than just Sydney – the state is, after all, bigger than Texas. Visitors should take the time to explore more of the good life in regional NSW. There are food and wine offerings in Orange or the Hunter Valley; wildlife experiences like a Zoofari in Dubbo; plenty of relaxing beach holiday destinations like Port Stephens; or nature retreats in the Blue Mountains. You could hire a car and drive south, north or west – the options are so vast that you're better advised to plan a Sydney and New South Wales holiday with the experts at YOU Travel & Cruise. It's fair to say that one of Australia's many charms is the smaller towns and cities outside its state capitals, and high among those is Orange, an enjoyable 3.5-hour drive from Sydney's CBD. It was once to be Australia's first capital, and its rich heritage is reflected in the buildings lining its main street. Surrounded by orchards, wineries and cellar doors, a centre for fine dining, shopping and strolling, Orange makes for an unforgettable country break, the kind of place where you're going to want to linger a little longer. Justifiably world-renowned, the Hunter Valley – Australia's oldest wine region – boasts more than 150 wineries, so it could take a lifetime and possibly the odd headache to get to know them all. A two-hour drive from Sydney, it's the perfect place for a foodie escape. Many of the country's best dining and regional produce are found outside the main centres, and in this beautiful region it's all about good food, great wine and switching off. The Lucky Country is home to many unique creatures, but why stop there? Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo (a five-hour drive or just over a one-hour domestic flight from Sydney) adds an African wildlife experience. Its Zoofari Lodge is set beside a stunning savannah, which provides sanctuary for hundreds of rare and endangered species including big cats, bigger elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebra and antelope. The safari-style experience includes accommodation in the unique lodge, dinner, breakfast, exclusive tours and bike hire. The Port Stephens region, a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney, promises to change your perspective on the Aussie beach experience. It's home to the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere; as well as the Great Lakes Marine Park, home to a large population of resident dolphins as well as turtles, seabirds, fish species and the passing parade of whales. To that, the town adds a choice of Hamptons-esque luxury accommodations to rest your head, as well as waterfront gourmet dining including seafood menus from Rick Stein at Bannisters, or modern Australian cuisine at the Little Beach marina. The Blue Mountains, an easy 1.5-hour drive west, are world-famous, and not just for the millennia-old, World Heritage-listed landscapes: there are grand gardens, fabulous food (much of it with equally fabulous views), crisp mountain air, heritage hotels, galleries and artisans, and a string of townships sparking with individual charm. The perfect place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with who and what matters to you: like all of New South Wales, it's probably time to explore somewhere new.
ABC News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Behind the scenes with the three actors playing Michael Jackson in MJ the Musical
It's uncanny how Roman Banks manages to transform into Michael Jackson for the Australian production of MJ the Musical. So much so, that as an audience member you do wonder if he'll be typecast as an actor and musician. "If you believe I'm typecast, that's a beautiful thing to be honest," Banks told ABC News. "I love that I've somehow worked up to that reverse sentiment because there was a lot of anxiety heading into the role, and I thought, 'Oh my God. Who do I think I am to take this on?'" But take it on he does. The hair is just right. The costumes are spot on. And the dance moves are assisted by the fact that the team worked with choreographers Rich and Tone Talauega (R+T), who were discovered by Jackson on a dancefloor in Oakland, California, and worked closely with the star. "Their partnership with Michael Jackson was extremely expansive," Banks said. "And, due to working with him for so long at such close proximity, they were able to kind of download his library of movement. "And they're kind of like our Bible … when it comes to really learning the authentic style of Michael Jackson and where those moves come from and how to break down the basics." Banks says he also put himself through the ringer to sound like Jackson. "I would pick out all the instrumentation and just look up the vocal versions of his songs and just study the way he would approach a vowel or hug a consonant, or bite a word, or express himself through onomatopoeias, like vocalisms and ad libs, just really trying to dive as deep into that world as possible, and every facet, to provide the most authentic experience possible for audience-goers." And after being seen by more than a million people on Broadway and winning four Tony awards, Sydney audiences are loving it. "There have been so many returning visitors," Banks said. "The highest I've seen is six or seven." MJ the Musical is set over two days in 1992 when Jackson was getting ready for the Dangerous World Tour. By virtue of being set prior to when allegations of child molestation first surfaced in 1993, the musical manages to sidestep an issue that has dogged Jackson for more than three decades — as they continue beyond the grave. Critics writing about the musical have been scathing about this omission, with entire articles dedicated to what's not in the show rather than what is. "It feels like walking in an art museum and judging a painter for what's not on the wall," Banks says of the critics. "Our writer chose a very specific time of his life to document and to tell his story about artistic and creative ability and process, and so I think what our creative team has done has been no easy feat to pull off. "I don't think that the show as a whole should be judged for what you wish was in the show. "I think the show should be judged as a sum of its parts, and that comes down to choreography, acting, music direction, lighting design, staging. "And I think the