Thriller Live

It’s easy to approach a tribute show to one of the most influential artists of all time with hesitation and a sceptical outlook, but most of the time those feelings will no doubt also be counteracted by a sense of excitement.

An international cast led by Aussie stars Mig Ayesa and Prinnie Stevens, the Australian debut of Thriller Live was an immersive rollercoaster of hits, largely in chronological order, joined by stories to tie each era together. Moving from Jackson 5 to Michael Jackson’s solo career and tackling Motown, soul, pop, disco and more, subtle costume and set changes were used to great affect, working with a somewhat restrictive stage size.

The crowd erupting with praise every time a cast member employed the iconic moonwalk, and a solo performance of She’s Out Of My Life by Ayesa followed by the UK’s Alex Buchanan absolutely nailing Smooth Criminal perfectly captured the highs and lows of the evening, with Beat It, Thriller and Black Or White closing an epic show.

It was ultimately the flawless choreographed dance moves and pop perfection vocals of the cast mixed with spats of fireworks that made for a tasteful, fun and exciting show; an appropriate and comprehensive celebration of over four decades of hits.