Tribute artist Joby Rogers poses as Michael Jackson. He is the only Michael Jackson impersonator to appear in Rolling Stone magazine. Courtesy of Larry Carter

The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts is presenting “The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience” starring tribute artist Joby Rogers.

The performance is scheduled to be held on Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Columbia Theatre. People who attend can expect to see Rogers perform Jackson’s signature dance moves and lip sync to many of Jackson’s popular hits.

Executive Director of the Columbia Theatre Roy Blackwood said that ticket sales are very brisk, and his prediction is that the show is going to sell out. 

“If people want to come, they need to get their tickets early,” said Blackwood. “It’s important to know also that at this point in time, students get 50 percent off of their ticket. So, they can get a $15 ticket instead of a $30 ticket in the same seat.”

Blackwood said that he has seen the show, and he thinks it is phenomenal.

“It’s spooky to look up there and see this guy and know that it’s not really Michael Jackson,” said Blackwood. “But your brain is telling you it really is because of what you’re seeing up there. He’s amazing.  He has all the moves, the mannerisms, the costuming. So, it’s really a spectacular show in its own right. But then you think about what he’s doing to celebrate the life of this great, great performer. One of the greatest of the 20th and 21st century.”

Blackwood is hoping that people under the age of 30 enjoy it most. 

“I really want to attract people to the theater who may not otherwise be coming,” said Blackwood. “There’re a lot of people who think that the Columbia Theatre only does things like Beethoven concerts for example. So, I’m trying to reach out to younger, more diverse audiences with different kinds of taste for music. And I really feel good about being able to find this act and to be able to afford to bring it in for people because I think people would really enjoy it. That said, there are lots and lots of people my age who think he was amazing who’ve also told me that they’re coming.”

When comparing this show to other shows that are done at the theatre, Blackwood said that he tries to find things that are unpredicted and fresh when it comes to deciding who will perform at the theatre.

“In the past, a lot of the shows have been more traditional with symphonic music and that sort of thing,” said Blackwood. “I try to get a mix through the year of music, drama and performance in various kinds of things, so, what I’ve done this whole season is try to shake this whole thing up a little bit.”

One of the reasons Blackwood chose the performance was because college students may be more familiar with Jackson.

“I feel like Joby Rogers is a fine performing artist,” said Blackwood. “He is putting on a show of many people call Michael Jackson the king of pop, and I think that’s to be celebrated. You are much more likely to have a relationship with Michael Jackson because he is closer to your age. This is a way to keep him alive, to keep his memory alive and to celebrate the really amazing accomplishments that he was able to accomplish.”

For more information on this performance and to purchase tickets, go to the website at www.columbiatheatre.org or contact the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts at 985-543-4371.