He was once hailed by so many as the most famous person alive, to have ever lived. When it was announced that Michael Jackson had passed away, it was as if the world stopped for a moment. It has been nearly 15 years since the King of Pop has passed away, and as many tribute artists have done so when he was living, they continue to do so 15 years on.
Showtime Australia presents The Michael Jackson HIStory Show. I snapped up the chance to watch it at the TSB Showplace in New Plymouth. I took my sister along as we are both avid Michael Jackson fans and I looked forward to a ‘Thriller’ of a night, celebrating the music of my favourite music artist and performer of all time.
This is live!!! With a live band, live vocals, spectacular choreography, visual effects and footage of Jackson’s performances from his Dangerous Tour showcased on the LED screen framing the band. This show carries the essence from all his solo tours, beginning with choreography from the This Is It documentary, flowing seamlessly into opening sequences from the BAD, Dangerous and History tours. Whenever a tribute artist or band takes the stage, as a fan, it is natural to compare, and you can’t help but rate appearance and/or sound.
Garth Field, South African native from Cape Town, is exceptional in his performance as Michael. The experience he has in dance and vocals is evident throughout the entire show. His voice does not falter or grow tiresome, his choreography, along with his backup dancers, and fellow performers on stage or on point with that Jackson flare.
Fields vocal performance is incredible and so close to that of Jacksons. It didn’t take me long at all to associate the performer to Michael himself. The audience had been reserved for the first few songs, still clapping and a few hollers every so often. As soon as the Jackson 5 medley begins, we are up on our feet, singing along and as loud with them. The dancing and singing carries on to the very last note.
The dancers are superb to watch. Their athleticism, and control of their bodies, moving as a unit along with Fields, is one of the key elements in bringing this performance alive. Watching them flip and dance onstage or jump from the stage apron into the pit, then up over into the audience makes for an enjoyable spectacle. Interactions with the audience was the epitome of who Jackson was as a performer, bringing his audience into his world. The entire cast of this HIStory show made sure us as an audience were able to experience that on some level. Dancing among the audience, through the aisles. Even the over-zealous audience member who ran up onto the stage for a hug, promptly whisked off by the teams security, to the lucky lady being lead up to the stage during ‘She’s Out of My Life’ This is in true Jackson form.
Hats off to the band for replicating the music that fans of Michael and The Jackson 5 grew up loving. All the different layers, along with the backing vocalist complementing each genre within Michaels catalogue. All the way from ‘I Want You Back’ to ‘Heal the World’ and back into ‘Thriller’ Every note is hit, and every rhythm beat. Foot stomps, finger snaps, leg twists, hip thrust and crotch grab make for a truly epic night.
This is a concert truly for the fans. The costume design, the sound, the smoke machine during iconic moments in MJ performance history, and the entire cast and band really do have something special here. Showtime Australia have a knack for producing quality shows and tributes of our favourite artist, for the fans. A lot of love goes into productions such as this.