Review: Savanna's dancing a real thrill

The Advertiser has reported how Savanna beat off hundreds of women to be cast in the show which is at the Lyceum until tomorrow.

Her mum Karen and younger sister were in the front row and were proudly taking selfies with the illuminated backdrop behind them when I took up my seat.

The show is a celebration of Michael Jackson’s incredible back catalogue and iconic dance moves.

There’s no narrative weaved in like the Mamma Mia-type musicals, but the set list is mostly in chronological order and the five singers interject with Jackson facts.

The show opens with songs from the Jackson 5 era like ABC, I Want You Back, and Rockin’ Robin.

Savanna and the dancers are kitted out in 70s flared jump-suits and after just a few songs the audience were on their feet.

The female lead singer of the show, Cleopatra Higgins (from 90s girlband Cleopatra) was replaced by her understudy for the night, which was a bit of a disappointment, and I felt the stage could have done with her star presence.

The vocal performances are top notch though as MJ’s hits cover a challenging vocal range, from his young Motown warblings with the Jackson 5, to falsetto filled numbers like Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough, only true professionals can do them justice.

As they rock ‘n roll through the hits the dance routines become more full on, but Savanna’s beaming smile never drops and her joy of performing for a home crowd is obvious as she gives a few loving winks and smiles to her family watching on.

The dancers’ stamina and timing is mesmerising, they are so in sync and never miss a beat in the two-hour show. 

The jewel in the crown comes when Michael Jackson impersonator Sean Christopher joins the troupe in full MJ white socks and gloves get-up.

Watching him perform makes you feel like you are as close as can be to seeing the real deal in his glory days.

A stand out number is his Smooth Criminal performance which is very true to the original music video, and the moonwalk still sends the crowd into a frenzy.

I often wonder what dance would be like if MJ had not existed.

His unique style is still so apparent in today’s artistes like Justin Bieber, Usher and Chris Brown, so it is great to see it in its original form.

The live band is so tight and I enjoyed it when the guitarists came out on stage to shred rifts in heavy tunes such as Dirty Diana.

I could have done without the OTT Earth Song performance, my least favourite MJ era, but at least it leads into the fantastic Billie Jean, Thriller and Bad.

These tribute shows are always an enjoyable trip down memory lane which helps you remember an artiste for the body of work they have left behind, rather than the controversialheadlines.