Lionsgate and Universal Pictures could’ve chosen absolutely anywhere to advance screen the immensely anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, “MICHAEL,” though there was no place like home in Gary, Indiana, or more specifically, the Mark Spencer Auditorium inside the West Side Leadership Academy, which is right down the road from 2300 Jackson Street where the entire family dynasty grew up.

The City of Gary, in partnership with the Michael Jackson Estate and the Gary International Black Film Festival, hosted the monumental affair for community members and celebrity guests, preceded by a red carpet and a key to the city presentation by Mayor Eddie Melton.

In between, Chicago Concert Reviews spoke to not only Jaafar, son of Jermaine and Michael’s nephew, who portrays the “King Of Pop” in the film, but also Jackie and Marlon, original members of The Jackson 5 and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, for a sneak preview of what to expect on Friday, April 24 in theaters and IMAX.

As a member of The Jackson 5, you laid the entire foundation for what this movie has become. What was it like when you were here in Gary getting started?

Jackie Jackson: Well, people thought that we were forced to do what we did, but as kids, we loved making music, and singing and dancing. We started in a small two-bedroom house with one bathroom and rehearsed in the living room. One step and you’re pretty much out the back door. That’s how small the house was and we made it. My father rehearsed us every single day and I thank him for that.

Were there any times when your Uncle Michael was able to give you career advice, or if you didn’t have that chance, how has he rubbed off on you as a performer?

Jaafar Jackson: As a kid, when he was alive, at that time I was into golf. I wasn’t even into music, so there was no advice I could ask on that (laughs). But one of my favorite memories is just being in his presence and just having fun, whether that would be a family day or a family dinner. I just would really appreciate those moments cause they weren’t too often. We were just incredibly busy and have such a big family, so trying to get everyone together at the same time is quite difficult, but what I carried most with me was just the humanity that I felt at those times when I would be in his presence, so I wanted to make sure I captured that on screen.

What were your other goals in portraying him?

Jaafar Jackson: I had many goals, to make sure that the dancing felt right (laughs) or felt like him when he was on stage, to capture that essence. Also, his humanity in those silent moments, where even if he’s not saying anything, you feel it through the eyes, cause the eyes are the gateway to the soul. I really feel that if you could say something just from that, then you know a lot of the work is done already.

What do you hope people will take away from this movie?

Marlon Jackson: I think people will take away from this fabulous film that they were confused, cause they thought they were watching Michael on that stage and they were watching Jaafar on that screen! That’s what, they go “Whoa, I can’t believe how great he is!” But I tell people, “Never count a Jackson out!”

Jackie Jackson: [I hope] they would notice that in order to be something in life, you have to work very, very hard at it. That’s what we did. When you watch this film, Michael worked hard. We all worked hard at it. Follow your dream and never give up on your dream!

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“MICHAEL” opens in theaters and IMAX on Friday, April 24. For additional details, visit MICHAEL.Movie.