Two nights of extraordinary talent in commemoration of the untimely passing of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson two years ago, promises to overwhelm patrons this month. The beauty of this upcoming Broadway type showcase is that it's being produced and held here in T&T at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain. Co-producer of the tribute show, Richard "Charsu" Ahong told the Guardian he was incredibly excited about the show, which will feature singing trio, H2O Phlo, the Second Generation band, Tim Starr and Dax Carter and even MJ impersonator extraordinaire, Anderson Duff.
"We wanted to do a concert, something different, and Keston from H2O Phlo came, and he said he wanted to do a Tribute to Michael for the anniversary of his death on the 25th of June," explained Ahong. He said the dates of June 25 and June 26, were unavailable at NAPA, and a decision was made to host the tribute on July 28 and 29. As one of the most reputed music producers in T&T, Ahong's standard of work often speaks for itself. This time around, he is guaranteeing a show above and beyond what most would expect in a local production.
"We've been practising for two months because the show was initially supposed to be in June, so I can tell you the sound will be off the chain," he asserted. On Michael Jackson's music and the impact it has had on him as a producer, Ahong said Jackson was the ultimate artiste of all time-"the ultimate megastar."
"You hear the greatest people of today and even those of yesteryear say he brought something that cannot be compared. From Beyonce to Usher to Justin Timberlake and so many others. They've all said they've been inspired by him, and the ones before him, who inspired him, would even say the same," said Ahong.
He acknowledged that for him to say or think otherwise, it would be crazy. The two hour long presentation of the life and times of Michael Jackson will offer patrons an emotional journey. According to Ahong, Jackson's birth, his music, his style, his humanitarian efforts and much more, will be captured. "Musically, we'll start with the Motown days with the Jackson Five. Then, there'll be tracks done from his first real solo album, Off the Wall," he confirmed. Ahong also said segments of the production would include tracks off the Thriller album and even a section called Duet, which will showcase some of the collaborative tracks recorded by the King of Pop.
Fellow producer, Jacquie Thompson said the production promises to infuse elements of local culture like Moko Jumbies and Best Village dancers. "The show on the 28 is being promoted as a family show so parents can bring out the kids as they're on vacation and we're offering a special family ticket package," she said. Additionally, Thompson highlighted that the team was making arrangements to invite children from various children's homes across the island to attend the final dress rehearsal show on July 26, free of charge.
