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Marcus Paul James

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BIO

Brooklyn native Marcus Paul James (MPJ) was born into a Baptist family with a Panamanian DJ father. He was raised in the church and singing in the choir loft as soon as he could stand. At home, MPJ was surrounded by the timeless voices of Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Teddy P and other R&B greats. The influence of these artists etched love for R&B, soul, gospel and tender ballads into his soul. MPJ has been writing music and creating harmonies since he was a young boy and continued throughout his college years at Penn State University. During his collegiate years, MPJ wrote for and performed with a 6-man acapella group named PRESSURE. Which quickly became popular enough to move the whole group to the NY area to work.



After growing as a singer/songwriter and with a love for new music and experiences in his blood, it was time for MPJ to leave the group. Using nothing but his soulful voice and eclectic flair he landed a role in the Tony Award winning phenomenon "RENT". His work was so well received that since RENT he's been cast in other Broadway hits "Motown The Musical", "In the Heights", "West Side Story" and even performed in "The Wiz Live" broadcast live on NBC. In addition to an impressive amount of work on Broadway, he released his first EP "Electrik Love" in 2007. The album was a soulful house album created with jazz prodigy and producer, Akira Shelton, that made a splash in the European electronic market with the title track getting radio plays and charting on the UK electronic charts. In 2010 he released his first full-length album "Meant To Be" under Silver Towers Productions, in which the title track went on to chart on the UK soul charts. From that album "Wonderful Love" and "Right Now" would go to hold 1st and 3rd on those charts for 5 consecutive weeks.

MPJ's music shines as the perfect balance of Soul, R&B, and popular music. A true Singer/Songwriter whose lyrics and music take your heart and ears to places few artist do. MPJ's recent releases "Living In Dreams" and "Romancipation Day" from his upcoming EP Paper Hearts, are a true testament to his vocal versatility and writing prowess.The Paper Hearts EP is a short collection of songs that share different shades of this thing called love. MPJ invites you to think of a paper origami heart, each angle has its own bends and story. He believes it's a misconception to think men don't have a vast array of emotions because he shows you, they do. It just may not be as visible. With Paper Hearts EP MPJ tried to make his emotions audible and resonate. MPJ worked with producers Akira Shelton and Jake Birch, mixing and mastering by Jeremiah Rosenthal from Blank Canvas Music and executively produced by Silver Towers Productions and that has proven to be a truly winning combination to create some amazing music.
- IMDb Mini Biography By: Joe Flowers

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[US Tour]
First National Tour, 2021
Otis Williams

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2021
David Ruffin (Swing)

Melvin Franklin (Swing)

Otis Williams (Swing)

[Off-Broadway]
The Public Theater New York Premiere, 2018
Ensemble

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2013
Performer (Swing) [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 2011
Mr. Jefferson, Paul, and others

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2008
Ensemble [Replacement]

Benny (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1996
Christmas Caroler [Replacement]

Christmas caroler, Mr. Jefferson, a pastor and others [Replacement]

Ensemble [Replacement]

A Pastor [Replacement]

Mr. Jefferson [Replacement]

Benjamin Coffin III, Tom Collins (Understudy) [Replacement]

Tom Collins (Understudy) [Replacement]

Benjamin Coffin III (Understudy) [Replacement]


Videos

News


Photos: Go Inside MCP's CHILDREN OF EDEN Concert, with Norm Lewis, Nikki Renée Daniels and More

Over the weekend, Manhattan Concert Productions presented Children of Eden at David Geffen Hall and BroadwayWorld was there for the big night. Check out photos here!
Photos: Go Inside Rehearsals for Manhattan Concert Productions' CHILDREN OF EDEN

Manhattan Concert Productions is getting ready to present the 9th installment of its beloved Broadway Series with the critically acclaimed musical Children of Eden. The company just met the press and BroadwayWorld was there for the big day. Check out photos below!
Marcus Paul James to Present LOVE LETTER at Joe's Pub This Month

Join Marcus Paul James at Joe's Pub on February 16th for a soulful night of music and heartfelt lyrics in 'Love Letter.'
Full Cast & Creative Team Set for Manhattan Concert Productions' CHILDREN OF EDEN

Discover the full cast and creative team behind Manhattan Concert Productions' CHILDREN OF EDEN. Get all the details about the date of this performance.
Interview: 'It's Like an Out-of-Body Experience': Shelly Berger, Manager of The Temptations, on AIN'T TOO PROUD and its Legacy

