Leah and Dan were joined by Illario Grant, star of MJ The Musical to talk about his portrayal of music icon and King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Set in 1992, the musical offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson’s iconic Dangerous World Tour. This production features some of his greatest songs and brings his dance moves and fashion back into the spotlight. It also captures his creative mind and collaborative spirit, through the lens of an MTV journalist.
Illario began by talking about his interest in the role.
“I went to New York, between filming a movie called ‘Praise This.’ I saw it on Broadway the first year it opened and as soon as the show was over, I thought, I have to be in this.”
Introduction During Intermission
His introduction was far from smooth. One night, the man playing MJ had stomach problems and Illario received the call at intermission.
“I was having some downtime and not expecting to go on at all. Then I got a call. I had to be ready in a split second. It was crazy.”
Illario had only fifteen minutes to take stage for the second half.
“I had to warm up and get in the costume and, get everything together in that time.”
MJ’s Greatest Hits
The Musical features more than 25 of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, including, Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Man in The Mirror and Thriller.
Illario understood the magnitude of the role but the greatest challenge was embodying the specific choreography.
“His movement is so specific,” said Illario, “Being able to nail it and to replicate it every night is probably the most challenging part about bringing his essence to life.”
He studied Michael well at home to ensure those movements showed up on stage every night.
Illario didn’t initially know how to moonwalk but he was grateful to the choreography team for assisting in the evolutions of the dances.
The Funniest Fail
A blunder that happened on stage, involved a prop water bottle.
“We had new cup holders and as Nick Berry was bringing the chair on, the bottle rolled onto the middle of the stage, where I was.”
“I picked it up and threw it at one of our cast members before I started dancing,” laughed Illario.
Australian fans have gone wild for MJ, describing it as “the most incredible thing I’ve seen in my life” and “mind-blowing”.
Of all the songs, the star’s favourite rotates, but at the moment, it is Human Nature.
“It is probably my favorite to sing right now. Billie Jean is incredible to dance to. Being able to reiterate that feeling for the audience members is just crazy.”
The Journey
He said the end of the show will be the culmination of the journey the audience took.
“We would have taken them on an emotional journey through song and dance and they would be able to release it by getting up and singing and cheering and being a part of the show during that moment.”
Check out the full interview below, along with Illario’s stunning impression of what Michael Jackson would say about the show.