Michael Jackson Tribute Show: Twin Towns: 22 February 2024
Performance Expectation can be a killer or a Thriller.
Relating the price of a ticket to the value hopefully received is entirely counter-productive and should be avoided. I’ve been to some ridiculously inexpensive shows that would blow your socks off. Alternately some with wallet-vacuuming entry prices where audiences were sneaking out any dark door they could find.
Nursing my immature bias that went along the lines of ‘nothing, nor nobody could accurately reproduce the extensive works of Michael Jackson’, The King of Pop, the Event Photographer and I entered the Twin Towns Showroom.
For starters, it was filling up quickly and that’s a good sign – being the first of two shows at this well-equipped venue. Let’s face it, Thursdays are the new Friday, like the welcome beginning of a wider weekend for fun. Bring it on.
By the way, there’s no spoilers in this review.
Back to the show. Someone has done their deep research on Michael. Presently just one phase, or a partial timeline of Michael Jackson discredits the entirety of the multifaceted enigma that surrounded him through his short (by comparison to some) career. To be fair he did start young. I recently interviewed an internationally respected Wrecking Crew guitarist who played on some of The Jackson 5 albums and Michael was then just a kid in the studio. But an experienced trouper, mind you.
The stage production was top-notch for this showcase called: “Invincible – A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson”. With an unusual start, catching this full house of audience / devotees off guard, it steamrolled into hit after hit. Showcasing a couple of Michael Jackson specialists (one at a time) and an experienced overseas live band playing the MJ’s tunes most loved by us. But not it’s just the songs, it’s the harmonies and the vitality on the raised floor.
M.J. Surely it could also stand for Moves & Jumps? Mainly Jaw-dropping? Music & Joy? Your call, pick a couple. Then there was the shows’ own Choreography and the Twin Towns pro-stage lighting for the epic dance expressions enhancing the songs. Memory embedded scenes from The Jackson 5 / Michael Jackson videos we grew up with were reenacted. Moonwalks? You’ve got it. Zombies? A graveyard full. Afro hairstyles, enough to block a doorway, and beads and coloured flares? Nailed that iconic fashion statement as well.
There was a moment – a crazy split second where, just like watching a great movie – my disbelief was suspended. Had Michael really passed? Ridiculous concept I now admit, but here on this Thursday night was a sensational exposé which revealed breadth of talent of which was shared across 750 million records worldwide. It’s hard to Beat It.
All the classic songs were there to greet you, like a family reunion. Each unpacking personal memories of maybe a nicer fun-filled time to be alive. You Are Not Alone – in feeling this way.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by 101FM Radio Presenter Stu Robertson
Photography by Michelle Cop (MC Photography)
