PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Tony Award-winning musical based on the life of Michael Jackson is on stage now at the Academy of Music. The actor in the title role is making his U.S. debut.
Jordan Markus has understudied MJ and stepped into the role full-time at the last tour stop in Ottawa, Canada. But Wednesday night was his first time seeing his name at the top of the bill in the U.S.
He’s studied videos and drilled choreography.
“I have probably found as many clips of Michael as I possibly could, and seen them over 100 times each,” Markus said.
“Doing Michael's movement is no small feat. … Getting the spirit of Michael is not even just, you know, emulating what his body was doing, but—what he was feeling in that moment was also resonating through him.”
However, he says it’s just as important to bring some of himself to the role.
“Because at the end of the day, you're the instrument that these people are living through on that stage physically.”
His castmate, Josh A. Dawson, agrees. He says his own life experience is key to his performance.
“I went to musical theater school and, you know, studied the BFA program to do this, and it did not prepare me for something like this,” Dawson said. “My life in the church, and my life growing up around people that look like me, listening to Michael Jackson's music growing up—that prepared me.”
Dawson plays both Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones, two legends who died last year.
“Both of these two artists transitioned this last year. And so every night is sort of a love letter and an ode to these two gentlemen and a thank you for their contribution, both to Michael Jackson's life and his artistry, but to the world.”
Michael Jackson had some controversial moments in his life, but Markus says the show highlights the person behind the icon.
“I like to refer to Michael as less complicated, more of a misunderstood figure, because … he felt like he wasn't truly known by a lot of people. … There are a lot of things in the show that give light to the humanity of Michael Jackson himself, as well as the iconic artist. You get a bit of both.”
The musical won the Tony Award for best choreography, and Dawson says the audience is often dancing along.
“I liken this show more to a concert. It's an experience that, you know, people are jumping and dancing in the aisles. You know, it feels like this is probably the closest thing you will get to an actual Michael Jackson show. It isn't a Michael Jackson show, by any means, but it's the closest thing you're gonna get to that.”
“MJ the Musical,” in Philadelphia through Jan. 19, is presented by Ensemble Arts Philly and the Shubert Organization. Tickets are available on Ensemble Arts Philly’s website.