Michael Jackson Thriller Live show is a musical production established in 2006. It is a celebration of the music of Michael and of the Jackson 5 - chronologically showcasing all of the best-selling Michael Jackson music.
Background to Thriller West End Show
Thriller Live is the brainchild of Adrian Grant (Executive Director and Co-Producer) - a long-time Michael Jackson fan who started by staging tribute shows, went on to meet Michael and wrote a book about him. Helping Grant to execute the Michael Jackson Thriller show are Director and Choreographer Gary Lloyd - who has worked with the likes of Robbie Williams and Girls Aloud - and MTV award-winning choreographer LaVelle Smith Jnr.
Thriller West End opened at the Lyric Theatre on Shaftesbury Ave, London on 2 January 2009. Its running dates have continually been extended due to its popularity – currently until 12 September 2010. The Thriller theatre show is also touring the UK and Europe. The show continued running and increased in popularity after Michael's death on 25 June 2009 (at age 50). At the first performance after Michael's death there was a minute's silence and fans and crowds gathered outside to leave flowers, gifts and tributes. Three members of the original Jackson 5 (Tito, Marlon and Jackie) have seen and reportedly enjoyed the show, as has Michael's sister La Toya Jackson.
What is the Michael Jackson Thriller Live Show like?
The Thriller Live show is essentially a "jukebox show" - a musical anthology working its way through Michael Jackson's hits - of which there are plenty, from a man who sold over 750 million records worldwide. The show does not give a history of Michael's personal life and there is virtually no script or narrative. It is essentially a tribute concert.
There are over 30 performers and a number of different "Michaels" (including a female Michael and a young Michael performing with the Jackson 5), as well as a live band. A LED digital screen at the back of the stage plays a crucial role, with colourful images constantly changing as well as headlines and photos of Jackson's career. The shows starts with the Jackson 5 and a very talented young Michael, with his older brothers colourfully and playfully capturing the psychadelic days of the late '60s - complete with affros, flared trousers and colourful costumes. The audience is warmed up with hits like "I Want you Back" and "ABC".
The songs then move on to Michael's breakthrough album "Off the Wall" and of course on to "Thriller" - reminding the audience that this album spent 37 weeks at the top of the charts and remains the best selling record of all time. The music moves between a range of genres including blues, jazz, motown, rap and disco, and the live band is outstanding (although most of the time hidden behind the screen). In the second half the performers get the audience involved - by encouraging them to stand up and dance - with each half of the Thriller theatre chanting and singing different parts of the song.
All of Michael's hits are colourfully reproduced with high energy, tight choreography and a visual extravaganza of lights and colours. The dancers are cheeky and seem to be having fun and the singers belt out hit after hit - including a female "Michael" who gives a sassy and memorable rendition of The Way You Make Me Feel. The audience sings and bops along to all of the classics - including Billie Jean, Black or White, Man in the Mirror, Earth Song, Beat It and Thriller. The moonwalk is smoothly executed by multiple dancers, much to the delight of the audience, and the costume changes take place with breath-taking speed.
Reviews of the Thriller West End show by major papers and reviewers have been mixed - for example the Guardian describing it as "cute, kicking and retro" but saying the show "paled in comparison" to Michael himself. However, for those with at least a passing appreciation of Michael Jackson music who want to see a fun, lively and entertaining show by a number of hugely talented singers and dancers, Thriller Live is an inspiring and enjoyable night out.
Sarah Pring - An avid reader and writer since childhood, Sarah graduated with a double degree in Law and Arts, later completing a Diploma in Editing, ...
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