Man in the Mirror, a celebration of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, comes to the Beck Theatre next week. SIBA MATTI spoke to the show's associate producer, Graham King, to find out more
MICHAEL Jackson's untimely death in June 2009 sent shock waves around the world, with millions mourning the loss of their beloved King of Pop. But loyal fans have another chance to hear the singer's chart-topping hits live, thanks to Man in the Mirror, a new show celebrating his success over three decades.
Unlike the many tribute acts spawned before and after Michael's death, however, Man in the Mirror does not centre around an impersonator.
Associate producer of the show, Graham King, explains: "The show was conceived before Michael died but we decided to put it on hold for a year out of respect.
"There are more than 20 seasoned performers but there isn't one person specifically playing Michael. No one could ever be as good a showman or simply as amazing as he was, so we decided early on not to go down the impersonator route.
"There is no storyline; instead, the show is more like a pop concert, a very big and loud celebration, with eight male and female singers taking on Michael's songs in their own unique way.
"There is a rigorous selection process and most of the singers - who include the nephew of Nat King Cole, Eddie - have done session work with other pop stars, plus the majority of dancers have worked on big-scale productions, including with MTV."
The show, which made its debut in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, before moving to a theatre at Niagara Falls, is coming to Hayes for the first ever performance in the UK.
So what can audiences expect to see? "The show begins with the early days of the Jackson Five through to songs that made Michael a global music phenomenon, including Beat It and Black or White," reveals Graham.
"Everyone has their own personal favourite song - that's what's so great about Michael's music, he appeals to all generations and people like his music for different reasons.
"For me, it has to be Thriller, and in the show, we will be doing the song with a new twist - all the cast will be wearing vintage white costumes to look like Victorian ghosts.
"There will be an amazing dance break in the middle of the song, in a similar style to Britain's Got Talent winners, Diversity."
And despite Michael's troubled life and the mystery surrounding his death, Graham says fans cannot get enough of his music.
"I think people appreciate the light and dark side of Michael's life and this hasn't put them off. The reaction in the States has been incredible, with some shows selling out in as little as one day.
"Michael was responsible for some of the greatest music ever written, and since his death he has gained a whole new audience.
"The cast are equally mad about Michael and love coming to work every day. It can be hard work, but it is one of the most rewarding shows in the world to work on.
"None of us can ever imagine tiring of the music and I think his fan base will continue to expand for a very long time to come."
what? Man in the Mirror
when? Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 at 7.30pm (plus 2.30pm Saturday)
where? Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, UB3 2UE
cost? From £18.50
