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Video: Elijah Rhea Johnson Is Stepping Into MJ's Shoes
May 17, 2024
Just under a year after Myles Frost won a Tony Award for his iconic performance in MJ, a new actor is stepping into Michael Jackson's shoes. Elijah Rhea Johnson made his Broadway debut last month, transforming into the King of Pop eight times a week. In this video, watch as Johnson chats more about his new role!
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0:00
Welcome to Backstage with Richard Ridge
0:10
The hit musical MJ has a brand new Michael Jackson, who is wowing audiences eight times a week at the Neil Simon Theatre
0:17
and I caught up with him here at the Rosevale Cocktail Room at Civilian NYC
0:21
Please welcome Elijah Ray Johnson. Well, I am thrilled to be sitting with you here at the Rosevale Cocktail
0:29
room. It's civilian, NYC. How cool is this room? It's pretty amazing. Like, this is like
0:35
like, a lot of history and, like, iconic moments just all isolated in this one moment
0:39
You said it's like changes out, too, right? Yeah. They changed things out. This is pretty
0:43
incredible. So David Rockwell, you know, curates this room. And, of course, there's some
0:47
incredible MJ stuff over there. Right. Yes. We have my Billy Jean hat and the iconic right
0:53
glove, sparkly glove that we're in the show, which is very cool. It's so interesting to see it all
0:57
like, presented up like that. Yeah, right. Yeah. Oh, man. Yeah, that's like, it's such a cool moment in the show because, you know
1:07
like we do a lot of Michael's history and we pay homage to it
1:10
But that, the top of the second act, that whole Billie Jean moment that goes into this move
1:14
it's like, that's kind of what people are, like, waiting for when it come to see
1:18
And I really, like, milk it a little bit. The crowd's, like, really feeling me. I really, like, take my time with the suitcase and open it up and all that
1:24
And it's, like, it's very surreal, I think, like, at that moment, sometimes I'm like
1:29
I kind of feel like Michael a bit. Like in that, you know what I mean? Like in doing that, and especially that in the moonwalk and everything, it's pretty incredible
1:36
Well, let's get into that because, of course, that Billy Jean hat and that glove is so iconic
1:42
So I'm sure when you put that hat on and that glove, the audience must go crazy at the theater
1:47
I mean, I know for a fact that it definitely takes them back to like Mountain 25 and the first time they saw that and all
1:54
And even the jacket I wear too. It's just the costumes and the show are incredible in their detail
1:59
And so really, like, helps bring people into our world, you know what I mean, and live in those amazing, iconic moments
2:07
Okay, before we get into that, welcome to Broadway. Thank you. I appreciate it
2:12
This is your Broadway debut. It is. It is. Yeah, it's pretty insane, I think
2:18
Like, this all happened very quickly. I mean, I've been, like, in rehearsals for this for, like, on and off, like, a few weeks, but then, like, two and a half months, really, to be honest, like, really to hit the ground
2:29
ground running and to get into this and like it was very daunting at first before i got to
2:34
like new york i was like am i just doing like a michael jackson concert for like two hours every night like it's going to be that intensive and then i got here and i was like okay this is like
2:41
doable it's still a lot but like just pace myself and take my time and i really feel like even now i
2:47
mean i'm only when a month in i'm still finding my footing but it's it's definitely um
2:52
i'm just real thankful of my cast really everyone even creative up you from the producers everybody
2:57
really trusted in me to kind of write the ship and to fill those loafers, right
3:01
So it's been amazing so far. Okay, let's talk about Broadway debuts are really special
3:06
They only happened once. Yeah. Okay, April 4th was your first performance on stage
3:12
What do you remember about that entire performance? It was like I was buzzing
3:19
You know what I mean? It was like one of those, like it was insane. Like the crowd was amazing
3:24
My first week, the crowds were like insane. It was like pretty surreal. especially that first night
3:28
I know I had a lot of people in the crowd rooting for me and also just people who were excited to see me
3:33
and it's funny, the show goes by pretty quick for me, to be honest
3:37
but even that night, it was just kind of like riding on a high and I think the, at the end
3:45
there's like I give a monologue and it can be emotional if you want to
3:48
and it also can be kind of like straightforward depends on how you play it. But I think that night
3:53
I think it was like a culmination of all the work I've done and also my journey with the show
3:57
and everything. And so I was just like in tears, just giving that last monologue because it really just touched me
