An artist who has made his tribute to legendary pop star Michael Jackson on stages around the world is about make his debut in Nanaimo.
Dantonio Goodman has performed to Michael Jackson’s music as a tribute impersonator for more than 20 years and is now the star in the Michael Jackson HiStory Show. The South African is considered to be one of the world’s leading Michael Jackson tribute artists and will perform at the Port Theatre this week.
Goodman, who goes by his first name Dantonio, said via e-mail correspondence with the News Bulletin last week that he fell in love with Jackson’s music at an early age.
“Watching my brother dancing to Michael Jackson’s music at age nine, I immediately fell in love with the music,” Dantonio said. “All the other elements captured me thereafter, but mostly Michael’s honesty in his constant drive for perfection.”
Dantonio, 36, said his goal is to pay tribute to Jackson’s legacy and give fans the Michael Jackson experience.
Dantonio, the youngest of eight siblings, was born and raised in Kimberley, South Africa, where both his parents were musically inclined. He started singing in school concerts and joined a vocal group in high school. Before starring in the HiStory Show he worked with numerous theatre and corporate production companies. As a singer-songwriter he also collaborated with various artists.
Jackson’s physically demanding, fast, crisp dance routines are a tough act to follow for any performer. A tour requires rigorous training and preparation to be able to emulate Jackson’s moves.
“I think it helps to start young and with that it makes one more connected with the moves, Dantonio said.
“I leave the confirmation to the audience, but I remember some fans in Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa saying they had to remind themselves that I was not Michael Jackson whilst watching our show.”
The show incorporates most of the songs Jackson did throughout his musical career, but Dantonio’s makeup is set throughout the show the way Jackson is most remembered when he was in his mid 30s.
The song that inspires him most is Man in the Mirror.
“Wow, my most inspiring song is Man in the Mirror,” he said. “It speaks to us all as individuals to make a change from within. I really get so emotional when performing that song.”
Dantonio said he hopes to one day meet Jackson’s family, especially his parents.
“No I have not met the Jackson family yet,” he said. “I would honestly love to meet Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. I would tell them with tears in my eyes – overwhelmed – thank you for never giving up.”
The Michael Jackson HiStory Show plays at the Port Theatre on Wednesday (July 19) at 7 p.m. Tickets are $59 adult, $30 children and $54 each for groups of six or more.
To purchase tickets and find out other information, visit http://bit.ly/2tOoVN5.
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