Considered one of world’s best impersonators of his kind, CJ will return to the stage this month with latest version of his tribute act – guaranteeing a thriller of a show featuring breathtaking numbers that will surely leave audiences speechless. Guillermo Nazara chats with the artist, to learn all the facts about this new exciting production, serving as CJ’s crowning achievement at playing the King of Pop.
How does it feel to be impersonating probably the biggest legend in the history of pop music?
It feels great. Professionally, I’ve been doing this for 15 years and it never gets boring. It’s been a dream since a young age, and to have that dream come true is amazing. Michael Jackson is probably the hardest pop icon to impersonate, so I feel very blessed to have the talent to be able to do this.
How did the idea for this show come about?
The show has been building for 15 years, and we have always been on the lookout to work with great producers – so we were over the moon when we joined our promoters and touring company ‘Entertainers’ to take the show to where it needs to be today.
Your fascination with Michael Jackson started when you were only 4 years old. What’s the personal connection that you feel towards him?
I just loved watching him perform. As soon as I saw him on TV, I just wanted to watch him everyday,and study his videos and live performances, as well as doing extensive research to how he came up with these amazing creative ideas and vocal performances.
As an artist, what has your journey of internalising this real-life character been like?
That’s a good question. When I’m not performing, I’m just your typical everyday average guy. I’m not the type of person who walks around imitating Michael Jackson all the time. But when it’s time to go to work, then it just naturally comes out of me, and all that studying from a young age just pours out of me onstage. It’s hard to explain – I suppose it’s just the passion I have for performing MJ’s music and dance.
What are the biggest challenges you find in playing this role?
I’m always very hard on myself and always try to give the best performance at every show -to give the Michael Jackson fans what they deserve to see. I suppose keeping up that standard of giving the audience the best possible experience at each performance is the biggest challenge for me. But I love it, it’s what drives me!
Apart from your performance, what does this show offer in comparison to other tribute acts or musicals themed after Michael Jackson?
I believe this show offers the most authentic tribute show to Michael Jackson’s live performances, with a little taste of what it would have been like to watch a real live Michael Jackson concert.
Why come see Man In The Mirror?
We have had messages from people who are not MJ fans, and only came to the shows because they have accompanied family members. The have told us that they are MJ fans now because of our show. This makes all our hard work worthwhile. So, if you are looking for the best night out to celebrate the legendary music, iconic dance routines, and live performances of the greatest entertainer of all time, then Man In The Mirror is the show for you!
Help us continue our work
We count on your support to keep bringing the greatest quality in theatre-related content, from interviews with the biggest names in the industry to reviews of every show in town and beyond.
We appreciate every donation to maintain our high pace and standards and continue to grow.
Thank you for believing in us!
***************************************************
Man In The Mirror will start its UK tour on 21 March. Tickets, venues, and dates are available on the following link.
One response to “Michael Jackson tribute artist CJ talks upcoming show ‘Man In The Mirror’: “Some people are MJ fans now because of our show””
[…] Read our interview with CJ here. […]