4:02
in that moment. And I think that, that first night was amazing
4:05
I've had, like, good shows since, but I think the feeling more than even my
4:11
what I did, just the feeling I had during that first show was, like, I appreciated so much
4:17
and, like, I definitely hold that with me. It's very dear. What do you remember about your bow that night
4:22
Just being, like, especially my first, I bow a few times, it was just, like, crying
4:25
I was just, it was just really, just like I couldn't help it. I was like, which is so funny because they shoot me out of a
4:30
toaster and everything. And so like the tears falling out behind these sunglasses, it was very
4:36
like, it was just surreal. But I was just really like, I think thankful and like really
4:40
proud as like a performer and also as an actor too. I put like a lot of work to try to like
4:45
really, you know, the show, we get a chance to really humanize Michael and to show a lot of
4:51
his vulnerability that he may not show with us, you know, showed us the, you know, in his lifetime
4:56
I take that very seriously. And I think, yeah, I think just having a chance to really do that in front of the crowd
5:04
and to hear them react to my performance and hopefully enjoying it, it just really touched me
5:10
And so I think, yeah, those bowels were definitely took it in and really just, like, had my moment
5:17
which I think I earned. So it was very amazing. So they shoot you out of the toaster
5:21
Is that what you call it? Yes, the toaster. Yeah, the toaster, which is said a lot about the show, and we teased it up a lot
5:26
And it's like, oh, okay, the show, shoo! And it's like, if you want, you can get very high out there
5:31
Yeah, it's pretty fun. First time you were in the toaster, like, do you have to get used to all of that
5:34
like, how high you can fly out of it? Yes. Because I, like, I love having fun doing that
5:40
I love being on the ground. On the ground is great. I like, you know, even when I'm flying, I'm still kind of like
5:45
you know, a little bit. So to get shot up into the air twice, it's a lot
5:51
And definitely took, like, a little bit to orient myself. and like, okay, get used to this and everything
5:58
And like now, even, I'm just now getting like, okay, I can like get a little height on this
6:03
And then it's before point. And so I've been doing it a lot. And so it's really fun, though
6:07
It is like a really fun. I get why Michael loved doing that
6:12
It adds like a theatrical aspect to the performance. It makes him bigger than life
6:19
It's really, it's fun. It's a rock star moment, isn't it? Yes
6:22
A Broadway rock star moment. Yes. Okay. You have quite a history with MJ the musical
6:28
Where to begin for you? It began pretty simple. I was out in LA auditioning for certain things
6:34
Auditioned came through that they were doing an MJ musical workshop. They were workshopping trying to figure out the show
6:41
And I auditioned in LA and they were like, we like you, auditioned the callback
6:47
And then I was in New York for a month working on the workshop
6:51
And it was pretty surreal for me. I think, you know, Michael is like my point of reference for performing
6:59
You know, like, when I started dancing, like, I learned how to do the moonwalk first
7:03
And like, even like, you know, and I don't have freestyle and hip hop, but like, I go outward
7:07
Michael is my reference, point of reference for dance. And so, and I did that when I was like eight or nine when I first started performing
7:14
So to be, you know, in my 20s, like, coming back and revisiting all this and doing dancing machine
7:19
which is a song I performed many times in my life and all that It was pretty insane and also just be a part of this like amazing show I mean working with Lynn working with Chris Wilden like everything was like it was a lot to take in
7:32
And I was just very thankful to be there. And I ended up doing the workshop again the next year
7:37
It was a bit longer, too. And also, I just haven't spent a lot of time in New York like that
7:41
So I fell in love with the city, absolutely then. And it was like, oh, this is, like, incredible
7:46
And it was just really eye-opened. Also, a return to Broadway, you know what I mean, from my roots in Lion King
7:53
Like, it was, it was just really, really fun. And it was, yeah. Because you were Middle Michael in the workshop
7:59
Middle Michael in the workshops. Yeah, and I helped, like, originate that role and, like, workshop it and, like, build to get to where Tavon, who is the current, Neil and Michael, he's just absolutely taking it and ran with him, made it his own
8:12
And it's, he's wonderful. And, but, yeah, like, those, those workshop days, we were, like, working it out, and it was so early
8:18
and it was like, you know, find those pieces and trying to mesh everything together. We've always had an amazing cast
