Thriller Live comes to Singapore
The spectacular, high-octane show celebrating the career of the world's undisputed King of Pop — Michael and the Jackson 5, is here in Singapore.
Thriller Live marks the first dedicated live theatrical experience ever, and it is moonwalking its way into The Grand Theatre at Marina Bay Sands for a limited run of 16 shows till 15 May.
The show was specially created to celebrate the astonishing 40-year career of the world's greatest entertainer, and was originally conceived by executive director, Adrian Grant, an associate of Michael Jackson for more than 20 years, and author of 'Michael Jackson — The Visual Documentary'.
Here is Adrian in his own words.
You've known MJ for over 20 years. How did you react when you heard about his death?
My first thoughts were for his family — especially his mother Katherine and three children. For two nights I couldn't sleep and did not believe that Michael was gone. I was very fortunate to get to know him personally over a 21-year period and he was always very kind and open towards me. He was a smart and funny guy, not at all like the press perceive him to be. I have nothing but great memories.
Obviously with the show I'm surrounded by his music constantly, and I feel he is still with his fans in spirit, but I will miss what more there could have been.
When was your last conversation with MJ before his death and what was your conversation about?
It was a brief conversation (in 2007), but he wished me good luck with 'Thriller Live', and wanted me to do well. Michael was always very kind and considerate. Unfortunately Michael never got to see 'Thriller Live', but the Director of 'This Is It', Kenny Ortgea told me recently that Michael was planning to come and see the show in London, and that he was going to wear a disguise so he didn't get mobbed!
Could you describe your relationship with MJ?
Looking back I feel very privileged that I got to know one of the greatest entertainers of all-time so well. He inspired me greatly to do the things I loved, working in music, film and theatre. As a person he was always kind, giving and funny and as an artist he was a true genius.
I was always honest with Michael, and spoke with him like I would any other friend and I think because of that he trusted me and allowed me access to his world — that is Michael Jackson the normal man at home, and Michael Jackson the megastar on stage.
When you met MJ for the first time in 1990, how different was he from who you had in mind?
I didn't have any preconceptions of what Michael would be like. But from the moment I did meet him he was kind, funny and had a big smile. He was very talkative —a bout many different subjects. But mainly he liked to have a laugh and joke around. That's not to say he wasn't ever serious because he was an absolute genius in the recording studio and when performing.
How have things changed following the star's death? So many things were said about MJ when he passed on. Do you think MJ should have been vilified in the press?
There will never be another Michael Jackson. The music industry has changed and is far more instant then it was 10, 20, 30 years ago. Michael grew up during the Motown era, and worked hard with his brothers touring and perfecting their craft. Furthermore he learnt from greats such as Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Jackie Wilson and James Brown. He always said he would 'study the greats and aim to become better!'
You may find an individual who can sing better, or dance better — but what made Michael the King of Pop was that he did everything, and he did it so very well and with his own style. As a songwriter he was sometimes underrated — but like at hits such as 'Billie Jean', 'Wanna Be Startin Somethin', 'Earth Song' and 'Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough' — pure pop classics. As a singer he had an incredible 4-octave range, and as a dancer he created breakthrough videos such as 'Beat It' and 'Thriller', and was complimented by none other than Fred Astaire.
It's a tragedy that it took his passing for him to get a lot of the respect that he gets now (from the press and media). I sometimes think he was under rated as an artist, because people focused more on his lifestyle and the hype around him, than the actual quality of his music and performances.
How did Thriller LIVE! come about? What were your inspirations?
Michael was a big fan of the 'Annual Michael Jackson Celebration' that I used to produce once a year in London. He loved them so much that he used to send his own video crew to film them, as well as donating signed prizes for the raffle, and recording personal video messages for the fans.
Then on the 10th anniversary in 2001 Michael came to watch the show personally. It was similar to 'Thriller Live' in that we had various people on stage singing his songs, and after the performance, Michael came on stage and said it was 'Incredible and beautiful!'
That gave me the idea and belief that the Annual Celebration could become a touring show, not just for Michael's fans — but for everybody to get a little taste of what Michael Jackson was like live on stage.
Has the worldwide tour surpassed your expectations? Did you ever think it'd come this far?
Michael was at the top of his career for over 4 decades and sold over 750 million records. It hasn't surprised me that a show with his music in should do so well. Plus this is a show done from the heart with a lot of genuine love and respect for the artist with a very talented cast. The singers, dancers and live band all pay homage to Michael's work perfectly.
What comes after the worldwide tour?
I am producing a new show, Respect La Diva, which starts touring this September. It's a bit similar to 'Thriller Live' in that it is a musical celebration — but this time of the great Divas of our time such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Diana Ross and Whitney Houston.
Thriller Live opens at the Grand Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, in Singapore for a limited run of 16 shows. Performance schedules are Tuesday to Friday (7.30pm), and Saturday and Sunday (1.30pm and 7.30pm).
Tickets, ranging from S$90 to S$170, are available at sistic.com.sg / hotline 02-6348 5555. For more information, log on to marinabaysands.com.
