Alabama actor Josiah Benson will play Michael Jackson in the Broadway production of “MJ: The Musical.”

The 12-year-old Helena Middle School student will portray “Little Michael,” the young version of the international pop superstar, as the play goes on its national tour starting in August.

Roman Banks will portray older Jackson. See the full cast.

This isn’t Benson’s first acting job, having performed in various plays in the Birmingham area like “The Little Mermaid Jr.” and “Madagascar Jr.,” portraying Sebastian and The Captain, respectively. Both plays were performed at Virginia Samford Theater. He also had a part in “Les Misérables” for Irondale’s Jefferson County Academy of Theater and Dance.

While on the road, Benson will be homeschooled with a certified teacher.

“I’m lucky enough to work 100% remote and have the opportunity to travel with my son as his guardian,” Felicia Benson, Josiah’s mother, said,

The national tour for “MJ: The Musical,” starts in Chicago on Aug. 1 and will end in Washington D.C. in September 2024. The shows closest to Alabama will take place in Atlanta (Oct. 24-29) and New Orleans (Nov. 1-12). View the full schedule.

“He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time,” the play’s official website says. “Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry is electrifying Broadway and North America on tour. Centered around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, and created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status.”

The production includes two acts featuring a flew of Jackson’s hits like “Beat It,” “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “I’ll Be There,” “Billie Jean,” “Bad,” “Thriller” and more.

The play was originally scheduled to premiere on Broadway in 2020 before it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It later opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on Feb. 1, 2022. A box office success, the show was also nominated for 10 Tony Awards including best musical. It won for Tonys for best actor in a musical, best choreography, lighting design and sound design. The original cast recording was also nominated for a Grammy Award for best musical theater album.