As the curtain rises and the spotlight shines, an audience anticipates the magic of Broadway. But the journey to that magic is one filled with auditions, callbacks, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. On this backstage tour, we'll explore the casting process of the hit show MJ, and the meticulous search for the perfect actor to portray the legendary Michael Jackson.
MJ is a “jukebox” musical that celebrates the life and music of one of the world's most beloved pop icons, Michael Jackson. This stunning production captivates audiences with electrifying performances, dazzling choreography, and a score laden with Jackson’s greatest hits. The musical is not a biopic but a reflection of a remarkable career that shaped the landscape of music and pop culture.
The heartbeat of this show is undoubtedly its title character. Capturing the essence of Michael Jackson is a task of monumental proportions. The charisma, the intensity, the distinct vocal stylings, and the gravity-defying dance moves – the actor to play Jackson must embody all these traits and more. This casting process carried the weight of the show on its shoulders. It was the linchpin that could spell either success or failure for the production. The quest for the perfect Michael Jackson was indeed a quest for the soul of MJ.
The search for the perfect actor to fill the shoes of Michael Jackson was a long and tough one. The casting team sought talent from various backgrounds: both Broadway veterans and newcomers were considered in this extensive search. Casting director Rachel Hoffman left no stone unturned, knowing that the perfect Michael Jackson would be key to the success of the production.
The audition process was as rigorous as it was comprehensive. It was not merely about mimicking Michael Jackson; the auditions were designed to find someone who could capture the essence of the icon in all his complexity. Performers had to demonstrate their vocal ability, dancing prowess, and their aptitude to personify Jackson's unique energy on stage. Multiple rounds of auditions were held, each intensifying in its demands, aiming to whittle down aspirants to the one performer who could deliver a convincing and compelling portrayal of Jackson. A flood of talented actors tried out for the role through both video tapes and in-person auditions.
Portraying a figure as iconic as Michael Jackson requires a unique blend of talents and traits. For starters, Jackson's singing and dancing style is an integral part of his identity. His vocal range, tonal quality, and unique inflections are as iconic as his moonwalk. The actor would need to master these elements without slipping into caricature, maintaining a balance between imitation and interpretation. Similarly, Jackson's dancing was not just about precision, but about the emotion conveyed through movement. Each step, each gesture was a form of storytelling. The actor would need to understand this language of movement to truly embody Jackson on stage.
Beyond singing and dancing, embodying Jackson's character and persona was of utmost importance to the creative team. Jackson was a paradox of sorts - a global superstar with a childlike personality, a trailblazer riddled with insecurities. The actor would need to navigate these complexities and contradictions to bring authenticity to the portrayal. They would need to delve into the psyche of the man, understanding his motivations, fears, and aspirations. It is in these subtleties that the essence of Jackson lies, and capturing this essence is what would truly set the actor apart in their portrayal of the King of Pop.
After a relentless search and rigorous auditions, the role of Michael Jackson was given to Elijah Johnson, an actor known for his multi-faceted talent and captivating stage presence. Johnson's portrayal of Jackson is a testament to his dedication and understanding of the character. He captures Jackson's charisma and intensity while also bringing forth his vulnerability, creating a portrayal that is both compelling and authentic.
Elijah Johnson’s incredible journey to become the star of MJ began with his involvement in the 2018 and 2019 workshops where he played “Middle Michael”. As a child, Michael Jackson ignited Elijah's passion for performing, making working on this show a thrilling experience for Johnson. The most daunting aspect, he shared, is the endeavor to achieve a vocal rendition that not only resonates with the iconic MJ tone we all know and love, but is also sustainable for him to perform consistently. It required extensive practice, studying interviews of Jackson, and finding a delicate balance that's not too divergent from his own voice, yet encapsulates the essence of MJ.
Johnson benefited immensely from the guidance of Rich and Tone Talauega, the renowned brothers who previously choreographed and danced with Michael himself. It was an intense, intimate process where Johnson, despite his extensive dance background, had to meticulously learn and perfect the signature Michael moves. The Talauega brothers were instrumental in providing constructive criticism, pinpointing subtle nuances. In addition to dance training, Johnson collaborated closely with the director, Chris Wheeldon, to hone his acting skills. He admits that it was a fast-paced and demanding process, but the results have been deeply rewarding.
Critics have been largely positive about Johnson's run. They have praised his ability to capture the essence of Jackson, lauding his performances as a blend of tribute and originality. Some of the critics have even called Johnson “the perfect pick” for the role that would make the real MJ himself proud.
The role of Michael Jackson in MJ is not just a part; it’s an embodiment of a global icon whose influence transcends music and culture. The challenge to portray him on stage is immense, but also an opportunity for an actor to immerse themselves in the depth and complexity of an extraordinary life. The journey to find the perfect Michael Jackson was a testament to the dedication and commitment of the casting team. It also serves as a reminder of the meticulous work and attention to detail that goes into bringing a character to life on the Broadway stage.
If you are a Broadway enthusiast, a Michael Jackson fan, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, be sure to discover MJ for yourself. Experience the magic of Broadway and the life of a legend, brought to life by the talented cast. Whether you are a Jackson fan or not, there is no denying the power of a well-told story and a well-executed performance.