After its original run had been abruptly cut short by the Snow in March, Thriller Live returned to the New Theatre in Cardiff this week.
Described as an electrifying visual and audio journey through the music of Michael Jackson. The show plays tribute to Jackson’s legendary live performances and innovative dance moves.
After a faultless opening routine, the show follows Michael’s musical career from his early days with the Jackson Five. The numbers Who’s loving you? and I’ll be there lulled us into thinking that this was going to be a slow relaxing evening.
The next segment revisited classic dance routines of the Jackson 5 era with the songs I Want You Back and ABC.
The Michael Jackson musical history journey continued with Blame it on the Boogie (complete with wild costumes and great characters) and Lets Dance and Sing which included some fun audience participation.
My favourite part of the first half was the song Dangerous, This would be a prelude to the second half with the best dance routine of the first act.
The show raised the bar in the second half with their use of costumes and props to enhance the dance routines beginning with Want To Be Starting Something which featured a classic 80s dancefloor vibe.
As the hits continued each of the dancers had different costumes and props which gave each song a unique feel. While Beat it illustrated gang fighting culture through the dance medium, Smooth Criminal was stylised with the dancers dressed in suits performing routines around sofas.
Dirty Diana included the silhouettes of the live band s guitarists which were hidden behind the set. It would have been nice to have seen them step out from behind the curtain as well.
The show ended with some of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits including Thriller and Bad which had the whole audience on their feet singing and dancing along.
Thriller Live! was an energetic evening that was full of fun, leaving the audience excited with smiles on their faces.