8:24
so it wasn't that hard, you know what I mean? And you always feel the spirit of Michael
8:28
and his legacy in it. But yeah. Okay, so you arrived in New York for this run
8:34
Yes. In January? In January, yeah. So what was that like trying to find a place to live
8:38
and get ready to do rehearsals? I don't know what it was with me, but like it was insane, right
8:44
It was one of those things where I could, like, objectively tell you, like, what's happening right now in my life
8:48
is like crazy. But I was just really laser focused. I was just like, like I told you, like I went crazy looking for an apartment
8:58
I got here like on the 15th or something like that. And like in five days, I saw like 25, like the 30 places because I just really wanted to like find a place that was, it had all the things I needed
9:08
And I had a lot of specifications. Like I need to like, I dance so much in the show. I need to like take a bath at night
9:13
You know what I mean? Just soak my limbs and do all those things. And like I don't need to be in a crazy walk up
9:18
because my legs, again, it's a lot of focus on the legs in the show. And so I need to find all these things
9:23
And I was able to find it to where I found it two weeks into rehearsal, so I didn't have to worry about it
9:28
And it was, I was thankful for that. So I could really just focus in
9:32
But it was a lot. It was a lot that they were throwing at me. But everybody, I have to say, like, creatively from producers to directors to my cast
9:41
everybody really had a lot of faith in me. Of course, like, they knew me from the workshops, so they knew my capacity, right
9:47
But also this is like a whole brand new thing and they haven't seen me in a minute and like it was a big undertaking
9:52
But I think I really came in and, you know, I'm a real student, especially when it comes to like the acting side
9:58
And they saw that. And so I think really just we had to like form a bond of trust
10:03
I didn't have that long to rehearse. We had like two and a half months really. But we really hit the ground running and I think it really paid off
10:10
And I think I'm just super thankful for the team everyone at MJ because they really helped
10:17
and give me the confidence to just kind of dive in and find it and keep finding it and
10:22
keep supporting as I do this because you know they've been doing this for a minute and I'm
10:26
you know still getting my feet underneath me and I'm I'm thinking I'm doing a good job but
10:30
you know it's it's a marathon you know and I sprint and so they really they are my rock
10:36
really you know you talk about the acting what unlocked your Michael Jackson um therapy
10:43
to be honest just really being able to understand understand myself better, right
10:51
Because like it's something I talk about all the time. I get very acting, and I love talking acting
10:56
It's super fun for me. And I think it also just helps deepen it, you know
11:01
I try not to impersonate Michael, because I think in this show, we don't need to
11:06
I think that's not the point. I think my job is to, I think for me even to be in this role, there has to be a part of me
11:16
that is similar to Michael, and that feels how Michael does, and that hurts like Michael does
11:22
And also, this show does a good job of humanizing him because as much as he was an iconic figure
11:26
and this historical, all the things, a godlike figure, he was a person, and he had great good days
11:32
he had bad days, he had hurt feelings, he had joyous moments, right
11:36
He felt all these things, these range of emotions that we all do
11:40
And so my job is to figure out where he hurts, where he loves, what makes him passionate
11:45
and try to connect it as close to mind, right? And like, obviously, like, there's a lot of things that come into that
11:51
especially with the voice and speaking like that, and I'm, I have an ear for impressions
11:55
There's as I was younger, so, like, that kind of helps. But even that, like, I try to find a range that fits my voice well
12:03
that that's believable when I say these lines, not this is trying to sound like him
12:08
And I think people will see that. I think people can really feel that I'm doing this character
12:14
but I'm not trying to do. impersonate because at the end of the day it's not my job to to be Michael it's to present this character
12:21
who is close enough that they put all their memories and and feelings about Michael onto me and
12:29
help create this magic that we do that's kind of like the thing with theater I think it's
12:34
it's really interesting I think this medium to be able to play his character I think it's kind
12:38
of perfect because we all have to suspend our diff's belief a bit but we really I think with
12:42
the costumes and just the music everything it helps you helps sell it in a way that I think really is great
12:49
