Jordan Markus is stepping into the iconic shoes of the late Michael Jackson as the centerpiece performer in the touring Broadway show, MJ The Musical.
Markus, 25, has dedicated considerable effort to perfecting the portrayal of the pop legend, noting that he entered the role already familiar with Jackson’s signature Moon Walk.
His training further intensified with the guidance of choreographers who worked directly with Jackson, providing valuable insights that helped him refine the details of his performance.
Growing up, Markus was captivated by Michael Jackson’s music, often listening to the Jackson 5 soundtrack while his family cleaned the house on Saturday mornings.
He recalls it was Jackson’s unique singing style that initially drew him in, describing a perfect blend of power and softness that made Jackson’s music unforgettable.
Markus has fond memories of dressing as Michael for Halloween each year, influenced after watching the Bad music video.
With costumes, dance moves, and the captivating voice of Jackson, Markus felt an overwhelming sense of awe: “Oh my gosh, this guy was so cool,” he remarked.
The show MJ The Musical, which won four Tony Awards, highlights the making of Michael Jackson’s 1992 “Dangerous World Tour.”
Set to stage at Keller Auditorium from July 15 to July 20, the production, crafted by Christopher Wheeldon and Lynn Nottage, goes beyond showcasing his incredible performances by delving into the creative process that established Jackson as a legendary figure.
Markus emphasizes, “It helps us humanize this untouchable figure,” revealing a more relatable side of a global superstar.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Markus began his journey in musical theater during his high school years, where he developed an appreciation for productions like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights.
After moving to San Diego, he continued his performing career, becoming involved in various shows including In The Heights.
Markus originally joined the 2023-24 MJ tour as an understudy, stepping into the shoes of Michael Jackson briefly in 2023.
He later performed the lead role on Broadway last year and eagerly accepted the opportunity to star in the 2024-2025 Broadway tour that commenced in January.
Taking on this role presents a significant physical challenge for Markus due to the extensive choreography and intricate dance moves characteristic of Jackson’s performances.
“The show — it’s unlike anything else I’ve ever seen,” Markus noted, referring to the uniqueness of the production, which centers on a pivotal time in Jackson’s life at age 34.
This specific period was marked by tremendous creativity yet fraught with personal challenges, as Jackson battled legal and family issues while being the world’s biggest superstar.
Markus explained, “He was juggling so many things, and that can affect a person’s mental capacity. We dive into all of that, and it makes for a beautiful story.”
The musical features a plethora of Jackson’s iconic hits, with Markus expressing particular enjoyment in performing ‘Billie Jean.’
“Billie Jean is such a staple of Michael’s career, a crowd-pleaser,” he said, sharing how empowering it feels to wear Jackson’s famous glove while performing the song.
He also treasures performing ‘Smooth Criminal’ and several classics from The Jackson 5.
Markus understands the significance of his position on stage, feeling the weight of expectation: “I’m on stage pretty much the entire show.
It is a daunting task, and the pressure is on, and that fuels me to want to be even better.”
His family’s reactions also resonate deeply with him; both his mother and aunt cried during poignant moments of the show, reflecting on their memories of young Jordan embodying Michael Jackson.
He expressed a wish that his grandmother could see his performance, adding, “She’d freak out.”
image source from：orartswatch
