Philadelphia actor and singer Jordan Markus is set to take the stage at the Academy of Music for ‘MJ the Musical‘, marking his U.S. debut in the iconic role of Michael Jackson.
Since August 2024, Markus has served as the “MJ Alternate” for the musical’s national touring Broadway company, mastering Michael Jackson’s signature vocal expressions, along with his legendary dance moves.
But this week, Markus fully steps into the spotlight, embodying Michael Jackson like never before.
“This is such a full-circle moment for me,” Markus told Metro. “I grew up with all phases of Michael Jackson as my family and I listened to the Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes and everything Motown in our house – that was our soundtrack. But, if I had any favorite era of Michael Jackson, however, it would be the ‘Bad‘ album. I love ‘Dangerous’. I love the early stuff, but today, I’ll choose ‘Bad’ as my favorite.”
With Tony Award-winning choreography by director Christopher Wheeldon, ‘MJ the Musical’ delves deeper than Michael Jackson’s iconic moves and signature sound, offering a glimpse into his creative spirit as well.
And while landing the signature role is a dream come true for Markus, transforming into Michael Jackson on stage is no small feat.
“It means having a lot of discipline outside the theater walls,” Markus said. “You have to respect your body and take care of your voice off stage. There’s a series of workouts, vocal warm ups, treadmill and muscle rolling. There’s choreography – a rigorous practice that we’ve had with several of Michael’s original dancers — drilling down, noticing the littlest details that made Michael… Michael.
“Your muscles hurt for hours after, but it’s worth it,” he continued. “You need time for hair and wardrobe – all so that I can make sure that I can do it again the next day. It’s a huge, serious task, but also the most fun that I have ever had on stage.”
No matter what ‘MJ’ era Markus is singing through, knowing that he is bringing the enigmatic icon’s work to audiences of all ages, is the most rewarding part of this musical’s process.
“Seeing everyone from Michael’s earliest fans who grew up with him in real time, and witnessed all of those famous events portrayed during the show, then having them bring their kids who now dress up like Michael – that’s really the most fun of being part of ‘MJ the Musical’.
When Markus is not embodying the King of Pop, he’s creating his own music. The sleek pop-and-soul singer-composer has a handful of singles, EPs and a recently released album ‘Summer’s Over‘.
“That record truly captures who I was as an artist that summer, and as a person with the end of a relationship,” says Markus, influenced on ‘Summer’s Over’ by vulnerable honest songwriters such as James Taylor, Bruno Mars, and of course, Michael Jackson. “We all go through that sort of loss, and I wanted to document all of its nuances, what I was hearing in my head as I was typing the lyrics.”
And even though Markus is currently immersing himself in “Michael’s world,” he tirelessly works on his own art with every possible opportunity. So much so, that onstage during ‘MJ the Musical’, Markus always makes certain that he stays true to himself, and his love of music.
“That’s an interesting point: when I first started playing him, I think I tried to maintain that balance. Yes, I immerse myself fully in the world of Michael Jackson for over a year – that’s the job, that’s the goal – but, also you can bring yourself, a little bit, to this show,” he said. “Because at the end of the day, you are the instrument. Though it is Michael being portrayed for several hours a night, you are on that stage. Instinctually, you can’t help but be yourself.”
‘MJ the Musical’ is on stage at the Academy of Music, from Jan. 8 to 19. For information and tickets, visit ensembleartsphilly.org
