By LEIGH C. MERRIFIELD
News & Journal Editor
If you’d like to enjoy some Las Vegas style entertainment – without leaving home – then plan to “beat it” to Robert C. Byrd High School on March 7th! On that evening, the school will host J. Michael Lucas who has just enough time for a visit in Clarksburg before beginning ten months of concerts in Hawaii.
Lucas performs with the world-renowned ‘Legends in Concert’, a troupe of tribute artists and celebrity look-alikes who have entertained millions of people over the past 30 years in Vegas, Atlantic City, Myrtle Beach, Branson, Waikiki, along with their worldwide tours. Their shows feature tribute artists who portray numerous music industry favorites including Elvis, Cher, Diana Ross, Barry White, Aretha Franklin, Streisand, Springsteen, and even the old crooner Bing Crosby. The upcoming one-night show in Clarksburg, however, will be all about the one and only Michael Jackson!
Lucas says he always loved the music of the ‘King of Pop’ and continues to respect Jackson’s talent. He spent countless hours studying Jackson’s mannerisms and perfecting his portrayal before joining literally a thousand others who auditioned for the spot. Becoming part of the Legends in Concert tour was a dream come true for Jimmy Michael Lucas, a native South Carolinian who spent four years dancing on popular cruise lines, has been a featured dancer on awards shows, has worked in television, film and commercials, while still finding time to write and record many of his own songs! Lucas has been with the Legends tour for six years now.
He has the voice and the moves … and with a little makeup, the right costuming, a wig and sunglasses, Lucas will offer an unforgettable Michael Jackson tribute performance. Emily Moore, RCB Theatre Program Director, says the show is exceptional!
“The transformation he makes is absolutely phenomenal,” she stated. “You just can’t believe that it isn’t really Michael Jackson on the stage. I’ve seen his show once before and it really is legendary.”
The “Who’s Bad? A Michael Jackson Experience” is a fundraiser for Robert C. Byrd’s Theatre Department. Proceeds will benefit the school’s Spring musical production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Moore added, “Lucas is a huge proponent of the arts, and we are so very fortunate that he had the time available to do this concert for us. I can assure you that the audience has a real treat in store for them.”
This special fundraiser will take place at RCB High School’s auditorium on March 7th (one night only!) at 7 p.m. The two-hour concert (with one intermission) will feature Michael Jackson songs such as “Beat It”, “Dirty Diana”, “Bad”, “Billie Jean”, “Thriller”, and “Man in the Mirror” to name a few. Several RCBHS students will participate by contributing some of the backup choreography.
Lucas says he is “humbled to be able to pay tribute to Michael Jackson”, adding, “I don’t take what I do for granted. I’m just using the gifts the Lord blessed me with.”
Ticket prices are $25 (for side section reserved VIP seating in rows 1-3), $20 (for center section reserved seating in rows 4-10), $15 (for side section reserved seating in rows 4-10), and $10 (for general admission seating). For an additional $5, there will be a ‘meet & greet’ session following the concert that will include receiving an autographed photo.
RCB’s theatre seats 675, and they expect all seats to be sold, so call for tickets early! Contact the show’s producer Stacey Randolph at 304-669-3753.
