There’s no plot, so it’s not exactly a musical. Creator Adrian Grant sets the record straight of this tribute show: “It’s not an impersonation and we’re not trying to replicate him. We’re doing an interpretation of his live performance.”
They’ve toured for three years and have been seen by over 1.2 million people. Why so successful? “MJ appeals to everyone around the world,” Grant continues. “The show is designed for people to get a taste of what it’s like to see him in concert. It’s not a theatrical show where you sit down and gently applause. Everyone who sees the show gets up and dance, as old as 70 and as young as five.”
The show’s prevalence with the youth is echoed in 13-year-old Tariq Wooding-Olajorin, who plays little MJ, belting hits from Jackson 5. Another young vocalist, 21-year-old Alex Buchanan, described his performance as, “Energetic, passionate and hard. It’s difficult to recreate MJ’s energy and natural presence. But if I did everything just like he did, it will be more of a tribute to MJ rather than sharing the respect and influence of what he did.
”Everyone on the production is a die-hard fan, gushing over his art. “He made dancing cool,” says choreographer Gary Llyod.
Vocalist John Moabi has been performing before the singer’s death, a passing that never really sank in for him. “I haven’t had the chance to be away from his music, it’s like he’s still alive for me. When I do finish the show, I’ll just break down!”
When asked about their most memorable tour, South Africa was Grant’s pick. “Seeing Black and White performing with black and white people next to each other, enjoying the music, was a great experience.”“
The loudest were the Germans,” adds Moabi. Let’s hope Singapore matches up.
Catch Thriller Live through May 15, The Grand Theater at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868. $90-170 from Sistic.
