By Grace Clark
Special to the AFRO
Seen by more than 3 million people worldwide, the smash Broadway hit musical “MJ the Musical” is buzzing throughout the East Coast as it goes on tour. But now theatergoers will see a new face playing the title role of the “King of Pop.”
“Truly, everything in me wanted to get this show,” said an excited Jordan Markus, who grew up idolizing Michael Jackson. “This piece of art is so monumental and important to me. Nine-year-old me is screaming every time he gets to step on stage to play MJ.”
And, little kids watching the show are screaming as well.
When Markus took the stage for the first time in the lead role as the iconic pop star, an 8-year-old boy sitting five rows away – wearing a white rhinestone-accented glove, red pants and leather jacket, black hat and sunglasses – catapulted to his feet to try and mimic him. The exuberant child struck a chord with Markus, who at age 24, danced, sang and acted in much the same way during his first performance as the lead in the four-time Tony Award-winning musical production.
The play showcases Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry, centered on the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Created by Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, ”MJ” 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.
Markus, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, who made his Broadway and national tour debuts playing both roles of “MJ” and “Michael” in this production, is an original cast member of the First National Tour Company. After joining the production last June, Markus became an understudy and alternate for the lead role in August. Producers Lia Vollack, John Branca and John McClain announced in December that Markus would ascend to the title role on the national tour, taking over the lead role from Jamaal Fields-Green, who left to perform the title role in London’s West End beginning last month.
And, Markus has not let down the crowd as the tour hits dozens of cities all over America.
“I see little kids come dressed up as Michael in all the garb and who probably weren’t alive when he was, having the time of their lives, and it just reminds me of why I love doing what I do,” said Markus, who recalled also being infatuated with Jackson and his music since he was a young child.
Raised in Douglasville, Georgia, Markus said he was always surrounded by Jackson’s music which his mother and aunt played often in their home. Coincidentally, Markus’ family was visiting him last year in San Diego, California, when he got a call from the show’s associate director.
Markus said he was asked on that call if he wanted to take over the lead role. “I was like ‘Yes! Of course I do.’ And I’m glad all my family could be there to witness that moment. It was really surreal and really fun.”
Markus had only four days to pack up everything in his apartment and move across the country to New York City to immediately begin rehearsals. Unlike other cast members, Markus’ challenge was to learn the script, choreography and scene work in a short amount of time.
An actor, singer, dancer and songwriter, Markus’ study of Jackson helped him to learn quickly. “I love his music,” said Markus. “I’ve watched his videos countless times…. I was just so infatuated with his art, his dedication and his movement, I just really wanted to indulge myself as a child.”
“It was a huge, full circle moment for me in that way, as well,” added Markus, who was 9 years old when the world lost Jackson.
“I remember feeling like the world stopped when he passed,” said Markus. He added that wanted to know why the world was “so connected” to the iconic artist and from then on studied and watched everything he could find out about him. Markus wanted to be just like Jackson.
Markus said many people who know or have met him say they see similarities in the personalities of the two. With a soft-spoken cadence in conversations, Markus has a similar vision of using his artistry to inspire peace and make a change for the better in human conditions across the world that Jackson often expressed through his music and media interviews.
“I have always been told that me and Michael have similar spirits in a way, the gentle soul that he had…. I think that as a human being you can’t fake that. I think the audience will see that because we share that trait,” he said.
Audiences may also note uncanny similarities in Markus’ embodiment of Jackson’s extraordinary talent and showmanship in his stage performances. With marked precision, Markus performs Jackson’s signature choreography with infectious energy, personality and skill of someone artistically seasoned beyond his years.
As an actor, he delivers his lines with believable intention with each emotional shift in the storytelling of the production. Markus’ vocal performance, acting ability and dance moves ignite audience members of all ages with standing ovations.
“A particular dance routine I like to perform for audiences is definitely ‘Billie Jean,’” said Markus. “It’s such a staple in Michael’s career and always gets the crowd going!”
Markus noted that his favorite scene in “MJ the Musical” gives insight on Jackson beyond his music and the legacy that the entertainer likely hoped to achieve with his work – “Human Nature,” titled after Jackson’s song on his sixth solo album, “Thriller.”
“ kind of pulls the veil back on who the man was behind this huge person that we all know, making him very vulnerable for almost the first time in the show. It’s so beautifully written and well-crafted,” said Markus. “I think what I want people to walk away with after seeing this show is knowing that although Michael had a huge persona, besides the songs we all know and love, he was a human being who had his own struggles, and ups and downs in life that we all do. He wasn’t that much different from us. That’s all he wanted us to know while he was on Earth with us.”
Markus added, “This show does a really good job of highlighting that.. and his beautiful art. You get a glimpse of the man behind the music.”
It is a show that is transcending audiences and honoring the nostalgia and impact of Jackson’s legacy, said James L. Walker, show investor and attorney at Walker and Associates in Atlanta, Georgia. “As someone who has worked in the theatrical realm for three decades, it is an honor to be involved with such a phenomenal and historic play that honors the life of Mr. Michael Jackson,” said Walker. “It is truly a blessing to see how the world has welcomed this production and come out repeatedly to the tune of 2 million to 3 million people witnessing the great artistry of Michael Jackson and the legacy of his life.”
“MJ the Musical” is currently thrilling sold out crowds on Broadway; London’s West End; Hamburg, Germany; Sydney, Australia and in cities across North America.
“It’s the most beautiful thing about doing a show like this – everyone can connect and come together, that’s my favorite part no matter the age, no matter race, religion or ethnic group,” said Markus. “Everyone can just come and love on the music, and love on each other. I can never ask for more from the show as long as you take away that inspiration, that drive, that fire, that’s all I can ask.”
Tickets and information for all “MJ” productions are available at MJTheMusical.com.
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