Thriller – Live, a high-energy, all singing, all dancing tribute to the legendary singer Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5, is moonwalking into London from 2 January (press night 21 January) and the search is on to find a new West End star to play a vital role in the production.
The producers have announced a nationwide search to find a talented young boy to play the young Jackson. With auditions being held on Sunday 23 November at the Lyric theatre, if you are between 11-15 years old, black, African-American or dual heritage and have an undiscovered talent for singing, you could be in with a chance of starring in the new West End show. The producers are looking for someone with an unbroken pop/rock voice with a high range and confidence in abundance. People wishing to audition should register from 10:30 at the theatre with a passport-style photo and CV including any previous experience you have had performing, and be prepared to sing either Ben, I Want You Back or I’ll Be There as your audition piece.
The family entertainment show, which contains video footage and special effects, features many of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5’s hits, including I Want You Back, I’ll Be There, Can You Feel It, Billie Jean and, of course, Thriller. With a live band and choreography from Gary Lloyd – who has worked with numerous pop stars including Leona Lewis, Girls Aloud and Robbie Williams – and five times MTV Award-winning LaVelle Smith Jnr, the show promises to do the king of pop justice.
Jackson, now 50 years old, began his professional career at the age of 11 alongside his siblings in the family’s band The Jackson 5. While still a member of the group, he launched a solo career that would go on to successfully span over 20 years. His albums Off The Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995), were all hits. In 2008, Thriller was re-released and reached number one in eight countries, proving Jackson’s music to be as popular and influential as ever.
Thriller – Live has previously toured the UK three times and played in Germany, Holland and Scandinavia. Producer Derek Nicol, from Flying Music, said “Thriller – Live is an uplifting, feel-good show with incredible choreography and sensational songs that everyone knows and loves – it’s just the sort of escapism entertainment people need to take their minds off how tough life is at the moment. Thriller – Live has high production values, a large company on stage and a live band – and it delivers high class entertainment that is suitable for everyone from eight to 80.”
Thriller – Live runs for a strictly limited season from 2 January until 12 April at the Lyric theatre.
CM