What was more challenging for you, his speaking voice or his singing voice for you
12:56
Speaking voice. I think with the singing, I mean, like Michael is really, like, it's what the joke I say
13:05
Like, if they did a prince musical, I don't know if I could do it as well. You know what I mean
13:09
But Michael was like, he's my point of reference. So like I knew that like I've studied him since I was younger, like in his vocal
13:15
inflections and different things like that and even extra stuff that I add that necessarily isn't
13:19
something that was taught to me in the show that I helped to really sell it especially with the scene
13:23
but with speaking I really just had to like just do a lot of research and like it's a funny tidbit
13:29
but like if you if you like watch my performance and then watch like interviews technically
13:35
the mic I pull from is like right before thriller came out like 83 84 so that's where like
13:40
where my inflections my vocal quality that's where it comes out so that's where I that's how I
13:45
think about it in my head when I'm doing those things. But it was hard
13:49
It was hard. It took a lot of time. And I'll be honest, had a lot of work with the workshops previous, too
13:55
Because really, it's keeping the voice high. It's the hard part because I'm on stage and I dance a lot
14:02
I sing, I talk a lot in the show. I'm always talking in the show
14:07
And so it's like just maintaining that vocal quality. So being in the workshops actually helped prime me a lot for that
14:12
And me and Chris Wilden worked a lot. with that when developing middle Michael
14:17
because he had to figure out what what, we were both figuring out what
14:21
would make it believable, what sounds like Michael, what does what sounds like him
14:26
but not trying to impersonate. I think it's a big distinction we make
14:30
because we're not trying to impersonate we're trying to tell his story
14:34
we're trying to tell his truth and I think yeah, I think finding
14:38
I think being truthful ourselves is the best way to do that. Yeah, I'm sure it was helpful starting out as middle Michael yes
14:44
helps you now with Big Michael Star Michael It growing It like literally going with the role Yeah It helped out loud The first time you saw yourself in the mirror all done up with hair and makeup and a costume
14:55
you know, the thriller jacket or something like, what went through your mind? This is really weird
15:00
That was one, I know, because especially in rehearsals, you know, I just have a fedora on and
15:04
have like the costume, but it's just me. Whenever I take the hat on, it's my hair and whatever it's my face
15:08
So after a while you do it so much that like, you think like, oh yeah, this is how I'm gonna look
15:13
And then like, cool, let's put the makeup on. I'm like, right, I forgot. Oh, I have this wig. Oh, my God
15:17
And, like, it was insane. And, like, the hair and makeup is absolutely incredible
15:22
I mean, everybody on the show is just so, like, we got the little best people to help bring this story to life
15:30
And so it's pretty surreal, I think, like, just seeing how much, like, again, it's like, I don't look exactly like him, but also, like, yeah, actually, no, it helps sell it
15:41
And I think with the costuming and the voice and, and. the dialogue and the show and how it's written
15:46
Everything, it helps just, it helps you believe that, like, wow, this is where we're watching
15:51
what could have been with Michael, you know what I mean, it helped sell it. But it was pretty surreal
15:56
It still is, I'm getting used to it now, but still even the hair, I'm like, you have to do whatever, the ponytail, and it's a lot
16:01
It's fun, but, you know. Do you have a favorite part of the show or does it change all the time
16:06
It's changed, it changes, but recently it's been the top of the second act, just because
16:11
that, and that's like, for me, that is, in my opinion, that's like the top. Tony winning section
16:15
You know what I mean? We really just go crazy. And like, funny enough, it's my favorite too
16:20
because, you know, a lot of the dance style is Michael. And I have to like really specify that
16:26
It's very, it's open, but you know, it's also very, you know, rigid. And working with Virgin Hone
16:30
they help you find that quality. And they actually change it for all the Michaels
16:34
It's always different. Like, whoever you see that night, it's not going to be the exact same in the dancing
16:40
But for those moments, especially in Smooth Criminal, I kind of get to do my own
16:44
thing a little bit. It's, you know, it's a lot of Chris's choracophie. It's a lot of ballet
16:49
and jazz mixing to it, which also was Michael's style, of course. But I get to, you know
16:54
if you see, especially in some of the facial expressions I do, it's a little bit of me coming out a little bit in that
16:58
