Missing out on tickets to the real thing I thought that Thriller Live, whilst not a substitute in real terms, would at least be a consolation prize. In our minds Rehana and I thought Thriller Live was going to be a musical about Michael Jackson’s life from childhood to now – a biopic of sorts. Instead it ended up being a tribute instead. Once we got over that confusion in our minds we were able to enjoy the show as we sat through the re-telling of hit after Michael Jackson hits. Its amazing to think he could fill a solid two hours with his songs and it actually made me appreciate just how wide a range and style he has – from R&B/gospel to soul to disco to pop to rock. The musical pieces also reminded me just how great a visionary and entertainer Michael Jackson is. It such a shame that all the other weird stuff going on in his life has detracted from what otherwise would be considered pure genius.

Thriller Live didn’t really have a plot jumping seemingly from one song to another without any real connection. There was some loose association with time but this was very loose and some hits, such as Thriller, of course, were left to the end as a finale. However, notwithstanding, the show was highly entertaining and full of energy. The show was strongest when delivering some of Michael’s most movie-like music videos such as Smooth Criminal and Beat It which demonstrated a balance between his singing and his dancing. Naturally the moonwalk got some of the biggest cat-calls and cheers of the night.

There were six main performers in Thriller Live: Sterling Williams, who was adorable when singing the pieces from Michael Jackson’s youth, John Moabi, Ben Forster, Earl Perkins, and a female singer whose name escapes me for the moment, I think it was Michelle someone or other, who were the main vocals for the various other more mature songs and finally there was Ricko Baird, who started off strong as an excellent MJ imitator all the way down to his mannerisms in moving around the stage (though gradually as he increased his energy he seemed to lose the discipline and became a little less Michael.)

From a singing perspective it was interesting to have the different styles of the singers come through. Some times it work, such as Sterling Williams as a young Michael Jackson, and some times it didn’t such as Ben Forster’s performances. Despite the fact on his own he was very good and actually exhibited the most energy of the cast there the down and dirty in his performances was just missing. Rehana didn’t much like the female singer as she seemed to perform just at one level – loud, but I actually did like the female voice on some of Michael’s songs as it gave a good balance against the otherwise male singers in the cast.

The band were totally awesome and I was impressed that some of the guitar solos even got highlighted during the show with the guitarist coming out on to stage to showcase. Great use was also made of the stage and especially the LED screens used to flash up details about Michael’s career. Great use of it was also made during the Thriller piece which was particularly well choreographed.

Small warning to those attending – you will be encouraged to get up and dance at least twice throughout the performance!