Las Vegas based Michael Jackson tribute artist Kenny Wizz is excited to bring Michael Jackson’s beloved “Thriller” album to live at the Yates Theatre, June 12. But is going to be more than just the Thriller album.
“It’s a high energy two hour show with video production, a dozen costume changes, a six piece band and six dancers,” said Wizz from Las Vegas where he is rehearsing the show which will take him all over Alberta, Montana, Colorado, Arizona and Oregon.
“There’s a lot to see. And there is a lot that goes into it. It is definitely our longest show,” Wizz continued adding it took eight months of planning to put the show together.
“It’s not chronological. We’re jumping back and forth,” he said adding he wanted to give the audience a theatrical experience.
“It’s not necessarily what Michael Jackson would have done,” he said.
He had been performing a tribute to Michael Jackson for 30 years, pretty much about the same time Thriller came out and people observed he looked like Jackson.
For the first time on tour Kenny Wizz will also be performing the iconic Thriller album in its entirety as a special tribute to Jackson’s inspirational vision and creative genius.
He said the show is different than the Michael Jackson HIStory show he brought to Lethbridge last year.
“You couldn’t even perform all of his Top 10 hits in a two hour show. But we do songs from the Jackson 5 to songs from the ‘Off The Wall’ album. We cover all of the hits from ‘ABC’ to ‘Billie Jean,’ all of those,” he said.
An icon in his own right, Kenny Wizz has toured the world with the Michael Jackson HIStory Show since 2010, and his success is the result of 30 years of dedication to perfecting “the art of sharing MJ”.
Wizz was 20 years old when Michael Jackson’s career exploded with the release of the pivotal Thriller album. It was Wizz’s aesthetic similarities to MJ that first steered him towards his career, but it was not long before his rare talent as a detailed and charismatic impersonator became apparent.
“It is a lot of fun for people who have never seen Michael Jackson in person and for people who have seen Michael Jackson,” Wizz said.
“ It is a theatre type production,” he said.
They have already taken the show to Australia.
“ I get antsy. I love being on stage,” he said adding he enjoyed the Australian tour.
“Australian audiences are just so appreciative. They want to have fun. They aren’t as familiar with Michael Jackson as in America, where his music is more ingrained,” he said.
Michael Jackson HIStory Show Presents Thriller runs at the Yates Memorial Centre, June 12. Tickets cost $64. The show begins at 8 p.m.
