REVIEW: Thriller Live
REVIEW:
Eden Court: Thriller Live
* * * * *
By Margaret Chrystall
NO surprise that Monday’s Eden Court crowd got worked up early on about the energy-crammed, song-packed Michael Jackson tribute THRILLER LIVE – they were up on their feet in just a few songs.
But there was plenty of time to sit down and just enjoy the sound and spectacle in the full-on stage show.
With four lead singers – Britt Quentin the most Jackson-like in tone and moves – it was pure pleasure listening to the others including Shaquille Maerice Hemmans, Tyrone Lee and Ione Townsend.
And fans of Jackson the dancer are treated to all the famous moves, from a flawless moonwalk to the body-pop style jerks and shimmies, from dancer Shaun Christopher. One big moment comes with Smooth Criminal, though his solo in Billie Jean matched it.
Big theatrical numbers – Dirty Diana seeing the dancers at their best – and medleys helps speed through almost every Jackson hit you can think of – though at around 140 minutes the show does no short-changing.
Highlights include the emotion-packed drama of Britt’s performance of She’s Out Of My Life, contrasted with the hi-energy disco era number including Blame It On The Boogie, Shake Your Body Down and Let Me Show You with the dancers’ stamina adding value to the exciting choreography.
But don’t expect any mention of troubled Jackson’s child abuse allegations or plastic surgery obsession in the sketchy life story.
With the live band’s guitarists occasionally stepping out to join the performers, this is a show celebrating Jackson’s music, the second half building through Earth Song, Bad, Black And White with Thriller as dynamic as it should be before some stunning encore extras.
You can sum up this talent-packed feelgood show in one word – Thriller.
The show continues till Saturday.
