Review: THRILLER LIVE – The Legend of Michael Jackson

3 May 2011, Singapore – Thriller Live was established in 2006 to celebrate the astonishing 40-year career of the world’s greatest entertainer.  Michael Jackson.  It arrived onto London’s West End after three acclaimed UK tours with standing ovations across Europe.   Michael Jackson sold more than 70 million records, had 13 number one singles (more than any other male artist) and is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame twice; once as a member of Jackson 5 in 1997 and later as a solo artist in 2001.  Michael Jackson achieved multiple Guinness World Records including one for Thriller as the world’s best–selling album of all time of 100 million copies and counting.

The Guy Who Conceptualized Thriller Live

Having been associated with Michael Jackson for over 20 years, Adrian Grant, the original concept and executive director of Thriller Live, launched the world’s first Michael Jackson fanzine “Off the Wall” in 1988.   Within two years, it had a circulation of 25,000 and was being read in over 47 countries around the world.   In March 1990, Michael invited Adrian to Neverland Valley and he became the first ever person to write a feature story about this wonderful retreat.

Adrian had great access to Michael’s world over the years i.e. during the recording of the “Dangerous” album, “History” album, world tours, photo and video shoots, exclusive interviews, lunches, dinners and much more.  In 1994, Adrian wrote the best-selling Michael Jackson chronology – “The Visual Documentary”.    In 2001, Michael personally attended the “Tenth Annual Michael Jackson Tribute” – a show which Adrian produced since 1991.  5 years later, Adrian developed the Michael Jackson Tribute show further and created “Thriller – Live”, which was previewed at the Dominion Theatre.

Away from Jackson, Adrian has managed performers for over 15 years, run a record label, and produced a variety of events, including “Gospel Singer of the Year”.  He is also an experienced writer, art director and publisher, and has worked on some of the UK’s top titles including Elle, Heat and FHM, as well as publishing his own titles – Urban Image and Blink.

Thriller – Live in Singapore

Playing at the Marina Bay Sands Grand Theatre starting today for a limited run of 16 shows, the international cast of 15 and a 6-piece live band entertained a very engaged full-house crowd.  For me, it brought back memories of Michael Jackson and how much he is missed.  Filled with lots of Michael’s signature singing styles, moves and crotch grabbing, we were also treated to a colourful plethora of costumes and lighting.  From disco boogies to back flips, sequin dresses to shimmer costumes, the audience tonight were standing, dancing, clapping, screaming and singing along. I observed smiles on many people as they did this during the show.  I could not help it but smile to myself, when a guy who was in crutches and cast around one leg, could not resist it and had to stand up and boogie a bit.

You’ll get to boogie and sing along to Michael Jackson favourites such as I Want You Back, ABC, Billie Jean, I’ll Be There, Blame It On The Boogie, She’s Out Of My LIfe, Rock With You, Bad, Off The Wall, The Way You Make Me Feel, Black or White and of course Thriller and many more.

The Cast

I have to say Alex Buchanan dazzled many with his cute boyish looks, sweet voice and groovy moves.  In his early 20s and coming from UK, the talented Alex’s high pitched voice made him suitable for Thriller Live.

Tyler McLean and Tariq Wooding-Olajorin takes on the role of Young Michael Jackson.  Tariq did the opening show and he is absolutely adorable with the big afro hair do.  Born in August 1997, Tariq’s talent for singing came to light whilst taking part in a school performance at the age of eight.  Tariq has been in choirs of school and church.  He has performed at Royal Albert Hall and the O2, and taken part in The Barking Broadway Theatre’s production of Aladdin.  In April last year, Tariq was featured as a soloist at the Cadogan Hall as a supporting act alongside the London Community Gospel Choir.  On 10th May last year, he also performed at The Red Cross VE Day Gala Concert at the Royal Albert Hall as a solo artiste on the same bill as Lemar and Russell Watson.     Tyler McLean is a pupil at the Susi Earnshaw Theatre School in North London and is an avid street dancer and also enjoys singing soul, gospel and rap.

Some of the other performers include Ricko, John Moabi, J Rome and Brittany Woodrow.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of5goZEFgLc

What The Audience Say

“Electrifying, Super Entertaining, Couldn’t stop clapping and it was very nice tos ing along to the many familiar tunes” – Marcus A.C. , Celebrated Fashion Stylist

“One of the few concerts that I can sing along to all the songs that were performed and I like it that the audience was very engaged.” – Brenda Chong, Marketing Professional

“It is impossible for any one person to copy Michael Jackson in totality.  It was good that each performer had their own character and they did not copy Michael Jackson totally.” –  Rosalyn Lee, 98.7FM Producer Presenter

“Raw and beautiful.  Thriller Live is where a bunch of people come together to have fun and spread the fun to the audience.  That is what Michael Jackson would have wanted.  Anyone who does not watch Thriller Live, has not lived.” – Flying Dutchman

Ticketing and Showtimes

Showtimes : Tuesdays to Fridays: 7:30pm and Saturdays to Sundays : 1:30pm and 7:30pm.

Tickets for the show start at S$70 for students, S$400 for Families, C Reserve S$90, B Reserve S$110. A Reserve S$130 and VIP S$170.

Tickets can be purchased through www.MarinaBaySands.com/ticketing, by phone at 66888826, or in person at Marina Bay Sands Box Offices (Museum, Theatres, SkyPark, Retail Mall and Hotel Tower 1 Lobby).

Interesting Fun Facts about THRILLER LIVE

• Over 467,000 tickets sold in the West End
• Over 702,000 tickets sold elsewhere except West End
• Over 1.169,000 tickets sold in total
• 1455 shows have been performed
• Countries visited:  United Kingdom, Ireland, Holland, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Greece, China, South Africa
• Tito Jackson has seen the show 3 times, Marlon Jackson once, Jackie Jackson once, Latoya Jackson attended the opening night party immediately after being evicted from the Celebrity Big Brother House (2009)
• Best New Musical and Best Choreography in the What’s on Stage Awards
• Over 100 LED panels and over 100 metres of trussing are used for the set
• Over 1000 metres of cabling used for sound and lights
• Over 500 pairs of trainers used and worn out
• Over 300 trilby’s worn and thrown
• Over 50,000 batteries recycled

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Adrian Editor

Adrian Eugene Seet, editor of SUPERADRIANME.com, has long shared his passion for travel, destinations, and air travel. His childhood love for exploration has evolved into a thriving career, with his engaging content inspiring others to discover new cultures. Taiwan is his new-found favourite destination, and he dreams of visiting the Andes. Adrian's work is driven by his curiosity for travel trends and a commitment to lifelong learning.

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