About this episodeMiles Frost, the Tony Award-winning actor portraying Michael Jackson in 'MJ the Musical,' discusses the immens…AI summary
Miles Frost, the Tony Award-winning actor portraying Michael Jackson in 'MJ the Musical,' discusses the immense responsibility and physical demands of maintaining a consistent, high-energy performance night after night. He shares insights into his rigorous preparation with Michael's original dancers, the profound emotional impact the show has on audiences and Michael's family, and his personal commitment to education and artistic integrity.
Key takeaways 6
Performance Consistency: Frost emphasizes that unlike film, live theater requires delivering a fresh, high-energy performance every single night for diverse audiences, from children to elderly fans, without letting accolades like a Tony Award create complacency.
Preparation and Physicality: To authentically portray Michael Jackson's precision, Frost underwent a three-week boot camp with original dancers Rich and Tone (from the History Tour) and Pop and Pete (Electric Boogaloos), including running a mile daily to build the stamina required for the role.
Fan Devotion and Gifts: The show attracts an intensely devoted fanbase comparable to Beyoncé's, with fans sending elaborate gifts including six-page love letters, prayers, and stuffed animals, demonstrating a deep emotional investment in both the legacy and the actor.
Family Approval: Receiving validation from Michael Jackson's siblings, Jackie Marlon and Tito Jackson, was a pivotal moment for Frost, confirming he was capturing the essence of Michael correctly and providing him with professional closure.
Spiritual Connection: Frost describes experiencing uncanny coincidences where Michael Jackson's music plays in random locations (Jamaica, Cancun) during his travels, which he interprets as Michael 'following' him and guiding his performance.
Educational Commitment: Despite his demanding Broadway schedule, Frost enrolled in audio engineering at Berklee College of Music to understand the technical side of music production, believing that knowing how to mix his own records is essential for his artistic control.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“Just because I got a Tony that doesn't mean nothing to you... once those doors open once that curtain goes up you know it's showtime and all of the accolades go away it's about that performance in that moment.”
▶ 7:43Frost explaining why he does not take any performance for granted, regardless of his awards.
“I want to give everybody that same experience... I'm not gonna let miles get in the way of Janet having this the experience that she needs to have from this performance I'm not gonna let miles get in the way of that because it's not about me.”
▶ 11:03Frost discussing his mindset when performing for Michael's family members like Janet Jackson.
“Michael was not doing Michael with eight shows a week... but I know you know Mike I know he worked in between those times on his you know on his own but as far as a show you know doing the show itself you know never two in one day has Michael ever come to you in a dream um Michael follows me man.”
▶ 21:39Frost contrasting Michael's historical performance schedule with his own current regimen and describing spiritual encounters.
“My hope is to be bigger than Michael Jackson because if that's the bar just imagine if I'm somewhere Among the Stars yeah you know if that's if that's the moon and I miss I think I'll be in good shape.”
▶ 46:09Frost expressing his ultimate career ambition and respect for Michael Jackson as the standard.
“I don't want my purpose so much um to do to work around... they uh just helped me create this program that worked specifically for me and I'm forever grateful so we're working on that so I can make sure that I get my degree.”
▶ 47:45Frost explaining how he balanced his Broadway role with earning his degree in audio engineering.
Chapters & Sections (32)▼
0:01Celebrity Tributes and Musical Legacychapter4
0:01Celebrity Tributes and Legacy of Michael Jackson
1:54Celebrity Encounter and Friendship Development
3:50MJ the Musical Performance and Fan Interaction
5:13Maintaining Show Quality with Repetition
8:00MJ the Musical Performance and Celebrity Audiencechapter3
8:00Celebrity Audience and Performance Consistency
9:44Overcoming Stage Fright and Performing with Confidence
11:03Michael Jackson Family Members Attend Show
12:52Michael Jackson's Legacy and Fan Devotionchapter3
12:52Michael Jackson's Legacy and Fan Devotion
15:34Celebrity Encounter and Broadway Show Reflections
19:52Frost Discusses Being an Understudy Actor
21:27Michael Jackson's Presence in Lifechapter2
21:27Michael Jackson's Physicality and Spiritual Presence
23:05Michael Jackson's Presence Everywhere
26:26Listener Praises Sway in the Morning Castchapter2
26:26Listener Calls into Sway in the Morning
28:32Fan's Emotional Reaction to Michael Jackson Show
31:13Father-Daughter Relationship Strengthened Through Showchapter2
31:13Positive Relationship Building and Family Bonding
33:47Interview about Michael Jackson Musical
36:05Preparing to Portray Michael Jacksonchapter4
36:05Michael Jackson Tribute Preparation and Experience
37:51Nostalgic Memories of Dance Crews and Inspiration
39:34Michael Jackson's Dance Precision and Intention
41:04Interview Crew Prepares for Tour with Meek
43:24Comparing Work Ethics of Michael and Beyoncechapter4
43:24Comparing Work Ethic of Michael Jackson and Beyonce
45:23Muhammad Ali's Comparison to Michael Jackson
46:49Savannah Discusses Education and Career Goals
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