section. It's a little, it's a little bit freer in that way. So I
17:02
really enjoy it. And it's also just like the crowd goes crazy in that
17:06
section. It's really, it's a beautiful piece. So I love it. Let's talk about the audience's reaction. Audiences flying
17:12
from all over the world to see MJ here. on Broadway. I mean, there's nothing like the MJ audience. What is it like when you hear the
17:18
roar all during the show and then you get to meet him afterwards? It's very exciting. It's very exciting. I think it's funny. People, and when I was first
17:27
starting, do you feel pressure because you're playing this character night? And I do, but also
17:32
like, there has to be, there had to be a belief in me that I could do it justice in order to
17:38
take on the role, you know? And so like, I get excited because I really want to do the best job I can
17:44
for them and also for myself, but everybody, you know, we were trying to do the show and it's very
17:49
beautiful and it's very nostalgic and it's very current in a lot of ways too also
17:53
I love that aspect of it and I'm so glad that they get to see that and everyone comes around
17:58
to see us and they're so excited and it's so funny, you know, I think from our first few shows
18:03
I was really focused and now I'm a little looser and it's crazy. I'll do Billy Jean and I can hear them singing and I'm like, wow, it's like it's crazy
18:10
Like it really is just, you know, it's insane. And so meeting them afterwards is really great too
18:14
Because, you know, everyone is, usually it's very funny because everyone just is like, Michael, oh my God, you're amazing
18:17
And I'm like, thank you. I appreciate it. I take it. It's great. But because I wear so much makeup in the wig, when I come out sometimes, they don't quickly know that it's me
18:26
So I get a chance to be like, hey, how you guys doing? I get to let me ask around with him a little bit
18:29
Then I'm like, I play to him and then, oh, my God. Wow, you did such a great job. And like
18:33
Well, you also have a different head shot. Yes, I have a different. Talk about your playville head shot
18:37
My playful hood shot because I got here. When I got to New York, I had this huge afro, beautiful
18:43
Loved it. Oh, my God. And, like, I wouldn't cut it for the world except for something like this
18:46
Obviously, this was like, yes, okay, I got it. So I cut it, you know, I had to go teeny shaved and everything
18:52
You know, like five years younger. It was the whole thing. But that is my current Playville headshot
18:57
So I look very different than I do now. So it's a bit of like a kind of checking thing
19:04
You have to have a chorus line moment where you can bring your head shot out. Absolutely. This is me
19:08
Yeah, this is me. But it must be so great because, like I said, people fly in from everywhere to see this show
19:12
And your show is life changing. They show a lot of love Michael Jackson and love everything about this show
19:17
Yeah, they show a lot of love and it's really, it's beautiful and like it's really rewarding, I think
19:24
Just so much they care about him. It really shows his star power and how much he really touched, like everyone's lives
19:32
You know what I mean? Like, he really was very impactful to this day
19:36
And I think it's so cool. Do we get to honor that and share that? And just also let people have a good time
19:41
I think that's in any Broadway show. You know what I mean
19:46
We get a chance to take you to somewhere else. Yeah. And to make you feel things and make you think about things
19:52
And I think it's really special. I'm so grateful to be a part of that. You started out
19:57
You grew up in Detroit. Yes, one of race. You started out really early
20:01
I mean, you were young Simba. Yeah. At like age nine and like how many companies did you do of Lion King
20:06
So I did the Las Vegas tour. I'm an original cast member of the Vegas show
20:11
I did the national tour. I think I did spend so long. I believe I did the Gazelle tour
20:15
That was one of the tour I did. And then I actually ended on Broadway covering for one of the kids
20:20
They were sick for like a month or two. So it wasn't my debut, but I was in the midst off
20:24
and hanging out with everybody. And so it was really fun. So yeah, I bounced around a lot
20:29
How much fun was it being a part of a Lion King? Because that was sort of your big theatrical debut, right
20:34
It's different, but it's kind of similar to the MJ thing. I was this really energetic, bubbly kid
20:41
And the personality type just kind of matched with Simba in that way
20:46
And, of course, the dancing and the singing and all that. But, like, it was so fun
20:50
It's actually really interesting because, you know, we have Little Michaels in the show
20:54
who are around the same age that I was when I first started. And so, I mean, in a lot of ways, right, they literally play younger me
21:00
