A permanent West End memorial to Michael Jackson is to be unveiled in the foyer of the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, in London's West End, home to THRILLER LIVE, by the cast and Britain's top dance group, "Diversity," at 12 noon on Thursday June 24.
THRILLER LIVE, a spectacular concert celebrating the music of Michael and the Jackson 5, was the only show featuring his music to be performing anywhere in the world when
Michael Jackson died suddenly on June 25, 2009.
The Lyric Theatre became a focus for fans from all over the world, who created a shrine of flowers, candles, and tributes. More than 40 books of condolence were signed and at an emotional performance that evening, TV crews from every continent filmed a minute's silence and tributes from the stage.
"Diversity," winners of "Britain's Got Talent," had been booked by
Michael Jackson to perform alongside him at his 50 "This Is It" dates at the 02 Arena.
The special commemorative plaque will be unveiled in the foyer of the Lyric Theatre to mark the year since Michael's passing and the 18 months that THRILLER LIVE has been in residence.
Then at 7:30pm on Friday June 25, ahead of that evening's performance, six of the young boys who have played
Michael Jackson in the West End production of THRILLER LIVE -
James Anderson, Jean-Mikhael Baque, Kieran Alleyne, Kuan Frye, Mitchell Zhangazha, and MJ Mytton-Sanneh, all aged 11 - 15, will be on stage to sing what will be the world premiere performance of "Speechless - The Tribute" a new single specially recorded for the event.
The single is being released this month for charity to mark the first anniversary of his passing. All proceeds from "Speechless - The Tribute" will go to War Child. THRILLER LIVE Executive Director Adr
Ian Grant says: "I wanted to do something positive to mark the one year anniversary of Michael's passing. Of course we could never look to improve upon the original. This song is heavenly and is all about Michael's amazing vocal. Michael loved songs with emotions and a message, with a sense of immortality. He once told me, 'I like there to be some depth in the lyrics as well as a melodic simpleness that the whole world can sing them.' "Speechless" is one of Michael's records that is simple yet powerfully effective. The sentiment behind the song, and what it now means to me in Michael's passing truly reflects the emotions one feels due to his loss - those of sadness, but also remembering the joy he gave the world as we celebrate his life."
More info can be found at
www.speechlessmjtribute.com.
THRILLER LIVE moonwalked into the West End in January 2009 after three acclaimed UK tours and standing ovations across Germany, Holland and Scandanavia. Following the tragic death of
Michael Jackson, the show has been updated, and it now features a spectacular new opening, and there are six additional songs, some new visuals and extra choreography. Unlike other West End productions, THRILLER LIVE is not a rigid book musical with set songs, but is a constantly evolving concert celebration. Since opening in the West End, two world tours have seen the show play to acclaim in many countries, including Germany, Italy, Poland, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Further productions are planned for 2011 in Australia, Asia, South and North America and Canada. It is currently booking at the Lyric Theatre until January 9, 2011.
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