American actor and star of award-winning MJ The Musical, ILARIO GRANT, gives us the lowdown on playing the late King of Pop…
What made you want to audition for the role of Michael Jackson in MJ The Musical?
Well, I saw the New York show in 2022, when it had just started, and was blown away by everything – the staging, the costumes, the music, the choreography… and I was like, “I need to be in this show”. Then an open call for an MJ standby position came up, I applied, got a call back and the rest is history.
What does it mean to step into Michael Jackson’s shoes?
It means a lot to be able to portray him and to be able to keep his legacy alive to the younger generations to come.
Were you a fan before this show?
Yeah, I’ve been a fan for a long time. I first was introduced to Michael Jackson when I was 10 – I’m 23, so I wasn’t here when he was alive and doing his thing – in Atlanta, Georgia. My brother and I were watching the “Thriller” music video and the heartbeat of this song, when it starts, is very breathtaking that I got chills in my body. I’ve been a Michael Jackson fan ever since.
Do you do you have a favourite MJ song?
Oh, man, I always preface this by saying it’s like asking my mum who her favourite kid is, because it’s so hard to choose – it changes day-to-day. I’d say today it’s “Blame It On The Boogie”.
Take us through what a typical show day looks like for you.
So, if we have a 7:30 show, I’d get to the theatre around 5:45pm, go to my dressing room, start my own warm-up – meditate for a few minutes and release anything that’s happening outside the building. Then I start doing a 15-minute vocal warm-up and maybe a 10-minute physical warm-up with jumping jacks, push-ups, etc… to get my body going, before company warm-up. Then we make sure everything’s safe and secure within our show and then do hair and make-up.
How long does MJ hair and make-up take?
About 10 to 15 minutes, then it’s wig prep, putting my costume on, doing the mic check and all the while I’m watching MJ music videos, his live performances, his interviews… to get into my zone. Then they call places, I walk to the stage and it’s showtime.
How do you prep yourself physically and mentally to play MJ seven days a week?
Well, rest is the biggest thing, but I train twice a week with our physical therapist to keep the body loose and muscles strong – a lot of calisthenics, functional work… to keep me sustainable in this role.
What’s the most challenging part? Is it the vocals? The movement?
It’s capturing the essence of Michael Jackson because he was a perfectionist within his art. So, as an artist myself, I can lean into that mindset of like, “Dang, I need to perfect my side glide or my moonwalk, or I really want to hit this note in the song well”.
The show is set during the Dangerous World Tour. What’s your favourite MJ era?
The Bad era. It was a statement era for Michael Jackson. He changed his whole persona – that’s when the long hair came in, the chains, the buckles, the black leather… it was a whole different side of MJ we had not seen. And that album is full of number one hits, too.
How do you balance the iconic dance moves and the voice?
I always refer to whatever the original move or vocal was. I don’t shy away too far from what Michael did because the music and moves are so iconic they don’t really need any flourishes.
How do Aussie audiences compare to the US ones on Broadway?
They hold up. Broadway has a lot of energy and responsiveness throughout the show, and I find Australia is the same – clapping, screaming, cheering, standing ovations… it all makes it 10 times better to perform the show.
What’s your favourite Michael Jackson song to perform?
“Billy Jean” – it’s such an iconic number and I have the stage to play with the audience and feed off them. It feels so electric – chills go through my body every time I do that song.
If Michael Jackson could watch MJ The Musical, what would you hope he’d say about your performance?
Wow, great question. I would hope he’d say that I captured his life in this story beautifully and I portrayed the energy, sharpness and love for the art that he had.
If you could ask MJ anything, what would it be?
Can I perform with you? Please.
Finally, how would you describe MJ the musical in three words?
Electric, emotional and concert-like.
MJ THE MUSICAL is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne. For more info check out mjthemusical.com.au
By Santi Pintado
Photos: Daniel Boud
