In this episode of The Jermaine Plane, Jermaine sits down with Ilario Grant, the rising star who is about to take on one of the most iconic roles in theatre, Michael Jackson in MJ The Musical, opening this September at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne. From Broadway to Sydney and now Melbourne, Ilario shares the electrifying journey of stepping into MJ’s shoes, the preparation it takes, and the weight of embodying such a legendary figure on stage.

Ilario opens up about his roots in California and Georgia, the musical influences that shaped him, and the moment he knew he wanted to perform after watching Michael’s Thriller short film. He reflects on his time in the boyband Afterours, his film debut in Praise This alongside Chloe Bailey and Quavo, and the lessons he has carried from working with directors like Tina Gordon. With stories about Broadway debuts, learning directly from Rich and Tone Talauega, and the importance of perfectionism in MJ’s artistry, this conversation reveals both the discipline and the joy behind one of theatre’s most demanding roles.

At its heart, this chat is about influence, ambition, and the pursuit of artistry at the highest level. As Melbourne gets ready to experience MJ The Musical, Ilario shares what he hopes audiences will take away, not just about Michael Jackson, but about resilience, humanity, and the electrifying power of music.

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