Man in the mirror
Michael Jackson tribute show hits all the right notes
I AM KING
Tribute to Michael Jackson Ma’aleh Adumim Cultural Center, February 4
Michael Jackson’s name and legacy have been further tarnished in recent days following the allegations of sexual abuse of minors revealed in the Sundance Film Festival entry Leaving Neverland.
But that hasn’t seemed to affect Jackson’s popularity in Israel. It was all cheers and adulation on Monday night when I AM KING – The Michael Jackson Experience from Las Vegas made a stop on its month-long tour of the country in Ma’aleh Adumim.
The near-sellout crowd treated singer/dancer Michael Firestone and his glitzy, entertaining revue as though he was the king of pop, but without all the baggage.
Possessing a physique and singing voice uncannily similar to Jackson’s, as well as an eerie likeness of appearance – thanks to prodigious makeup and hairpiece – Firestone dazzled the audience with a spot-on performance that showcased his nimble Jackson-inspired dance steps and memorable repertoire.
He was backed by a spunky band, four talented dancers and numerous costume changes, evoking the atmosphere of a stage show rather than a concert. At times, the cleavage and exposed skin factor of the female dancers jiggled toward burlesque and, coupled with Firestone’s frequent crotch grabs, cemented this as a show that might require some parental guidance.
On the other hand, the kids that were there became participants, being brought up onstage for some amateur moonwalk efforts and sing-alongs.
Strolling through the audience during “Black and White,” Firestone was treated like a superstar, posing for selfies with Jackson fans and mugging for the crowd.
We love our heroes, and if they are far from perfect in real life, onstage they make up for it – even if it’s not really them.