Bryanna DeFazio says she is a big fan of Michael Jackson. But the West Virginia University occupational therapy major sure never thought she would be dancing backup at a show featuring the late star’s phenomenal talent.

 

Yet, she and a handful of other young area dancers are doing just that. They are currently in regular rehearsals, where they study dance moves in his music videos. The unveiling of their work will take place at the live Nov. 2 show at Bridgeport High School featuring Michael Jackson tribute artist, J. Michael Lucas.

 

“The Michael Jackson Experience” is expected to draw a large enthusiastic crowd. The event is a fundraiser for Bridgeport Middle School Boosters and it’s all under the organization of Stacey Randolph.

 

Also a major fan of the ‘King of Pop,’ Randolph represents girls soccer in the boosters organization.

 

“I was racking my brain, trying to think of something different to do as a fundraiser and J. popped in my head,” she said.

 

She had crossed paths with Lucas – not just once, but twice – over the course of the last several months. It was just meant to be, she said.

 

“He’s from Aiken, SC and travels all around the world doing concerts. It’s a really well known show,” said Randolph, who first saw Lucas in action during the summer of 2013.

 

“I was in South Carolina for my birthday with some girls and we decided to see the show,” she said. “When I saw him on stage, my jaw dropped. I felt like I was watching Michael Jackson.”

 

Randolph got her picture taken with Lucas following the show and later hooked up with him on his Facebook fan page and the two became chat friends.

 

“Then in February, my Uncle Barry Calef said he had a performer coming into town for the danceline competition and needed someone to chauffeur him around town – and it was Jay,” she said. “Since then, my whole family has been hanging out with him and I’ve seen his show 11 times. It’s funny how it all worked out.”

 

At the upcoming show, Lucas will perform 13 signature Michael Jackson songs. The show will last about 90 minutes. Complete with lights and special effects, the show can accommodate up to 425 people. More than half those tickets have been sold, Randolph said.

 

In addition to being a unique fundraiser for the boosters, the show enables young children to become familiar with the talent of an entertainment legend.

 

“My kids didn’t know who Michael Jackson was until they saw J. in concert and then they wanted to learn to do the moonwalk,” Randolph said.

 

General admission tickets are $10 and VIP seating – rows two through eight – is $20 per person. Post-show meet and greet with Lucas and backup dancers is an additional $2. Tickets can be purchased by calling Randolph at 304-669-3753.

 

The concerts starts at 2 p.m. at the BHS auditorium. 

 

Joining DeFazio as backup dancers are Jordan Lawrence, a senior at Robert C. Byrd High School; Kaci McCleery a senior at BHS and Cam Williams, a WVU theater graduate.

 

“They’re not Michael’s dancers’ parts, but we’re making our own and trying to do it justice,” DeFazio said. 

 

Event sponsors are Hilton Garden Inn, Bridgeport Express Care and Mountain V Oil and Gas. Rehearsals are being held at the Uptown Event Center, formerly the YWCA of Harrison County. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured from top is Lucas (left) and Michael Jackson; J. Michael Lucas as Michael Jackson and backup dancers rehearsing for the Nov. 2 show.