Michael Jackson HIStory II Comes to Australia this August
By: Harmony Wheeler Mar. 13, 2012
Michael Jackson HIStory II, a musical biography of Michael Jackson and the follow-up to last year's sold-out live concert tour HIStory, will be staged in theatres across Australia in August/September 2012 with an exclusive Sydney season on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 August at the State Theatre.
2011 saw the staging of the live production HIStory and triggered a phenomenon rarely witnessed in Australian theatres.
Like Michael Jackson, the show has reinvented itself. HIStory II brings to the stage a level of production that will exceed all expectations. The show will also feature the addition of new songs and dances.
The tour is 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.
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 twenty-six American Music Awards including "Artist of the Century".
Three years after the King of Pop's death his popularity has reached epic proportions, press notes state. 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.
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, Thriller and many other hits will be performed in HIStory II.
This musical biography will take fans right back to the Jackson 5 era before continuing on a thrilling journey to the current decade, press notes state. Hit after hit tell the story of one of the greatest pop icons the world has ever known. In all, HIStory IIfeatures over twenty songs performed live by Kenny Wizz.
The concert's success is the product of twenty-five years' dedication from Las Vegas performer, Kenny Wizz, to championing MJ's genius and persona. But seasoned performer Kenny Wizz isn't simply riding the surging wave of Jackson's popularity. Each night for the past two decades Kenny Wizz has put on his make-up and costumes and called on the spirit of Michael Jackson to perfecting "the art of sharing MJ".
Wizz was shattered by Jackson's death in June, 2009. He closed his own 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 concert-goers 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."
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.
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 HIStory II's producer Showtime Presents, the producer behind the immensely popular concert series Queen – It's a Kinda Magic.
Together with a live band of talented musicians, fully choreographed dancers, and authentic costumes, HIStory II is the recreation of what fans want but can never again see – Michael Jackson LIVE in concert.
TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 26 MARCH
Venue: State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney
When: Friday 24 and Saturday 25 August 8pm
Cost: Adults: $89.00 |Concession: $79.00
Bookings: 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au
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