A book called My Life With… is obviously going to be a kiss and tell biography of the secret life of a rich or famous person. Wrong. This highly detailed and lovingly created work is a ten-year look at the worldwide phenomenon that the stage show Thriller Live! has become.
And no-one is more authoritative to pen it than Gary Lloyd who since 2009 has been deeply involved with the show as both director and choreographer.
At times the book – not always following a strict timeline – almost seems stream of consciousness in its zig-zag reminiscences. What we get is a real insight into Gary’s love-affair with the music of Michael Jackson. He purposely steers clear of the allegations about Michael’s private life because he controversially says the music not the man is what matters.
His own memories of how the show, originally given mixed reviews, has grown and developed is mixed with long conversations/interviews with former cast members and people closely associated with the singer.
His main point is that Thriller Live! connects pop culture with theatre in a way a lot of other so-called “ jukebox musicals “ can’t . Lloyd never met Jackson but his psyche is deeply rooted in the singer’s talent and power. The show has been seen by over 5 million people in 34 countries and has clocked up more than 7000 performances.
Lloyd who was a teenage dancer, progressing through lots of hit musicals to move to direction and choreography has interesting insights into how the star worked. Michael had studied dancers Astaire, Kelly, Fosse and Robbins to create his own style . One myth is busted – Michael didn’t invent the signature ‘ moonwalk” but refined it from earlier versions by Fosse and Cab Calloway.
As Michael said ; “ study the greats and become greater “
With each new cast Lloyd urges them to “ study the heartbeat of every song- listen to the percussion “ He now even encourages audiences to film a particular segment of the show on their phones and spread the gospel of Jackson on their social media. Lloyd is clearly a master magician of showcasing talent and perpetuating the memory of MJ.
With 5 million audience members, there’s no doubt the book has a potential worldwide appeal.
My Life With Michael is published by the Book Guild price £12.99 for more info see the publishers website here.
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