The show, starring Michael Firestone will continue Wednesday, August 29 through Sunday, September 2.
Firestone captures the essence of Jackson in a recreation that is both sincere and fun for audiences. There is a respect to the Jackson legacy in this show that elevates things to an artistic level. One gets the feeling that Michael Jackson would give a stamp of approval to things if he so could.
But Firestone has been giving Jackson respect for a long timeâ€"even before the entertainer's death. He performed as Jackson in live shows, such as “MTV Magic†and “Around the World in Asia.†He also performed for “Legends in Concert†in Myrtle Beach, and many other venues.
When Jackson died, Firestone wasn’t going to change things to cash in on any new-found interest in a Jackson tribute show. He would continue to present his salute to Michael Jackson in the artistic way that had proved so successful in the past. Thus, he has become one of the most respected and sought after Jackson tribute artists in the country, performing in casinos and theaters, including return engagements to Laughlin casinos, like his current two week gig at the Riverside Resort."The show has changed since the last time I was there," he said. "We have a different opening. We're trying to do the Bad Tour thing this year, since it is the 25th anniversary of that album. We have some new dancers and band members…a new drummer and guitarist. There is more choreography and costumes and songs. The set list is a little different, but we still find a way to put all the major hits in."
Finding room for as many Jackson hits as possible is more complicated than Firestone putting on makeup and a wig.
"It's very difficult," he said. "I love all of his music. There are some songs I would love to do like "Stranger in Moscow," that just aren't known enough. I just go based off of crowd responseâ€" which ones stick really."
Firestone sees his tribute as a way to show audiences the difference between a bad show and a good one, by illustrating the difference.
"I think audiences do care if they've seen a bad show," he said. "If you go see a Michael Jackson tribute guy and he has one costume, two dancers and a banjo, you will feel the difference when you come to our show.
"I have the best cast and crew of people around me. We get that all the time, how someone went to see another show and weren't very happy. My hat is off to anyone who attempts this character.
"What makes me stronger are the people on stage and in my little world. They all make me better, without them, I am nothing.
"I never stop thinking about this show, about my audience. If you don't feel pressure, you're not doing your job. If you go home after a show and have the energy to go out and party afterward, you're not working hard enough," he said.
"In my case, it’s all about an honest portrayalâ€"nothing of me is coming out of hiding. I’d rather bag groceries or work in a pet store and do my own tunes, if I couldn’t do a good job."
Firestone has received some pretty impressive feedback.
"Some audience members have told me that I was better than Michaelâ€"then I quickly add, 'well, you must not be watching the same Michael Jackson I watch,' and I urge them to go and get a live concert recording of him. Nobody comes close. I never will.
"YI think the show takes them back in time. I really let the visual and sound take them on a journey . Everyone deep down misses him. He was a walking piece of art."
MOONWALKER:Â MUSICÂ OFÂ MICHAELÂ JACKSON
Riverside Resort, Don's Celebrity Theatre
Wednesday-Sunday, August 29-September 2. 8 p.m. (See "Showtimes" for tickets)
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