BWW Reviews: The Jacksons: Still Great In A Show That Retells (and Sings) Their Musical History

Jermaine, Marlon, Jackie and Tito Jackson - four of the former Jackson Five - have taken the stage in Las Vegas for RockTellz and CockTails, producer Adam Steck's smart concept show at Planet Hollywood, The idea is to bring entertainers to the stage to tell their stories through their music and anecdotes. Meat Loaf was the first to do the show in October and now he's back, alternating with The Jacksons. The latter appear Thursday and Saturday at 9:30 and Friday and Sunday at 8pm.

As the show is a journey in words and music through their professional lives, the loss of youngest brother Michael could have made it a gloomy evening. But it is quite the opposite. Michael is there in spirit, in photos and videos. His music is part of the show, but not the focus of it. There was a photo montage of Michael when they sang "Gone Too Soon," but there was also video of Motown founder Berry Gordy and Katherine Jackson talking about all her boys.

The set list will change, but the night I was there they played a fine variety that included huge hits and the more obscure songs only diehard fans might remember. These included "Hum Along and Dance, Walk Right Now, Blame it on the Boogie, Wanna Be Where U R, Rock Wit You, Show You The Way, Lovely One Good Time Medley: Looking Thru the Window, Heaven Knows I Love YouPush Me Away, Man of War" and "Gone Too Soon."

There was also a lovely Jackson Five Medley: "I Want you Back, ABC, Stop the Love You Save, Never Say Goodbye, I'll Be There, Can't Let Her Get Away, Can You Feel It Heartbreak Hotel Wanna Be Startin' Something, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" and "Shake Your Body."

Their audience seemed to be people who grew up with the Jackson 5. They knew the songs and loved the singers. The ability to sing and to dance is testament to their considerable talent that remains as terrific as ever.

The theater they are in is an old-style showroom, with a variety of seating choices, including cocktail tables and banquettes. Prices range from $77.95 to $164.30, including taxes and fees. (No children unde 5 years of age allowed.) Go here for tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/rocktellz-cocktails-presents-the-jacksons-las-vegas-nevada-03-01-2014/event/17004B85FF4D9C13?artistid=1702061&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=202&tm_link=artist_msg-0_17004B85FF4D9C13