DC-area native Myles Frost has taken Broadway by storm and skyrocketed to well more than fifteen minutes of fame with his stellar debut as Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, in the new musical MJ. The self-trained stage and screen actor, dancer, singer/songwriter, pianist/musician (he plays a total of five instruments), music producer, and audio engineer discovered his love of acting during his years at Thomas Wootton High School, after joining the Theatre Club and playing lead roles in Hairspray the Musical and Legally Blonde, and a supporting role in Cinderella.
While in his senior year at Bowie State University majoring in Music Technology, he landed his famous role on Broadway. Among his other notable credits are appearances in the Netflix hit series Family Reunion (Seasons 1 and 2) and as a contestant on NBC’s The Voice (Season 13). In 2020, he released two EP singles, “No Sleep” and “Dangerous,” which reached over 17K streams worldwide, and is also prominently featured on the soon-to-be-released original Broadway cast album of MJ.
It’s no surprise that the super-talented Myles is in high demand, so it was thriller for me that he agreed to share some of his time to take our Pop quiz about his background, his burgeoning fame, and his personal favorites.
- What three emotions did you feel when you first took the Broadway stage?
Myles: Excited. Giddy. Calm. All at the same time.
- What is it about Broadway?
Broadway is live; it’s the live theater part for me. The unpredictability of the audience, of the cast, or me – you never know if you’ll land that move or what anyone else will do or say. The excitement of that is it for me.
- At what age did you first discover Michael Jackson and become a fan?
I can’t say there was a specific age, maybe somewhere around four to six? I just grew up listening to his music, along with that of Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire . . . but Michael Jackson stood out.
- Is there one song you most enjoy performing in the show?
“Billie Jean.” It has a deep connection to me. The video of it that I did in high school was the beginning of how I got here.
- What one line do you deliver as Michael that resonates most with you?
“But is it perfect?” It’s the line I say before performing “Man in the Mirror.” It’s what the show is about and it’s the work ethic of Michael Jackson – striving for perfection. It’s something you can never achieve, but it’s why I try to make each show better, always to be better than the day before.
- What’s your favorite MJ move?
That’s hard, because it should be the moon walk, but it’s the side glide. It’s goes different ways and I have more fun doing it.
- What three things do you always have in your dressing room?
Water. Music. And a heater – I can’t function in the cold, so I’m always blasting it!
- What’s the most memorable reaction you’ve gotten from an audience member?
I was doing a scene and someone yelled out, “We love you Michael, we’re here for you.” When I’m on stage I’m always focused on what I’m doing and usually block out everything else, but that was the first time I heard it – and it was so great to hear the love people have for Michael.
- Which came first for you, singing or dancing?
Definitely dancing. I was not like the great Michael Jackson, who had a golden voice from age six! But at five, I was on The Spirit of Washington, a DC cruise. I got up on the floor and started dancing – to Michael Jackson. When I looked up, I saw people were all around me, throwing money on the floor!
- What’s your earliest creative memory?
I was in a car with my Grandma at five, coming home from church. She was always playing gospel music and she has a piano in her basement. When we got home, I went downstairs and played what I just heard on the car radio. I never had any formal training, I was just messing around, and I played it by ear.
- Who has been the biggest inspiration in your career (apart from Michael Jackson)?
Alicia Keys. Her song “Diary” is the first one I learned to completion, not just playing by ear. Between her and Michael, that’s where Myles is. And throw in a little James Brown and Stevie Wonder.
- What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Silly. Charming. Creative.
- What’s your favorite pastime when you’re not working?
When am I not working? I love playing golf, since the age of three. I used to be a competitive golfer through high school. It’s fun for me; it’s a release and it helps me slow down.
- What do you love most about New York?
The energy. How everybody is always on their way to do something – even at 4:00 in the morning! It makes me feel like I need to be doing something productive all the time.
- What are the best perks of being on Broadway?
Being in a position to give back, to help people in any way I can. Having a platform to be able to get people to listen – not in an arrogant way, but in a humble way, to steer them in the right direction about things that are important to the world and to humanity. And I do like to eat, so if they keep the kitchen open a little longer for me when I get to a restaurant after a show, that’s great!
Many thanks, Myles, for making the time to answer our questions and letting our readers get to know a little more about you. Congratulations on your spectacular success in MJ and best wishes for a never-ending “fifteen minutes” of well-earned fame!
MJ plays an open-ended run at the Neil Simon Theatre, 250 West 52nd Street, NYC. For tickets (priced from $59-179), call (212) 757-8646, or go online. Proof of full COVID vaccination and a valid photo ID are required to enter the theater and masks must be worn inside.
I enjoyed these questions and the way he answered them. I hope you do more on him. He is turning heads with his talents and who he is as a person. I have seen the musical twice so far and his star is definitely rising.