Recently, BroadwayWorld had the chance to sit down and talk with Shelly Berger, the current manager of The Temptations who has been with the group for over sixty years. We discussed what it has been like to see himself portrayed on stage, the journey of Ain’t Too Proud across the pond, and even Berry Gordy’s first reaction to the show!
Broadway Rewind: Adam Kantor Takes BroadwayWorld Backstage at RENT

Rewind to 2008 when the Broadway cast of Rent took BroadwayWorld behind the scenes!
Photos: August 29th THE LINEUP WITH SUSIE MOSHER at Birdland Theater

The seasons are about to change but one thing never changes: the quality of THE LINEUP.
Jessica Vosk, John Riddle, Sasha Allen & More Join BROADWAY SINGS CELINE DION Encore

Get ready for an unforgettable performance as Jessica Vosk, John Riddle, Sasha Allen and other incredible talents join the cast of BROADWAY SINGS CELINE DION Encore! Check out the exciting lineup and secure your tickets for this spectacular show.
Photos: THE LINEUP WITH SUSIE MOSHER From July 11th Looking Good At Birdland Theater

It was another fine and festive time at THE LINEUP WITH SUSIE MOSHER this week!
SOME LIKE IT HOT's Raena White To Make Solo Debut At Joe's Pub

After many years of performing in music venues around New York City with such composers as Pasek & Paul, Lyons & Pakchar, Shaiman & Wittman; Raena White will make her long awaited solo debut on August 14, 2023, at 9:30pm at the famed Joe's Pub.
Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at Ahmanson Theatre

Watching the mega-blast that is AIN’T TOO PROUD, the musical written by Dominick Morisseau based on the group’s history, this critic wanted nothing more than to be able to move like the members of Des McAnuff’s cast even for five minutes.
Photos: Go Inside Opening Night of AIN'T TOO PROUD in Los Angeles

Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations opened at Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson Theater on Thursday, December 15th and runs through January 1st. Check out photos from the opening here!
Center Theatre Group Announces Community Events To Celebrate AIN'T TOO PROUD In December

Los Angeles audiences will have a variety of ways to enjoy the electrifying production of “Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations,” one of the most popular and record-breaking shows in Center Theatre Group / Ahmanson Theatre history. This joyful story of brotherhood, family, and loyalty will play December 13, 2022 through January 1, 2023 with an opening night on December 15, 2022.
Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at Golden Gate Theater, San Francisco

What did our critic think of AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at Golden Gate Theater, SF?
Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at DCPA

What did our critic think of AIN'T TOO PROUD, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at DCPA? It's been said that people love nostalgia. There are certainly examples that reflect various time periods in our history but I would argue that last 10 years has seen the biggest increase in 'homage art.' Music holds memories - and memories can be powerful.
Cast Announced For AIN'T TOO PROUD Center Theatre Engagement; Tickets Now On Sale

'Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations,” one of the most popular and record-breaking shows in Center Theatre Group / Ahmanson Theatre history returns December 13, 2022 through January 1, 2023.
Marcus Paul James Releases New Single 'Hey Love'

Marcus Paul James (Ain’t Too Proud, Miss You Like Hell, Motown, RENT) While everyone tries to hold onto a bit of summer sun, Marcus Paul James is giving us a song that is sure to reignite that romantic summer flame. Watch the new music video for the single now!
AIN'T TOO PROUD Comes to The Fabulous Fox Next Month

The Fabulous Fox Theatre and the producers of the Broadway smash hit musical AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS have announced  full casting for the First National Tour coming to St. Louis at the Fabulous Fox Theatre September 20 – October 2.
Interview: Marcus Paul James of AIN'T TOO PROUD at Peace Center

AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS follows the beloved Motown group's journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, ultimately landing them 42 Top Ten Hits.
Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD at Key Bank Palace

What did our critic think of AIN'T TOO PROUD at Key Bank Palace? AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, which is now on stage at the State Theatre as part of the Key Bank Broadway Series, is a 2018 jukebox musical with music and lyrics by The Temptations and book by Dominique Morisseau.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Marcus Paul James been in?

Marcus Paul James has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

How many West End shows has Marcus Paul James been in?

Marcus Paul James has not appeared in the West End.

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