As I took my seat in the Lyric Theatre, I was vastly underwhelmed by lack of brilliance I had paid to see. An hour beforehand, I prepared myself to see Michael Jackson's life in music, highlighted by the big achievements that carved him in to the Hall of Fame. However, the high-school-music-production masquerading as an award winning musical was a mere tribute by actors that were directed by a person that clearly was not enthused by Jackson's passion (which is really no surprise as Producer Adrian Grant was a simple a Jackson fan who started his career by staging tribute shows).
What also cremated the show was the cheese-loving museum tour guide narrator that felt it necessary to chime in with countless reminders of how many units Dangerous sold in 1991 as though the five ft LED screen failed to catch our attention with the neon flashing figures.
As a former professionally trained dancer, I take this expression of art seriously. Additionally as a human being, I take Michael Jackson impersonators to heart - I mean, it actually hurts, so the combination of the two for the most part was a catastrophe in a pair of metal taps. Although the technical choreography of the performances were satisfactory with Smooth Criminal being a highlight, it was the lack of passion that outshone the big red title sign. The lack of life hanging on the edge of the arm and the unpointed toes and unstraight legs in the chorus of Beat It was abysmal and will make you personally want to get out your seat and show them how it's done.
However amongst the concrete if you look hard enough you will find roses, and it was the actors that bloomed through the production. The young Michael promises to be a rising star and female lead Samantha Johnson carried the show in her own right. Her mid alto and soprano rendition of The Way You Make Me Feel and I Just Cant Stop Loving You were attention grabbing and literally show saving.
It confirms that not everyone can do Michael Jackson, just leave him alone.
