The Michael Jackson HIStory ll Show

It's an ultimate show for definitive Michael Jackson fans, and an emotional musical biography of his heartbreaking life. And even if you are not an avid follower, the show guarantees to open a new window that explores the vibrant and exciting life and music of this consummate legend. The brand new HIStory ll Show raises the bar and exceeds all expectations, with the addition of new songs, outstanding dance routines and spectacular visual effects.

Together with a live band of talented musicians, fully choreographed dancers, authentic costumes and high production values, HIStory II brings fans what they want but can never again see: a Michael Jackson concert. The show stars Kenny Wizz, widely recognised as the best Michael Jackson impersonator in the world.

HIStory ll has recently taken New Zealand by storm and was a sell out when it was presented at the GrandWest Casino in 2011.

From Jackson 5 on

True to Michael Jackson's history, the spectacular show takes fans right back to the Jackson 5 era and through a thrilling journey to the current decade. Hit after hit tells the story of one of the greatest pop icons the world has ever known and features more than 20 songs performed live by Kenny Wizz, the celebrated Las Vegas performer.

The concert's success is the product of Wizz's dedication to championing the genius of Michael Jackson, and HIStory is the result of more than two decades perfecting "the art of sharing MJ". Wizz was shattered by Jackson's death and, at the time, closed his act down in Las Vegas, despite calls from fans to continue.

On his return to the stage he noticed that Jackson's death had made concert-goers even more critical of his performances. He commented: "It's more difficult because my act is observed through a microscope now he's gone - people want the closest thing possible." Wizz delivers remarkably.

Strong resemblance to Jackson

Wizz was 20 when Michael Jackson's career exploded with the release of the pivotal album "Thriller". During that time, his strong resemblance to Jackson heralded the start of a long career as a conduit for Jackson music. His regular performances in Atlantic City gratified audiences and allowed him to perfect his act. After tours in Europe and Asia, Wizz settled in Las Vegas where his show was signed for 11 years at the Riviera Hotel and Casino.

Michael Jackson, repeatedly described as a musical juggernaut, had an influence on popular culture and music that remains virtually unparalleled. Beside his inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, Jackson held 13 Grammy Awards and 26 American Music Awards including Artist Of The Century. His roll of accolades, however, is almost too massive to mention and, for most, the focus weighs more heavily on the music Jackson has shared since the 1960s. Songs such as ABC, Ben, Smooth Criminal, Beat It and many more will be performed on the forthcoming HIStory tour, providing a flawless live experience that might otherwise be unattainable.

The rampant popularity of these concerts is driven by their ability to transport audiences to a time and place that they once loved. It's a founding principle of the success of Showtime Management Australia, the producer bringing the HIStory II tour to South Africa and the company behind the immensely popular concert series Queen - It's a Kinda Magic.

The Michael Jackson HIStory ll Show runs at Artscape from 10 to 28 October with performances Wednesdays to Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm and Sundays at 6pm. Tickets cost from R125 to R290 via Computicket, or +27 (0)21 421 7695.