‘MJ the Musical’ debuts at The National Theatre in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 14.
By Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
When the curtain rises at The National Theater in Washington, D.C., and the versatile Jamaal Fields-Green takes center stage, you may need to blink twice, given the brilliant way in which the actor portrays the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
MJ the Musical” debuts at The National Theatre in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 14. (Photos Courtesy Matthew Murphy (MurphyMade), The National Theater)
In fact, Fields-Green, an electrifying actor, singer, dancer, director and writer, takes total command of the stage and promises to bring audiences to their feet in the Tony Award-winning production of “MJ the Musical,” which runs Aug. 14 – Sept. 8.
The musical centers on the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, and offers a unique look at the creative mind and spirit of Michael Jackson, which catapulted the former lead singer of The Jackson Five into worldwide dominance in the entertainment industry.
In an exclusive interview with The AFRO, Fields-Green – who has already solidified his reputation as a versatile actor, rendering stellar performances across several mediums – said his goal in this role is “to portray Michael Jackson authentically.”
“Like millions of others, I grew up as a big fan of Michael Jackson. But after learning that I would have the unique opportunity of portraying him on stage, I knew I had a lot of homework to do,” Fields-Green said.
The actor said he’s spent countless hours combing through footage and videos of the iconic Jackson – watching, listening and learning.
“In preparing for this role, I’ve often felt like a kid in the candy store. Michael Jackson’s energy, his movement, the level of his performance are all simply brilliant,” he said. “I especially love the music and the artistry he delivered during the ‘Bad’ era but as I’ve done my research, I continue to discover new things about him. That’s been my greatest challenge – but certainly not the only hurdle I’ve had to overcome.
“Look, this is MJ – one of, if not the best to do it, so the stakes are very high. He’s like the ceiling. But whenever you think you’re almost within reach, the ceiling rises again. Still, there’s this joy for me because while I know I will never catch him, I can keep chasing him, chasing after the spirit, the energy, the amazing talent that made Michael Jackson a superstar,” Fields-Green said.
The actor, who hails from New York and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in musical theater from the prestigious Hartt School (the performing arts conservatory of the University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut) in 2018, has dreams that encompass more than just the stage, including writing and directing. He recently captured the award for Best Action Short at the highly competitive Indie Short Fest for his film, “The Inevitable.” For him, receiving the award confirmed that he has what it takes to be successful both in front of and behind the camera.
However, he noted that as an actor in the industry today, one must be a true “triple threat.”
“I grew up with a single mother who sacrificed a lot for me. She paid for me to go to private lessons and to school and to study musical theater,” he said. “So, I’ve always been focused on my career… on broadening my skills.
“My teachers wanted me to take on prestigious roles that had made other Black actors famous. But I wanted to put my stamp on an Irish monologue and other similar roles. Versatility is the way to go these days if you really want to make it. By the time I became a senior in college, I had already been tested as an actor, a singer and a dancer. That’s what got me my first major break right out of school: a role in ‘Hamilton: An American Musical.’”
Fields-Green said he has big plans and things he wants to accomplish. But, for now, his focus is singular: being Michael Jackson to the best of his ability.
“I realize that I am not Michael Jackson, but after preparing for this role I believe I understand him a lot better,” he said. “It takes sacrifice and discipline to get anywhere close to the level of his success and abilities. You have to give up things – fun times – that a lot of others take for granted. After my freshman year in college, I can’t remember ever attending a party with my friends and classmates. Since then, the only thing on my mind has been eating, breathing and sleeping my passion as an actor, singer, writer and director.
“There have been a few other brothers who had this role before me, including Myles Frost – who won the Tony Award (2022) for his portrayal of MJ in the Broadway production of the show. But now, it’s my role; it’s my time. I want the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). So, that means I have work to do…a lot of work to do.
“I owe it to myself to keep climbing and to my mother for supporting me each step of the way,” Fields-Green said.
For more information or tickets, visit www.broadwayatthenational.com.
NOTE: August brings other news about Michael Jackson, who would have been 66 years old on Aug. 29, had he lived. Spike Lee recently released a documentary, now available on Apple TV, that chronicles the making of Jackson’s fifth solo album, “Off the Wall” – his first with Epic Records after he and his brothers left Motown. The album debuted on Aug. 10, 1979. In addition, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson, recently signed with CAA and will make his acting debut in the role of his late uncle in a biopic, “Michael,” slated for release by Lionsgate and Universal Pictures in April 2025.