so I see myself in them. But also in a more meta sense, being in Broadway, I see myself in them
21:07
And it's very interesting because they, you know, those kids run around in theater like they own it
21:11
Because they kind of do, you know what I mean? Like, that's their place. And it's so funny because I just remember that feeling
21:16
I remember how fun it was. And it was, yeah, it was incredible
21:20
It was such a fun time. It's still, honestly, MJ is probably going to surpass it
21:25
But Lion King is one of my favorite jobs I performed. I've been able to do my career
21:30
It was so much fun. Yeah. Yeah. You also had a boy band, right? Yes, that was part of a boy band
21:36
Mindless Behavior. I replaced the wind singer in 2014 was with them until 2017
21:41
That was a very interesting time of my life. What was that like? It was fun
21:46
It was fun. We did a lot of performing around, and like that really, I think, open my eyes to the music
21:51
industries, all the good and bad that comes with it, you know? But it was really, really special to join that freight train and kind of join on that
22:02
And it kind of, I mean, it's so interesting. Like, that boy band, that time is high school for me
22:08
So like it like my cool high school experience And I was homeschooled like even though you know I didn get a regular experience I did still kind of grow up in a in a type of uh I don know a fun experience
22:21
and vibe in that, that group. It was really fun. And we're still, I'm still really tight with all
22:25
the guys today. I think they're going to come to see the show at some point too. Yeah. Yeah, it was really fun. It was cool. So when you grew up, what were your earliest creative
22:31
outlets? Did you always want to be a part of a theater world? Oh, no, I fell into it. I fell into it
22:36
Yeah, I was, um, it's so funny. Like, Like, I, you know, I found obviously what I wanted to do very early
22:43
Yeah. But in my head, I'm like, I didn't know what I wanted to do for a long time, you know, being six
22:48
You know, like, I didn't know. And I just kind of fell into it
22:53
But obviously, like, it, thank God I did, you know, especially now. Like, I truly know this is what I was meant to do
22:59
And it's very interesting because I don't have a musical theater background, really, but it keeps on bringing me back
23:06
And I do love it so much. I really do. I just saw Hades Town a few weeks before I started is so good
23:13
And, like, I'm no upset now because I want to see all these shows, and we're all on the same time
23:17
So it's, like, very hard, scheduling-wise to figure out when I could see them. Yeah. But, yeah, I don't know
23:23
It's like, I think I've been really lucky, too, and then the shows I've been a part of, you know, like
23:28
and the Lion King, it's funny. I actually saw it when it came to Detroit for years before I end up doing it
23:34
And I just had a really a lot of love and respect for that show growing up. And then obviously Michael, you know, he's the, you know, epitome of why I started performing
23:43
And so the fact that I get to, you know, now play him, it's just very interesting how it's, it's, it's weave back and forth
23:49
But it's so funny. Yeah, I'm very new to the Broadway world, but I'm like super thankful to be here
23:53
And like, I'm just excited to jump in and then meet all the people and meet different people from different shows
23:57
And it's just been like really cool. But, yeah. It's a really challenging role
24:01
How do you prep for a performance and how early to get to the theater? So I don't have to get as early as I do
24:07
But I kind of like it. I get there like if the show's at 7, I have to be in makeup or starting makeup by 5.45
24:14
I get there like 5.m. And I'm just there just like warming up, hanging out, saying hi to people and all that
24:19
And I get there kind of early. It helps kind of start everything
24:24
I have a very calm before the storm type process where I know like other people who are a little more like
24:29
trying to get hype. I'm stretching. I meditate before every show. And I'm like really just trying to hone in
24:35
And I like, I warm up. vocally for singing, I warm up vocally for speaking, you know, all those type of things
24:41
And I really just like to find a Zen moment right before we get started
24:45
Because when we start, it's like a rocket going off. What's the last thing you do before you hit the stage
24:53
Probably meditate. Yeah, probably meditate for like just quick, like four or five minutes
24:56
And like it really just helps kind of like zone everything in. And really, I think the biggest thing for me is like in even finding out in my first few shows
25:04
I was just trusting myself. It really like, I know it. And, like, if I do that, the show goes swingily
25:11
And so that meditation helps me just ground and just, you know, just find my center
25:18
