Michael Jackson was one of the greatest entertainers of all time, and now his legacy lives on in “MJ,” a musical centered around the making of Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
“It’s a privilege to be able to step into the world of 1992, and to basically share that time with other lovers of Michael Jackson,” Kendrick Mitchell, who plays as a swing actor for five of the major roles within the play, said. “It’s iconic. It’s our responsibility to share Michael Jackson and his story with integrity. I get to contribute to keeping that spirit alive.”
A native of Houston, Mitchell joined the cast of “MJ” as a swing, which means that he must learn every song and every part of the choreography, a responsibility he took to heart as he prepared for the roles. “In rehearsals, after looking at two of the dance numbers, I went home and cried big tears,” Mitchell said. “I thought ‘I don’t know if I can do this.’” Then, summoning his inner-Michael, Mitchell made the internal commitment to see it through. “Let me get the tears out now,” he said, “because I have to figure it out and get it done.”
“MJ” chronicles the time after the Bad Tour, in which Jackson endeavored to face off with his ultimate competitor: Himself.
“The show gives you a glimpse into Michael Jackson’s world, his music and the challenges he has to face in his life in 1992,” Mitchell said. “The determination to become a global icon… to be bigger, to compete with himself.”
“MJ” runs from Oct. 8 - 13, Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. at Bass Concert Hall in Austin. Tickets for “MJ” start at $45 and are available at texasperformingarts.org and BroadwayinAustin. com, by phone at (512) 477-1444 or from the Texas Performing Arts ticket office at Bass Concert Hall.
“I get to contribute to keeping that spirit alive,” Mitchell said. “Seeing little kids come to the theater in their Michael Jackson costumes, The Billie Jeans, the Smooth Criminals… it makes you feel good. That’s what it did for me at a very young age,” Mitchell said. “It’s probably one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s been incredible.”
Join Kendrick Mitchell and the cast of “MJ” to celebrate the once-in-a-generation talent of Michael Jackson.
