Young Wiradjuri performer Kayleb Alese steps into the spotlight with MJ the Musical
Kayleb Alese
By Katherine Glass
A young Wiradjuri and Nigerian performer from regional New South Wales has taken his talents across Australia, building confidence and chasing a future on stage while appearing in the acclaimed production MJ the Musical.
Dubbo’s Kayleb Alese began the tour playing Little Marlon before developing his singing, acting and American accent to also perform as Little Michael.
The 10-year-old said dancing in front of large audiences had been the highlight of the experience.
“It feels great being in front of everyone, meeting new people and learning new dance styles,” Kayleb said.
“The dancing is my favourite because I get to show what I can do in front of big audiences, especially in the finale.”
Kayleb said he froze when his mother, Nicole, first told him he had secured the role of Little Marlon.
“I was shocked. I could not move because my body froze and my brain stopped working,” he said.
“It was such a great feeling to hear my mum come into the room and say, ‘You got the role.’”
An opportunity discovered from home
Kayleb’s journey began with dancing at home before his parents enrolled him in gymnastics and later dance classes.
Nicole said her son quickly thrived once he was given the opportunity to develop his skills.
“I could see he had something special,” she said.
While searching online for opportunities, Nicole found a casting call for MJ the Musical.
Because the family lived in Dubbo and the auditions were being held in Sydney, Kayleb initially submitted a video with help from his schoolteachers and dance school.
“It was a little community thing,” Nicole said.
The video earned Kayleb an invitation to audition in person. After several trips to Sydney, the family was told in December 2024 that he had secured the role.
“What started as, ‘We’ll just do this’, got a little bit bigger and a little bit bigger, and then it was like, ‘Wow, we’re here’,” Nicole said.
Kayleb’s professional theatre debut placed him in a production centred on preparations for Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour, while also exploring the performer’s early years with the Jackson 5.
Family makes sacrifices for national tour
The role brought major changes for the family.
Nicole initially arranged to work remotely while accompanying Kayleb, but was later made redundant. Kayleb’s father continued working at home while Nicole travelled with Kayleb and his younger sister.
The arrangement also meant time apart from Kayleb’s two older brothers and extended family.
“A lot of our mob are still back home, so not having us around was hard for everybody back home, but it was also hard for us being away,” Nicole said.
Kayleb has balanced rehearsals and performances with distance education and tutoring throughout the tour.
Nicole said the young performer had maintained a strong work ethic despite the demands of school, travel and professional theatre.
“He has been able to manage performances and school and switch from one to the other,” she said.
“It is a testament to who he is.”
The family also received support from Kayleb’s school, dance teachers, friends and the wider Dubbo community.
Nicole said local supporters travelled to watch Kayleb during the Sydney season, while his achievement was also recognised in the New South Wales Parliament.
Confidence grows on and off stage
Kayleb said the experience had changed both his confidence and personality.
“My confidence has changed ever since I started,” he said.
Nicole said that growth had become increasingly visible away from the theatre.
“As much as he could get on stage and perform in front of a couple of thousand people, off stage he was still a little bit shy,” she said.
“Through this show, his confidence has definitely grown.”
Kayleb said he had made close friends among the young performers, parents, adult cast and creative team.
Nicole said the touring company had become like an extended family and had supported Kayleb’s development as a performer.
“He has learnt a lot and has adult cast members he really looks up to,” she said.
“It has been such a wonderful journey.”
With the Australian production approaching the end of its run, Kayleb said he would miss performing and the friendships he had made.
Crew performing MJ the Musical in Perth. Photo credit: Jarrad Seng
Final Australian performances in Perth
Audiences can see Kayleb in MJ the Musical at Crown Theatre in Burswood, Perth, until Sunday, July 19.
The Perth season is the final stop on the musical’s Australian tour, with its last two performances scheduled for 1pm and 6:30pm on July 19.
Tickets are available through the official MJ the Musical website, with bookings also available through the Crown Theatre box office. (MJ The Musical)
He plans to continue acting, singing and dancing, with the role of young Simba in The Lion King among his future ambitions.