THEATRE REVIEW: Thriller Live, Liverpool Empire Theatre

Apr 21 2008 by Peter Grant, Liverpool Daily Post

THIS spectacular touring show paid tribute to the creativity of the much- maligned megastar.

It was a celebration of Michael Jackson’s incredible back- catalogue, from the Jackson Five to the white- gloved solo artiste who created the biggest- selling album of all time, 25 years ago, Thriller.

This 2½-hour production was more than a tribute, with a narrator coming on and off introducing on-screen video flashbacks.

It all slickly gathered momentum for the second half, which was packed with non-stop song and dance sequences.

The show was not a re-playing of the whole of the Thriller album, but a stylised look back at MJ before things went horribly wrong in his private life.

Flying Music, who pre- sent the fab Solid Silver 60s packages with the likes of Gerry Marsden and the Rat Pack tours, teamed up with well- respected producer Adrian Grant. The result was a well-thought out, energetic showcase – a class act from start to jaw-dropping finish.

It featured 20 performers, many from the West End, including acrobatic dancers and a stunning live band, all illustrating that in the studio and on stage Jacko was (and is) a musical superman.

The choreography was faultless thanks to Lavelle Smith Jnr and the early Michael, played by Dominic Smith, a talent to look out for.

The hit songs were all here as different performers added extra texture to Jacko’s songs.

It was a veritable Jackson jukebox of a show, in which I Want You Back and I’ll Be There joined Man in the Mirror and the sing-alongs such as Rock With You and Blame It On the Boogie.

And what a finale with Billie Jean, Thriller – the title track – and the funky Black and White.

For Michael Jackson fans it really was a must-see theatrical thriller.