Thriller Live

This show is billed as a celebration of the phenomenal career of the ‘King of Pop’ [tag]Michael Jackson[/tag]. The two hour show features the music and choreography of Michael from his days as part of the Jackson 5 and his solo career. A 30 strong cast including the number one MJ lookalike, E’Casanova, [tag]Jeffrey Daniel[/tag] (ex [tag]Shalamar[/tag]), [tag]Zoe Birkett[/tag] (of Pop Idol fame) and a full compliment of dancers, live band and even gospel choir, combine to replicate the hits and atmosphere that should have die hard fans and pop music appreciators salivating.

I saw “[tag]Thriller Live[/tag]” a couple of weeks ago at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls and revisited it on Thursday at the famous Apollo in Hammersmith. Whilst I was pleased to find a more polished version of the show this time around, it falls sadly short of it’s promise.

I was happy that the producers had dispensed with the awful video commentary of Tito Jackson which added nothing to the overall performance. Michael Jackson’s music is full of feeling and energy, unfortunately the live band, who played the notes competently, sadly lacked the feeling required to convey the energy that lies within the music.

Portions of the show are very good, Shaheen Jarfarghloi and Dominic Smith who sing as young Michael, throw down on, I Want You Back, ABC and Who’s Lovin’ You. The Smooth Criminal dance number is electric and you’re transfixed, but all too often the performances lacked energy. With the exception of the strong vocals of Zoe Birkett and the warm harmonies of the gospel choir on, the vocal performances were weak. The finale, the one we were all waiting for, was an abysmal anti-climax with E’Casanova failing to deliver even a third of the song, much prefering to show off his mooon walking skills.

I felt that the show lacked a true identity. It didn’t really know whether it wanted to merely replicate the vocals and choreography of MJ’s live and video performances or truly celebrate the music with a fitting tribute garnered from performers at the top of their game. This show has such great potential. Unless you are a die hard fan, you forget that Michael’s back catalog is truly amazing. The show serves to remind you of this by stimulating your memories, but sadly unless they improve on the quality of the delivery, you may leave it feeling disappointed.