And, yeah, it's really, it really is calm before the storm because beat it is the first song out and we really go
25:23
You really go into it. So it helps. Okay, the first time you turn the corner in front of the Neil Simon Theater, saw the marquee and you're like, oh my gosh, I'm going to make my Broadway debut
25:33
Yes. What went through your mind? Um, I'm so funny, man. I was, I was just, like, really focused, you know
25:43
Like, it was, it was helpful. I, you know, I can, I, I think I've had some stage anxiety before my career
25:51
and I think therapy actually helped a lot calm that down. So I've been really, like, it was really chill
25:56
I was just, like, I got there early, and we did some makeup tests my first day to make sure that everything looked good
26:01
And I've really just, like, just talking with my people, talking with my directors, like make sure everything's cool talking like last looks and stuff like that um it was really chill
26:09
like that show was insane and so once we started it was like oh my god and it was just and especially
26:14
during the show i just kept because we've done so much prep even though it's only been like
26:19
it was like two and a half months we did it was a lot of prep and especially i had known that i was doing this for a minute and so when we were finally doing the show i just kept telling my my dresser i
26:27
was like i just cannot believe i'm doing the show right now this is crazy like it's been so much buildup i'm just doing it and then just yeah it kept happening and then i finished and i
26:34
I was like, I just did my first show. It's insane. But yeah, I'm very, I'm very chill
26:39
I'm a very chill guy. And when it gets on, it turns on. So was Michael
26:43
Yeah. You know, just quickly about your dressing room. Sure. What does it look like
26:47
Have you done anything to your dressing room? I've done a little bit. I got a new chair from a makeup chair
26:55
And it was not my request. My hairdresser, we were sitting in it and I, like, dipped over
26:59
And he was like, oh, it's broken. You need a new one. And I was like, yeah, I guess I should get a new one
27:04
whatever. So I'm still, I'm very much needing to customize and add different things. I got
27:10
a throw blanket. That's the most I've added to it. But I'm still building things and people
27:16
are going to help me bring stuff and help customize. But it's nice. I'm very, very nice
27:21
dress room. I'm very lucky, I think, in that sense. Because that's your home away from home. You know that. Yes. I'm there. I would say maybe not more, but like just as amount, just as
27:29
amount of time as I'm at home. I'm also there. So I think you need more than the new chair and
27:34
I'm going to throw a blanket, right? Yes, I think so. Yes. I'm going to work on it. I'm going to work on it. Finally, just sum up what it's like for you
27:40
I mean, like I said, I know you're chill and everything else, but it's a big deal. Yes
27:43
I mean, it's Broadway debut. It's MJ. It's Michael Jackson. I mean, what it all means to you
27:54
At this time, it's like everything. You know what I mean? I'm still super new
27:58
I'm still finding different ways to do songs, to do songs, to do something
28:04
scenes to tell the story, to tell my truth in it, you know, to become a stronger actor and
28:09
performer all the way around. It definitely feels like all things have led up to like this
28:17
moment. And not saying that this is it, right? It will keep going and we'll keep building
28:22
But I'm definitely taking it in and I'm just really thankful and really excited and really
28:30
like proud of myself. And it's something like I am, because I am so chill
28:35
something I work on, I can like, you know, just put my head down and I'm a hard worker and I can really just kind of drive past it
28:40
but I made sure really to like a lot recognize it. Like this is a big deal
28:45
It's a big deal for me. It's like the biggest thing I've ever done. And that I am capable of doing it
28:52
And I think that I do a good job and I think that I help elevate the show. And I think I help continue to tell this amazing story
28:58
And I'm so blessed, to do with such an amazing cast. I think I mentioned it, but like
29:04
we are all so dedicated to the show, and they're just all so talented, and I'm really lucky
29:11
I've been really lucky in my career to, like, do really cool things, and this is just another one, but it really, it's up there
29:17
You know what I mean? It really, like, honestly, like, this and, like, Lion King is, like, really, like, oh, my God for me
29:23
And so I'm just, like, just taking it all in and just, taking it day by day, but I'm just, I'm really thankful
29:29
and I'm just happy. It's just like living a dream. Yeah. This has been a real pleasure. Welcome to Broadway, my friends. Thank you so much. I appreciate it
29:36
Really nice
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