For Josh A. Dawson, art is more than performance – it’s purpose. A son of the Midwest and a descendant of a long line of pastors, he grew up surrounded by the rhythm of church choirs. Ministry – including dance – was a family tradition. It’s no surprise that he was drawn early to music, movement and storytelling, stepping into his first musical by sixth grade.
“It just made sense to me,” he reflects. “The arts were where I felt most alive.”
He has acted in a theater production every year since.
From July 8-11, “MJ The Musical” arrives at the First Interstate Center for the Arts. Dawson stars as Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones – iconic roles he brings to life with integrity, talent and personal connection.
“I’m a full-time musician when I’m not acting, so playing Tito – the musical heartbeat of the Jacksons – felt natural,” Dawson explained.
Portraying Quincy holds special meaning; Jones is one of his biggest inspirations and the creative force behind so much of Michael Jackson’s iconic sound.
Playing these figures also feels like stewardship – an act of preservation.
“These are real people, real legacies. It’s not just about mimicking them, it’s about honoring them. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly,” Dawson said.
But Dawson’s connection to the musical runs deeper. He was an architect of the production, playing a role in its creative development in New York, helping shape the show in its earliest stages.
“I’ve been working on this since 2018. It’s been a long journey – and a personal one.”
After a stint touring in “Hamilton,” Dawson returned to the production he helped create – this time as Tito and Quincy. When asked about the pivot between playing both characters in a live production, he praised playwright Lynn Nottage for crafting a seamless narrative that intertwines the characters in a way that makes the transition feel natural.
Dawson channeled the emotional depth of portraying Tito by leaning into the unspoken bond between brothers – the tension, loyalty and kind of love that doesn’t require words. He emphasized “MJ The Musical” captures layered family dynamics: complex, sometimes strained, but always rooted in care. As Tito, he embodies a protector and a peer in Michael’s journey.
His preparation began during the musical’s workshop phase, where he immersed himself in research – reading, watching interviews and learning lesser-known truths of the Jackson family.
“There were so many things I didn’t know,” he said. “Especially the complex dynamics between the brothers and their parents.”
That deep dive allowed him to bring authenticity and emotional nuance to the stage. He brought that insight into his relationships with castmates, cultivating creative synergy to reflect the bond of brotherhood on stage.
“It was fascinating to explore and portray those relationships. And now, doing it full-time – it’s truly an honor.”
Dawson views representation as inspiration.
“You can’t be it if you don’t see it,” he says plainly. “When I was a kid in Iowa, I didn’t always see people who looked like me doing this. That’s why I do what I do now.”
Performing in cities like Spokane reinforces that mission.
“There’s always someone in the audience – especially a kid – who maybe didn’t think this kind of career or artistry was possible for them. And then they see it live.”
He acknowledges the complexity of being a Black actor in a world where roles are often limiting or typecast.
“I’m a human first and Black second. But if I’m going to be telling Black stories, I want to do it right.”
Conversely, playing roles that aren’t specifically about Black identity is rewarding. Whether it’s Aaron Burr in “Hamilton” or Tito Jackson, Dawson values the skill it takes to capture the humanity in every story.
So what does he hope the audience walks away with? A deeper understanding of who Michael Jackson was beyond the headlines – highlighting his work ethic, creative genius and the personal pressures he faced. He hopes people leave not just entertained, but with a renewed appreciation for the person behind the performer.
“This isn’t just a jukebox musical. It’s a story of humanity, resilience, genius and love. It’s for everyone.”
Why does Black art matter? For Dawson, it’s more than expression – it’s the preservation of legacy.
“It’s how we tell our stories. It’s how we keep our history, our inspiration, and our ancestors alive.”
He believes deeply in the power of visibility: “You can’t be it if you don’t see it.”
That’s why, for Dawson, performing isn’t just about the moment – it’s about the movement.
“There’s a whole new generation of young performers who need to see how those who came before them grew, healed and found their voice. Black art is for them. It’s for all of us.”