Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry is coming to Austin! You don’t want to miss “MJ The Musical” at Bass Concert Hall from Oct. 8-13th. 

“MJ The Musical” goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. 

The opening premiere was electrifying and unforgettable! The performers delivered a show-stopping experience that left the audience in awe, earning a well-deserved standing ovation. Get ready to laugh, have your heartstrings tugged, and enjoy some of the greatest hits. This is a performance you absolutely don’t want to miss!

MJ is featured in the Texas Performing Arts Broadway in Austin series. We had the pleasure of chatting with Jamaal Fields-Green, one of the talented actors bringing MJ to life on stage!

Tell us about your upbringing and how it influenced your artistic journey.

I grew up with a single mother and a village made up of my grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins. I lived in the Bronx until I was ten years old and then moved to Rockland County. I’d like to think the ideals my mother and grandparents instilled in me influenced my artistic journey. Particularly my mother’s job at NBC. Being around all these movie billboards in my mother’s office and having to bring at least 3-4 movies with me when she’d bring me to work, I naturally turned into a movie buff at a young age. I still am to this day. I would say it all started in those offices with me reenacting my films for the day with my action figures. 

I always created my own worlds as a kid. That creativity only grew with the encouragement of my mom and grandparents. That’s my foundation. Everything I am, is because of them. Especially my mother. Watching a single mother, who had me in college, go back to school and get her degree, then work a 9-5 in the city, all while making sure I had a good life – that really showed me the true definition of what it means to persevere and fight for the things you want and love in this life. My mother is the ultimate boss. Watching her navigate through corporate America taught me how to navigate through life and business in this industry. I’m nothing without her. 

What inspired you to become an actor?

I used to sing a lot  for fun as a kid. And then suddenly, I hit puberty. I lost my voice and had shifted to wanting to learn how to read music so I could produce beats for me and my friends’ rap group at the time. In the class, we did everything but pay attention. But our music teacher, Nadia Rizzo, saw something. She urged us to audition for the school musical. We were all jocks (football and basketball) and would have cared less. But my friend Matthew signed us up to audition as a joke. I ended up getting the role of Seaweed in Hairspray and catching the bug from there. 

With the guidance of Nadia and our choreographer, Josue Jasmin, they showed me that I could make a career out of this. So my senior year I got an acting coach, John McDonald, and prepared for college auditions. Upon getting into the Hartt School at the University of Hartford, I fell in love with the craft and the art of practicing. I genuinely wanted to be better and excel (especially with dance and singing). It wasn’t overnight, but the results started happening in time. The better I got, the further I progressed, and the more work I wanted to do. And the cycle repeated itself over and over again.

How did you first become involved with “MJ The Musical”?

Originally I was in callbacks for middle Michael back in 2020. Didn’t get it. And then as I went to go see the show in 2022 (pre Tony’s), I received an email for “Future replacements for MJ” during intermission. I literally can’t make this up. So it almost felt like fate in a way. From there, I had a rigorous audition period that lasted for almost a month and a half. Upon booking the show, I was a standby for MJ and Middle Michael. I did that for a year on Broadway (made my Broadway debut as MJ). And then was offered the position of MJ Alternate (two shows a week as MJ) for year 1 of the tour. And eventually I took over this summer full time in the role. 

What’s been your favorite part of playing Michael Jackson so far? The biggest challenge?

It’s Michael freaking Jackson. That alone can explain enough for how I feel. I grew up a big fan like the rest of the world. I used to dance to Beat It, You Rock My World, and Thriller in my living room back in the Bronx. My grandpa was my DJ and I’d perform for the family. 

The biggest challenge, I would say, is everything. This is one of, if not the, greatest artist of all time. Of course there’s pressure, but there’s a big responsibility. I love it, though. Authenticity is very key with playing this role. But it’s also a gift, and I don’t ever take this gift lightly. 

Is there a particular scene or song that you enjoy performing the most?

Smooth Criminal, hands down. I feel like the baddest man on the planet when I do that number. 

How do you prepare yourself before each performance?

It can vary, but the main thing is ensuring I’ve gotten enough rest before each performance. Rest allows me to perform with the energy and tenacity needed for each show. And a lot of water. Outside of that, I’ll watch videos of certain performances or listen to his music/music of the time. I still watch footage and practice to this day. 

What has been the most memorable moment for you during this production?

There are too many to count. Performing in London for one (I’m the only person to perform in all three companies in the titular role). My Broadway debut. But getting to lead this show in this role, it’s never lost on me how special that is. 

Can you share any interesting behind-the-scenes stories or moments from rehearsals?

Getting to work with Rich and Tone Talauega. Their teachings have helped me cultivate my own iteration of Michael. They’ve made me better in every sense of the word as an artist. They’re juggernauts in the industry, and to get to work with them and learn from them, is one of the highest honors. They know how to push you into the direction you need to go to get better. Working with them was integral to my journey with this show and role. This is also a goofy cast. We’re always having fun on and offstage. I wouldn’t trade this company for any other. 

Any advice for those wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Never give up. This industry is hard. And I started very late in life compared to others (particularly my classmates at school). But I worked my butt off to be the best artist I could be. And that work ethic allowed me to book Hamilton right after graduation (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton in the Chicago company). That proved to me that you alone control your destiny. 

If there’s something you want in life, go after it and never let anyone get in your way. Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Seek the dreams you want, and stop at nothing until they’re reality. We’re capable of so much and we’re stronger than we think. Lead with love, passion and humility and carve out the life/world you want to live in. The rest will come in time. Just make sure you’re ready for when your opportunity comes. 

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Cover photo Matthew Murphy.

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.