When I was seven-years-old, I got the best Christmas present of my life---a pre-packaged Michael Jackson audio tape, glove and sunglasses. I remember blasting music and doing the moonwalk all over my house day and night, hoping that one day I would not only see but BE the “King of Pop."
As I got older and years went by, I was less interested in him because of the accusations made against him. I found it hard to take a position either way because the media portrayed him so poorly. But in my eyes, forgetting his personal life, he remained one of the best entertainers I had ever known. It was my lifelong dream to see him in concert—part of my bucket-list I’d say, but unfortunately I never had the chance. Well, until tonight.
I had no idea what to expect of Kenny Ortega’s documentary, This Is It. I bought the tickets two weeks ago and purposely didn’t read any reviews. I wanted to go into the theater with no expectations. Owning my beliefs is so important to me so I wanted a clear mind to draw my own conclusions about the state of his health around the time of his death. The film was simply mind blowing and so well done. Despite it being only rehearsal footage, the energy on stage is so uplifting and seeps right out of the screen and into your lap. “MJ” could command any stage—even a dinky one at the AMC theater.
At one point, I had to stop and take in the moment to see if people were just as mesmerized as me. And they were. No one moved a muscle and the theater remained oddly quiet for the entire two hours-- he was THAT good. His passion for performing is unprecedented and at 50-years-old, his talent was more well-rounded than ever.
His choreography and creative vision was genius and present in every moment. His presence illuminated the room—his crew, back-up dancers and musicians were in awe of his being. It never sunk in for them, even after countless 12-hour rehearsal days, that they were working with Michael Jackson. He made no sacrifices when it came to his production team; they are clearly some of the most talented and sought after in their fields.
The most engaging part of the film for me was not the film itself, but how committed I am to him as an artist, even in his absence. He is everything an entertainer could ever be and makes you feel so blessed to know him. He is naturally humble and you are grateful. He is creative and you are inspired. He is passionate and you are hopeful. He is committed and you are happy. Sadly, he never got to bring those qualities to the world in the way that he wanted. But in two hours tonight, he brought ME so much more; closure and peace with my admiration for him. And of course, he took me back to being seven-years-old. Not a bad place to visit sometimes.
- Elaine La Personerie - www.winkpr.com
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