Michael Jackson Experience expected to be a 'thriller'
Posted Feb 4, 2010 By Conan De Vries
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EMC Entertainment - It is a testament to his prodigious talent that Michael Jackson's bizarre behaviour later in life didn't completely besmirch his richly-deserved reputation as a charismatic singer, gifted dancer and audacious stage performer. 
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Bishop Soul will star in the Michael Jackson Experience at the Brockville Arts Centre on Saturday, March 6.
These qualities were evident from Jackson's first foray into music with his brothers as the Jackson Five to the film footage recently released of his rehearsals for a sold-out concert series in London, which Jackson's death brought to an untimely halt.
But it's still possible to see Michael Jackson in concert almost.
"He looks like him, he sings like him, he moves like him," says promoter Garry Lichach, of Bounty Entertainment, referring to performer Bishop Soul, who will star in the Michael Jackson Experience at the Brockville Arts Center in March.
A clip posted on YouTube of one of Soul's performances as Jackson attests to the performer's mastery of the King of Pop's look and sound.
The Michael Jackson Experience features a live band, one that includes the horn section from the classic Canadian rock group Lighthouse and the drummer from '70s hit-maker KC and the Sunshine Band.
There are multiple costume changes over the course of the two 45-minute sets and the music performed by the artists on stage - from Soul right back to the drummer - is identical to the music made famous by Jackson.
"It's done note for note exactly like it sounds on the records," says Lichach.
Second only to Elvis Presley, Jackson is endlessly imitated by cover artists and tribute acts, and since his death, many have sought to capitalize on his legendary name.
Bishop Soul, though, is no Johnny-come-lately. He's been impersonating Jackson for 15 years, and the Michael Jackson Experience is the most successful Michael Jackson musical production in North America.
"People are stunned when he walks on stage," says Lichach. "They're going to think this is him."
Soul and the musicians were in rehearsals for six months before taking this most recent incarnation of the Michael Jackson Experience into the theatre. Every arrangement and every vocal mannerism is just like the ones Jackson's fans will remember from his many top-selling albums and sold-out stadium shows.
"Never again will anyone see something like this," says Lichach.
The high-energy show is meant to recreate as closely as possible an actual Michael Jackson concert and wow audiences wherever it goes, and Lichach doesn't anticipate anything less when the show comes to the BAC.
"We're looking forward to coming to Brockville," he says. "The crowds are great there."
Bishop Soul will take the stage at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 6. Tickets are $32 each and are available at the Brockville Arts Centre box office or online at www.brockvilleartscentre.com.
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