 "Photo: Erik Verduzco / The Advocate")
With its electric music numbers, glitzy costumes and savvy stage setup, “I’ll Be There: A Michael Jackson Musical Tribute” left many fans crying out for more on May 8.
Directed by drama department Chairman Clay David, the Knox Center musical starred the cast of “The Wiz” and the Contra Costa College football team.
In the play, the cast performed some of Michael Jackson’s memorable hits, including “I’ll Be There,” “ABC,” “Remember the Time” and songs from “The Wiz,” while CCC’s football team paid tribute to the King of Pop between takes.
The audience members were so titillated by the booming voices that they could not help but dance and sing to every note.
Audience member Tanzil Waqia said the singing was unbelievable.
“I was surprised how good the singers were, because they had actually volunteered to do this,” Waqia said.
Middle College High School student Nicole Walker said the singers had spunk.
“They definitely did Michael justice,” Walker said. “It seems like the performers had a lot of respect for Michael and enjoyed the music.”
Cast members were also astounded by how well they performed.
“This is something I really enjoy doing,” Princess Campbell said. “I’ve been a Michael Jackson fan since I was small.”
Laney College student Johnny Manibusan was another cast member in awe of the performances.
“I thought the singing was great considering they had to switch parts a bunch of times just to make the production as great as it can be,” Manibusan said.
The cast members were touched by their guests’ enthusiasm.
“The reaction from the audience was amazing,” Campbell said. “Their intense energy made me want to keep singing.”
Behavioral specialist major and “The Wiz” star Dawaun King said the audience had a wonderful time and enjoyed every minute of the evening.
CCC student Jenae Zappia, one of the dancers from the musical said the audience went “crazy.”
“They were screaming and dancing,” Zappia said. “It was just awesome.”
One of the elements that held the event together was the children involved in the process.
In the musical, children were either moving props around or were under the spotlight dancing with the singers.
Football player and cast member James Zeigler said the children made the play more eye-catching.
Also, Manibusan said he thought most of the songs sent a strong message to the audience.
“I think Michael would be proud of the production we put together,” Manibusan said.
Michael Jackson’s musical tribute also included a backdrop, which revealed a series of pictures commemorating his life and career.
Contact Lissette Alvarez at lalvarez.advocate@gmail.com
Be the first to comment on this article!