Review: Jackson Vs Jackson
Gluttony – Moa Wednesday 03/03/2021
 
Jackson Vs Jackson is playing at the massive outdoor arena in Gluttony called – Moa.
 
I walked through the Olympic style village of entertainment (Gluttony) to find Moa almost full of eager Jackson fans.
 
The musical overture commenced right on time with the choir in place and band led by the phenomenal Sean Timms on keyboards, a guitarist and Benn Todd (Cirque de Soleil) on drums.
 
The Gospo Collective were next out, followed by the always gorgeous Charmaine Jones. 

There were colourful and funky costumes, the choir wearing the signature MJ white gloves, and the Pied Piper of Funk and Soul - Jones providing the roadmap and glue that binds the cast of over 40 together.  
 
Jones, has worked hard to change this show up and presented a bigger, tighter, visually dynamic, arena like and well-choreographed production.  
 
There were so many hits from both Michael and Janet to choose from and the arrangements were fresh and exciting.  There were rhythmical changes, swapped bass and chorus lines which made it almost too hard to keep up but kept the audience constantly engaged.

 I would love to see it after dark to take advantage of the brilliantly lit stage as the show was on in an early timeslot.
 
There were a few minor sound issues with the band at times, overpowering the vocal lines, but the quality of the vocal arrangements and positivity of the group was able to rise to the challenge and this was soon forgotten.
 
The 8 members of the Gospo Collective all had solo sections and it was difficult to call a standout vocal as there were so many, including much loved Man in the Mirror and the segue of Do you Remember the Time and Billie Jean.  
 
The female leads were on top of their game and the choreography was like the icing on the cake.  I loved the mash up of James Ingram penned - P.Y.T and Stevie Wonder’s - I can’t help it.
 
The welcome addition of the Jones Juniors showed that there was room for the children of audience members to find their way into the future world of Gospo.
 
This event is Jackson in overdrive, and as Charmaine Jones, Director and Arranger states, “ Joy, happiness and strength” is what we need in these difficult times.  Jackson Vs Jackson is full to the brim with these three things and made the audience feel good from start to finish.
 
Thriller was the last song and the nearly full house left, singing along with a smile and a memory of the music, feel and vibe of what was once the King of Pop and his sister Janet.
 
Jackson Vs Jackson is 1 hour of non- stop energy, passion and a snapshot of musical genius.  A show for all ages it is well worth the price of a ticket. Grab one before it sells out.
 

3-7, 10-14, 17-21 Mar at 6:30pm, 6-8, 13-14, 20-21 Mar at 2:30pm at Gluttony - Moa

    
Stephen Foenander for Adelaide Review Team
 
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