Astounding, energetic and powerful, a dynamic combination that will leave you in awe and wanting more is exactly what you should expect on the opening night of Michael Jackson: Remember the Time at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square.
From 5 February to 10 February, the Michael Jackson doppelganger, Michael Jonathan will evoke the spirit of the King of Pop in the new, re-mastered production with iconic dance routines and memorable songs alongside six talented back-up dancers.
Now in his thirties, Jonathan’s love for the King of Pop started when he was three years old and he has been performing professionally for the past 13 years since his move to South Africa from France.
“My love for MJ started when I was a kid. I was about three or four years old when I saw him perform for the first time on the Motown 25 performance when he did Billie Jean and the moonwalk for the first time. That’s when I fell in love with the guy,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan said he felt a kind of magic after seeing Jackson moonwalk for the first time – a feeling that he promised will be felt by the audience during his performance at the Square.
His uncanny likeness to Jackson and his perfected dance moves has earned Jonathan the title ‘Prince of Pop’ and the world’s number one impersonator.
“I don’t see myself as an MJ impersonator, I feel a deeper connection than that,” he said.
Jonathan added that the moments he lives for are his rehearsals and performances and even though he had never had the opportunity to see Jackson live, it was important for him to continue to icon’s legacy.
Jonathan and Jackson share a couple of similarities in addition to the resemblance. According to Jonathan, the pair share a similar childhood as both individuals were forced to grow up before their time, didn’t have a proper childhood and both have infamous strained relationship with their fathers. More importantly for Jonathan, performing was his only joy and hearing MJ was his escape.
“There are many similarities but the most important thing is that the stage is my home, I own the stage. On stage I’m bad and off the wall,” said Jonathan.
Through his talent, Jonathan said he plans to help the less fortunate as well as carry on Michael Jackson’s legacy to heal and unite the world.
Details: 011 883 8606; www.theatreonthesquare.co.za
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21 years of entertainment at the Auto and General Theatre on the Square