Acting and advertising sophomore and self-proclaimed "theater kid" Sara Sodke said her interest in the musical started in high school when her theater director went to see the show when it was still in the works.

"Now that it's coming here, I definitely want to see what it's turned into, (what) it has become," Sodke said. "I also just really like Michael Jackson's music, and I think his story is fascinating, so I'd like to watch that."

Special education junior Anna Nerat said she’s looking forward to fully immersing herself in the musical.

"Anytime I go see a show at the Wharton, I just look forward to having two and a half hours to just kind of forget about everything else in the world and just tune in and enjoy the show," Nerat said. "I love Michael Jackson's music, and I'm just so excited to see it be brought to life through a jukebox musical."

For the cast members and performers, the musical is much more than just a performance.

Jordan Markus, who plays Michael Jackson in "MJ the Musical," said the role helps him feel the spirit of Michael Jackson.

"Michael's whole message was to heal the world and preach love and unity, and I think we built such a community in that spirit that you can't help but feel it once you walk on stage and you see everybody smiling," Markus said. "Before I even go on stage ... I'm getting in the zone, just trying to encompass everything that he was as best as I can, like as a vessel, because it is physically me on stage, but the show itself has such a spiritual aspect to it that Michael lives through."

Markus emphasized how fun and challenging the role has been, and the impact Michael Jackson has left on his own musical journey.

"It truly is the most fun I've ever had on stage doing any show, (but) it's also the hardest, but that comes with the territory," Markus said. "It's difficult, but rewarding, and it means a lot to little Jordan and it means a lot to present-day Jordan as well."

"MJ the Musical" also stands out because of how the narrative is structured, Sodke said.

"I think this musical has different stages of life because Michael Jackson had a career when he was younger, then he got bigger when he was older," Sodke said. "So having a younger version and an older version, I don't really see that a lot, especially in shows about musical figures."

When portraying Michael Jackson, Markus said there are some things that he keeps in mind, such as emphasizing the human side of the "King of Pop."

"I think he was a very well-rounded person like the rest of us," Markus said. "He had good days, bad days. He had his moments where he felt lonely, he felt happy, felt excited, he felt passion. Remembering that he was an entire human rather than just a performer, just a singer, just a dancer, is probably the thing that I take with me the most, because I think to portray him honestly, that's the only way."

The costumes also play a vital role in portraying Michael Jackson, Markus explained.  

"Michael's not only the king of pop, he’s also the king of fashion, in my opinion. He has such influence, even to this day, on the fashion industry," Markus said. "I think his music and his looks and his performances are all kind of woven together. He always made sure that he made a statement with whatever he wore, whatever he did, whatever song he was singing."

Markus hopes the audience will come prepared to learn more about Michael Jackson’s life and music.

"I hope that the audience comes into the theater ready to receive something they might not have known about Michael before, and also ready to have fun," Markus said. "At the end of the day, it's a huge party. By the end of the show, we're all up, dancing, having a good time."