Roman Banks is heading back to MJ the Musical, joining the Broadway company as the MJ alternate for a limited run. The acclaimed performer, who originated the role of MJ on the show’s first national tour and in the Australian production, will take the stage Friday and Saturday nights from December 5 through February 15, 2026, at the Neil Simon Theatre.
Banks will share the role with Matte Martinez, who has led the Broadway production since September and will continue to perform at all other scheduled shows.
Banks’ history with the musical goes back several years. He was first offered the role of Middle Michael (the Off the Wall era) four years ago, but declined the opportunity to join High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, where he played Howie. Broadway fans will also remember Banks from Dear Evan Hansen, where he made history as the first Black actor to perform the title role.
The current Broadway cast of MJ includes:
Apollo Levine (Rob/Joseph Jackson), Bailey McCall (Rachel), Tavon Olds-Sample (Michael), Christopher Sean Cooper Jr. and Emjay Roa (Little Michael), Lincoln Alejandro Collier (Little Marlon), Sasha Allen (Katherine Jackson), Matthew Frederick Harris (Quincy Jones/Tito Jackson), Gabriel Ruiz (Alejandro), Antoine L. Smith (Nick/Berry Gordy), Joey Sorge (Dave), and ensemble members Lloyd A. Boyd III, Nick T. Daly, Zachary Downer, Kellie Drobnik, John Edwards, Aydin Eyikan, Chelsea Mitchell-Bonsu, Sarah Sigman and Ryan VanDenBoom.
