Struck by a Smooth Criminal! Two and a half
hours of sheer magic. (Review by Verne Rowin Munsamy)
Growing up in the 80s and 90s, it was
inevitable that you would be exposed to the legend that is Michael Jackson,
unless one were living under a rock. There is no doubting the legacy that he
left behind in his music, and it is this legacy that is celebrated in the Michael Jackson HIStory Show that is
running at Sibaya's IZulu Theatre till January, presented by Showtime.
I was - and still am - a Michael Jackson
fanatic, having owned every album and LP that he released. I went into this
show with great expectations and there was not one bad moment in this thriller.
The show is two and a half hours of sheer magic. This reminiscent journey
through the history of this legend's music is an international hit. The
youthful band and dancers comprise international artists with a mixture of
local genius. They are the perfect accompaniment to Dantanio's brilliance and
swagger on stage.
(Dantanio)
The choreography is on par with MJ's best
and it is perfectly executed by such enthusiastic dancers. We were treated to
all of MJ's signature moves and his biggest hits, like Blame it on the Boogie, Beat It, Heal the World and Man in the Mirror. I was in awe as
Dantanio, a Kimberley boy, living his dream, moonwalked, kicked and pelvic-thrusted
his way through the production. This fervent show had audiences of all ages
leaping to their feet as Dantanio prodigiously portrays MJ to a T. The show
reached South Africa after a successful international tour and now embarks on a
national tour which I hope is received with vivacious support.
The technical aspects of the show are
astounding. The lights, which are an integral part of the show, are very well designed.
The costumes are spot-on and I waited in anticipation for the white glove to
appear. The aesthetics are simply stunning. We are teased with Jackson's best
and waited with bated breath for Thriller,
which was the encore number. We sang and danced and were so immersed in the
show that we forgot that it wasn't the 'real' Michael.
This show was a nostalgic traverse through
the music of a legend and it is done with such class and sophistication. Well
done to the cast and crew and I hope that it reaches the audiences that it
deserves.
Michael Jackson HIStory Show runs until January
6, 2019. Booking is at Computicket - Verne Rowin Munsamy
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