Even non-fans will be thrilled with ‘MJ’ the musical

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Devin Bowles wasn’t a big Michael Jackson fan. But when he saw “MJ” the musical on Broadway — the first of many viewings for him — he knew he wanted to be in the show. He got his wish when he joined the North American tour at the start of its run in August 2023.

“Obviously, Michael’s music was great,” Bowles said, “but I’ve become more of a fan now that I’m in the show.”

“MJ” is still going strong on Broadway three years after its debut in February 2022, scheduled to run through Oct. 19 at least. The national tour visited Detroit in late 2024 but will make another much-anticipated Michigan stop Tuesday (Feb. 11) through Feb. 16 at the Wharton Center.

The jukebox musical is based on the life of the pop king, spanning from his early Motown days with his brothers in the Jackson 5 all the way up to the explosive “Dangerous” world tour in 1992. All these events play out to the show’s renditions of his greatest hits: “I’ll Be There,” “ABC,” “Beat It,” “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal” and many more.

Even people who aren’t fans of Michael Jackson won’t be able to resist the show’s replications of his iconic music and elaborate dancing. But with so many memorable songs to choose from, which is the one number that brings the house down? For Bowles, one song manages to stand out.

“The number that sends people on the biggest roller coaster of their lives is ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.’ That point in the show represents everything that has been building up in Michael Jackson’s life,” he said.

On the other hand, he noted that the show’s finale is so fantastic that it might top “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” When pressed further, he refused to give anything away, claiming it’s better for the audience to experience it completely unspoiled.

“All I can say is stay in your seat until the very end,” he promised. “You won’t be disappointed.”

In the show, Bowles alternates between playing patriarch Joe Jackson and Michael’s fictional right-hand man, Rob. It’s an intense part that he never expected to get — he originally auditioned to play Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones instead.

“It is challenging,” Bowles said. “In my opinion, Joe’s role is more influential in the story we built. Every scene is in grand service to the story. I have to stay on my toes, but it’s still a good time.”

Born and raised in Jackson, Tennessee, Bowles always had a passion for theater.

“I’ve been singing in the house, singing in school musicals, singing in the choir, and it turned into something I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” he said.

After studying musical theater at Middle Tennessee State University, he found experience performing at Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio. He also participated in the 2019 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Washington, D.C. It all came together when he moved to New York City and got his break in the 2022 off-Broadway production of “Kinky Boots.”

However, he loves being in the audience just as much as acting in the cast. When asked what his favorite musical is, he had to go with “In the Heights.”

“It’s educational, the musicality is so fast, and it’s a beautifully written story,” he said.

He also enjoys and “Dreamgirls” and “Hamilton” — a show he would love to perform in someday.

“For now, the future is all ‘MJ,’” he said. “We have a lot more cities to get to.”

The Wharton Center stay will be his first time visiting East Lansing, and he can’t wait for local audiences to experience the show for themselves. He gave high praise for the story, choreography and especially the hard work of the cast and crew.

“It’s a blessing to be part of a company where you learn from someone in every way. J. Daughtry (Berry Gordy/Nick) is such an influence to me on stage, as well as Jordan Markus (Michael Jackson), Matteo Marretta (ensemble), Malcolm Young (Randy Jackson/ensemble) — just everybody, really.”

 

February theater productions: 

 

“A Case for the Existence of God” 

Feb. 6-March 16 

Opening weekend showtimes: 

7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday 

2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday 

Rest of run showtimes: 

2 p.m. Thursday, Saturday-Sunday 

7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday 

Williamston Theatre 

122 S. Putnam St., Williamston 

williamstontheatre.org 

 

“Little Shop of Horrors” (Broadway version) 

Feb. 7-9 

7 p.m. Friday 

3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday 

Hannah Community Center 

819 Abbot Road, East Lansing 

allofusexpress.org 

 

“MJ” 

Feb. 11-16 

7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday 

2 p.m. Saturday 

1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday 

Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall 

750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing 

whartoncenter.com 

 

“First Date” 

Feb. 13-16 and 20-23 

7 p.m. Thursday 

8 p.m. Friday-Saturday 

2 p.m. Sunday 

Riverwalk Theatre 

228 Museum Drive, Lansing 

riverwalktheatre.com 

 

“9 to 5” 

MSU Department of Theatre 

Feb. 15-16 and 19-23 

7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday 

8 p.m. Friday-Saturday 

2 p.m. Sunday; Feb. 22 

Fairchild Theatre 

542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing 

theatre.msu.edu 

 

“Crime and Punishment” 

LCC Performing Arts 

Feb. 21-23 and Feb. 28-March 1 

7 p.m. Friday-Saturday 

2 p.m. Sunday 

LCC Black Box Theatre 

411 N. Grand Ave., Lansing 

lcc.edu/showinfo 

 

“Mankind” 

Peppermint Creek Theatre Co. 

Feb. 21-23 and Feb. 27-March 2 

7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday 

2 p.m. Sunday; March 1 

Stage One at Sycamore Creek Eastwood 

2200 Lake Lansing Road, Lansing 

peppermintcreek.org 

 

“Into the Woods” 

Feb. 28-March 2 and March 7-9 

7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday 

2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday 

Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts 

122 E. Main St., Owosso 

lebowskycenter.com 

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