By Jeanni Ritchie
The King of Pop returned to the stage in Alexandria in October as community members joined together to sing, dance, and celebrate a legend.
The internationally touring tribute showcased the music, dance moves, and unforgettable performances that made Michael Jackson one of the most influential entertainers in music history.
Sandwiched on the front row between my high school best friend and a younger MJ fan in full costume, we each brought our own memories and experiences with Michael into the auditorium. But while many of us had arrived as strangers, we left as friends.
Presented by Showtime Australia, the production stars affable South African performer Garth Field as Michael Jackson, accompanied by a live band, backup singers, and choreographed dancers. Elaborate costumes, theatrical lighting, and multimedia effects help recreate some of Jackson’s most recognizable performances.
Field’s career in Michael Jackson tribute productions began in 2015. In 2023, Johnny Van Grinsven selected Field to take over the lead role in the long-running Michael Jackson HIStory Show. Field began performing with the production in January 2024 and has toured internationally with it ever since.
The Central Louisiana performance featured more than two dozen songs and musical selections spanning Jackson’s career, from his early years with the Jackson 5 through his record-breaking solo career.
The first half included Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, Human Nature, Smooth Criminal, Earth Song, and Man in the Mirror, as well as a Jackson 5 medley.
Intermission brought another opportunity for fans to participate as the Arts Council hosted a Michael Jackson costume contest. Attendees dressed in their best King of Pop attire, with photographs taken for a public vote on Facebook.
The second half opened with what I could only call my “MTV Era.”
Bad brought MJ to the crowd in a hilarious audience participation round of “Who’s bad?”
The Way You Make Me Feel, along with the ballads I Just Can’t Stop Loving You and She’s Out of My Life, slowed the tempo down a beat, while Billie Jean had audience members of all ages singing along word for word.
While Beat It made me feel 14 again, I’m pretty sure Mary felt 14 the entire night because she could hardly stop dancing!
But it was the encore performance of Thriller that pulled me out of my seat as if by the pull of a gravitational moon. While I knew the dance from the music video in 1983, I learned the moves from watching 13 Going on 30 over and over the last 20 years.
“Mattie, it’s Thriller. Thriller!” I channeled my best Jenna Rink at Coughlin-Saunders.
The Michael Jackson HIStory Show was presented by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana as part of its 2026–2027 performing arts season.
The Arts Council continues to bring internationally touring entertainment to Central Louisiana at discounted prices, with upcoming performances including Lightwire Theatre’s A Very Electric Christmas (Dec. 3), Celtic Angels Christmas (Dec. 13), The Greatest Love of All featuring Caroline Borole: A Tribute to Whitney Houston (Jan. 21), International Guitar Night XXVII (Mar. 10), and Magic Rocks! Illusionist Leon Etienne (April 9).
For more information about upcoming performances, visit louisiana-arts.org.
