Looking for a “Thriller” tonight?

The LSU Union Theater will host the Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience tonight, and it doesn’t matter if you’re “Black or White” or “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” — there’s “Off The Wall” fun to be had. 

“It’s a very electrifying experience,” said Terry Serio, assistant theater director for the Union Theater. “People love it. We’re excited to have it.”

Playing the part of Jackson is Joby Rogers, the official Michael Jackson substitute. Rogers was hand-selected by Michael Jackson himself to be the official substitute in 2003.

“It was one of the best times of my life just to be chosen by Michael Jackson [as] a tribute artist,” Rogers said. 

Rogers started impersonating in the 1980s and has received acclaim from Jackson himself on numerous occasions in addition to being his substitute, including a spotlight while he was in the audience during Jackson’s “Bad” Tour in 1988. He has since played sold-out performances and appeared on numerous television talk shows, including those of Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel.

Things have changed over time for Rogers and his accompanying dancers, especially since Jackson’s untimely death in 2009.

“Since his passing we got a lot busier show-wise,” Rogers said. “We got a bigger fanbase since I think what happened was that a lot of his hardcore fans switched to tribute artists.”

Rogers and company are looking forward to their show.

“This is our first time in Louisiana, so we’re looking forward to it,” Rogers said. “We love looking forward to trips like this.”

The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are free for students with I.D.

 “This is our first time in Louisiana, so we’re looking forward to it.”