fact that we have five simultaneous productions of this show running worldwide, and it's still selling out, and it's still igniting fires in people, and it's still shifting the musical theatre atmosphere as we know and love it, is all the review we could ever need." Resident director Effie Nkrumah agreed that the audience feedback had been phenomenal. "I love that this is a musical that makes people feel like they were able to get in touch with an artist they love with everything," Nkrumah told ABC News. It's 20-year-old Liam Damons' first theatre experience. He plays Jackson as a young adult — from just before he turns 16 right through to his early 20s. Raised in Brisbane, Damons says he worked hard to find his own groove. "To prepare for the role, I just really knuckled down and tried to do as much research as possible," Damons told ABC News. "Looking back at old interviews, at old videos of him performing at Soul Train with the Jackson Five and then that split up, and watching videos from the Victory Tour, and just kind of getting as much information as possible from that. "And also, I've been fortunate enough to see the show on Broadway before performing in it. "So that kind of also gave me a sort of an idea, but I think bringing it here, I wanted to have my own take on it while still keeping the integrity of the show." Like many people, Damons was no stranger to Jackson's music. "My dad is a huge fan of music and was a huge fan of Michael Jackson. He went to Michael Jackson's concert in Cape Town. "He travelled out of state to go watch him live, and he gave me his tour T-shirt that he got from the concert. "He had all of his CDs. He had the DVD special of all of his greatest music videos. "I remember even putting the music videos on and learning the moonwalk. "One of my next door neighbours, his dad played the piano, and he'd play Man in the Mirror every time we'd go over and it's really come full circle to be able to now perform those songs, that I used to sing in the street and living rooms, on stage in front of 2,000 people every night." William Bonner, aged 11, plays Little Michael who faces harsh discipline from his father, Joe. "So, I try my best to tell his story honestly and with feeling." Bonner says he vibes off the other Michaels in the show. "In my other musicals, I've never had so many people playing the same role, so it's new for me," he said. "But I get along really well with them. They're my best friends, and we have a lot of fun rehearsing together. "We've built a really supportive community. We help each other with things we're struggling with, and I've learned so much from working with them. It's a great experience to grow together." Bonner also feeds off the audience. "Their energy is amazing," he said. "I try to take all that energy and send it back to them through my performance. "People say the show is incredible. "I haven't met anyone who didn't like it because it's really amazing. "I love being on stage — singing, dancing, acting — and I think the audience loves it too. "They often tell me I did a great job, ask for pictures, and want my autograph. "My uncle even came to Australia from the States to see the show, and he told me, 'You really are Michael Jackson. You were amazing!'" MJ the Musical is showing at Sydney Lyric Theatre till August 23.
7NEWS
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
MJ the Musical Sunrise recording
How would you like to get tickets to one of the hottest musicals in Town? Sunrise are filming a special recording of MJ the Musical on the 9th of May AND are giving away tickets to see the smash-hit production at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, and we want YOU to be there! He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson's unique and unparalleled artistry is thrilling audiences in Sydney, in the multiple Tony Award®-winning MJ the Musical. Centered around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ the Musical goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status. Featuring exhilarating performances, stunning choreography, and over 25 of Michael Jackson's greatest hits, MJ the Musical is this year's must-see event! To register your interest, enter your details below and tell us in 25 words or less why you want to score tickets to MJ the Musical, then you can come and watch the special Sunrise recording AND the tickets could be yours, it's that easy! Photo credit: Daniel Boud
The Guardian
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Stars come out for theatre's Olivier awards 2025
Adrien Brody, his mother Sylvia Plachy, and his girlfriend Georgina Chapman attend the Olivier awards 2025. Brody was nominated for best actor for The Fear of 13 at the Donmar Warehouse Photograph: Dave Benett/(From left) Claire Walker, Kash Bennett and Hannah Essex from the Society of London Theatre Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA Celia Imrie chose a red gown for the awards. She won an Olivier in 2005 Photograph: Dave Benett/Photograph: Dave Benett/Myles Frost was nominated for his role in MJ the Musical Photograph: Vianney Le Caer/Rex/Shutterstock Cast members of the musical Titanique, including Jordan Luke Gage, Charlotte Wakefield, Eva Price, Adrianne Langley, Kat Rooney, Rodney Vubya and Rob Houchen Photograph: Dave Benett/Broadcast journalist Ria Hebden Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA Lesley Manville was nominated for best actress for Oedipus at Wyndham's theatre Photograph: Dave Benett/British singer Beverley Knight and US singer and actor Billy Porter hosted the awards event Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA John Lithgow was nominated for best actor for Giant at the Royal Court Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Jane Krakowski helped present the awards Photograph: Vianney Le Caer/Rex/Shutterstock Layton Williams was nominated for best supporting actor in a musical for Titanique at the Criterion theatre Photograph: Ian West/PA Photograph: Vianney Le Caer/Rex/Shutterstock Leigh Lawson and his wife Twiggy Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell presented an award together Photograph: Neil Mockford/WireImage Indira Varma was nominated for best actress for Oedipus at the Old Vic Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA
