Moonwalking with the man in the mirror

INVINCIBLE: Performer Dantanio Goodman is Michael Jackson in Michael Jackson HIStory Show, a production that centres on two of the biggest events in Jackson’s career: his tour of Bucharest in 1992 and the HIStory tour from 1996-97. Picture supplied

COULD Michael Jackson impersonator Dantanio Goodman be the King of Pop’s man-in-the-mirror?

Having impersonated the artist who brought us immortal hits such as Thriller, Billie Jean, and Beat It, the South African theatre performer and recording artist loses himself when he’s on stage, he told The Times Colonist.

“I become Michael.”

When Goodman channels the King of Pop’s musical genius in the Michael Jackson HIStory Show at the War Memorial Theatre early next month he will be accompanied by a six-piece band, four backup dancers, theatrical lighting and special effects. The tribute show features 40 customised costumes — 20 of which are for Goodman — and is lit up with more than 2000 lighting cues.

But the show’s success hinges on Goodman’s ability to become Michael.

“When I come out and sing Man in the Mirror, you feel the emotion,” Goodman said.

“I’ve got to be convincing, otherwise I’m just another guy in the line with a costume.

“I really look beyond the entertainer. I’ve studied the intricacies.”

The Michael Jackson History Show is based around two of the biggest events in Jackson’s career: his tour of Bucharest in 1992 and the HIStory tour from 1996-97.

“What we’ve done is really encompass those memories and those songs, the outfits, the dancing,” Goodman said.

“The whole concept is really built around that memory.”

Sunday services at his church in South Africa imbued Goodman with the gospel vibe. Encouraged by his brother to develop his musical talent, Goodman embraced RnB, swing, jazz and reggae.

Hearing Michael Jackson’s Bad album was a game-changer for him. Goodman researched Jackson and taught himself to emulate the fine details of the pop star’s dance style.

“By his mid teens Dantanio was so good that he got booted out of an amateur dance competition because the judges thought he had reached a professional standard,” the Frankston Standard Leader wrote.

As for Goodman, he would never get tire of performing as Michael Jackson.

“It’s part of my DNA. Every night is new.”