The city of Gary will host a special screening of “Michael,” the new Michael Jackson biopic, for city residents next week.
“Michael Jackson’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our city and our world,” Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said in a Tuesday news release. “From humble beginnings at 2300 Jackson Street to the global stage, his journey started right here in Gary, Indiana. Hosting this exclusive screening is a profound honor for our community, allowing us to celebrate our most famous son while investing directly in the next generation of Gary’s creative and athletic talent.”
Michael Jackson anniversary
John Smierciak/Post-Tribune Isaiah Stevenson of Gary a Michael Jackson impersonator, dances to the song “Thiller” during the 14th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death. Fans and impersonators from all over gathered at his childhood home at 2300 Jackson Street in Gary on Sunday, June 25, 2023. (John Smierciak / Post-Tribune)
City leadership will host the screening with the Gary International Black Film Festival at West Side Leadership Academy’s Mark Spencer Auditorium. The auditorium seats 2,000, according to Gary’s website.
The “Michael” screening will be at 6 p.m. April 13, according to a news release. Gary residents are limited to two tickets per household, which they can get tickets at the West Side main office, YWCA of Gary, Urban League of Northwest Indiana, and Beautiful Things Boutique.
Tickets are only available for Gary residents, and they are available after 10 a.m. Wednesday and on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are also free, but donations will be accepted by the West Side Theater Guild, which will go toward youth programming.
“We are grateful to Mayor Melton and the city of Gary for standing with the Gary International Black Film Festival … to bring ‘Michael’ home, ensuring that his story reaches the people and the place that shaped him,” GIBFF Founder and Director Karen Toering said in a news release.
Filmmakers, cast, and members of the Jackson family will attend the screening, according to the city.
State Sen. Mark Spencer, D-Gary, who is also the director of performing arts at West Side Leadership Academy, said he’s looking forward to the presentation of “Michael,” and West Side leaders are honored to host the screening.
“Any time that Gary is on a national stage, I think we should all feel pride,” Spencer told the Post-Tribune. “I’m honored to be part of it, and I think this is an opportunity for the world to reflect and appreciate the artistic achievements of this incredible family and the spirit of our community and Gary.”
Spencer said Melton asked if West Side would be available for the showing, and school leaders were happy to host. He thinks it’s important for the screening to be open to only Gary residents because it shows civic pride, Spencer added.
“I’m looking forward to having our audience walk away feeling fulfilled with the opportunity to experience the greatness of the Jackson family legacy,” Spencer said. “I want people to walk away, feeling alive and with pride of all that’s occurred in their own community.”
According to a city news release, “Michael” tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life and legacy, “tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.” Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson, stars as Michael, according to a news release.