23rd April @ 8pm – Kelowna Community Theatre, KELOWNA
Tickets $74.85 from Ticketmaster
A musical biography of Michael Jackson’s life will be staged in theatres across Canada in 2013. After a hugely successful 2011 world tour to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South Asia, the musical biography Michael Jackson HIStory will tour Canada for the first time.
Critics around the world have praised the production as a thrilling example of live entertainment and since the show’s launch in 2011 Michael Jackson fans worldwide have called for the show to tour internationally.
Michael Jackson HIStory brings to the stage a level of production that will exceed all expectations and it’s an opportunity for Jackson fans to witness a concert they may never have experienced in their lifetime, or to relive memories they were lucky enough to make.
This musical biography will take fans right back to the Jackson 5 era before continuing on a thrilling journey to the current decade. Hit after hit tells the story of one of the greatest pop icons the world has ever known. In all, HIStory features over twenty songs performed live by Kenny Wizz.
The concert’s success is the product of 25 years of dedication from celebrated Las Vegas performer, Kenny Wizz, to championing MJ’s genius.
Repeatedly described as a musical juggernaut, Michael Jackson’s influence on popular culture and music is virtually unparalleled. Beside his inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, Jackson held thirteen Grammy awards and 26 American Music Awards including “Artist of the Century”.
His roll of accolades, however, is almost too massive to mention, and for most the focus weighs more heavily on the music Jackson has shared since the 1960s. Songs such as ABC, Ben, Smooth Criminal, Beat It and many more will be performed on the upcoming HIStory tour, providing a flawless live experience that might otherwise be unattainable.
Three years after the King of Pop’s death his popularity has reached epic proportions. Fans continue to grapple with their loss in a multitude of ways, such as contributing to the 8.2 million Jackson albums sold just in 2009. Along with the cinema release of This Is It, DVD’s, merchandise and games, Billboard estimated that Jackson generated over $1 billion in revenue since his death.
But seasoned performer Kenny Wizz isn’t simply riding the surging wave of Jackson’s popularity. HIStory is the result of more than two decades perfecting “the art of sharing MJ”.
Wizz was shattered by Jackson’s death in June 2009. He closed his act down despite calls from fans to continue.
“My decision [to return] was more about giving back to fans rather than making money,” he said.
Wizz feels Jackson’s death has made concertgoers more critical of his performances. “It’s more difficult because my act is observed through a microscope now he’s gone. People want the closest thing possible.”
The rampant popularity of recreation concerts is driven by their ability to transport a person to a time and place they once loved.
It’s a founding principle of the success of Showtime Management Australia – the producer behind the immensely popular concert series Queen – It’s a Kinda Magic – who will bring the HIStory tour to Canada.
Together with a live band of talented musicians, fully choreographed dancers, authentic costumes and the kind of high production values that can only be done justice in a theatre, Michael Jackson HIStory is the recreation of what fans want but can never again see – a Michael Jackson concert.
Today, Wizz is known to be the best Michael Jackson Impersonator in the entire world.
Wizz was just twenty when Michael Jackson’s career exploded with the release of the pivotal album ‘Thriller’. During that time, Wizz’s strong resemblance to Jackson heralded the start of a long career as a conduit for Jackson music. His regular performances in Atlantic City gratified audiences and allowed him to perfect his act. After tours in Europe and Asia, Wizz settled in Las Vegas where his show was signed for eleven years at the Riviera Hotel and Casino.
Wizz feels it’s almost time to hang up his Glitter gloves, and will do so in about four years’ time, a relatively short timeframe against the span of his career. For now, however, the legend continues, with Jackson’s extraordinary musical legacy set to live under a dazzling spotlight.
Kelowna Live Music Blog 