Presented by Ambassador Theatre Group Asia Pacific, Flying Music, BB Group, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed 31 December 2014
Whether one loved or hated the enigma that was Michael Jackson, it has to be conceded that his performances and music changed the ‘Rock’ world drastically and for the better. Thriller Live is NOT the life story of Jackson, but rather a brilliant kaleidoscopic concert celebrating his many, many hits. They are all here: History, I’ll Be There, Off The Wall, Dirty Diana, Man In The Mirror, Bad, Thriller (of course) and many more.
The show’s first half is dedicated to Jackson’s start with the family group The Jackson Five and his Disco period; the second half, feeling like a very elaborate music video, concentrates on his music from 1984 to his death.
With Adrian Grant’s original concept, and as directed and choreographed by Gary Lloyd, Thriller Live is an absolutely stunning spectacle that just explodes with high-octane energy from start to finish. Nigel Catmur’s wonderfully colourful and theatrical lighting design uses just about every lighting device and trick in the book, and they all work! When combined with Colin Rozee’s very clever video content design, the stage just dazzles. The dazzle factor is aided and beautifully abetted by Rob Jones and Catherine Teatum’s fantastic costumes.
The only aspect that doesn’t work well, at least in the Festival Theatre, is the sound. John Maher’s very hot band sound great, but are over-amplified and there is too much reverb when the singers use hand-mics. This all makes for an incredible lack of clarity in the lyrics.
Apart from the brilliant visuals of this show, the other factor that highly impresses is the enormous energy level from the entire cast. The fact that this reviewer felt exhausted after coming out of the opening night performance was due entirely to the unflagging endurance of this superb cast. Lloyd’s choreography is tight, physically demanding, mirrors the famous Jackson style, and is expertly performed by all.
In a predominately British cast, Australia’s own MiG Ayesa and Prinnie Stevens (somewhat resembling Latoya Jackson in looks) more than prove they deserve to be part of this excellent team.
If you are a Michael Jackson fan, do not miss Thriller Live: but if you just like stunning extravaganzas, this show will not disappoint either.
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods
Venue: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: 31 December 2014 – 11 January 2015
Duration: 2 hours 30 mins, including interval
Tickets: From $69.90
Bookings: Book online through the BASS website or phone 131 246
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