An opportunity to see the artistic process that was Michael Jackson — how he worked, the vision in putting together a major show? I’ll take that over a “Behind the Music” or “A&E” biography anytime.
I suppose THIS IS IT is intended to be a posthumous last dance for MJ? “Or Is It?” might be the sequel. I’m not talking MJ sightings, following on the heals of a break in at the mausoleum, but stay tuned for more and more content Michael held back; casualties of his quest for perfection.
Nevertheless I’m setting my speed dial September 27. That’s the date tickets go on sale for the film THIS IS IT featuring the final rehearsal(s) for Michael Jackson’s major tour cancelled by his unexpected death. Here’s a link to the Sony site. The film will be in theaters for only two weeks starting October 28. A limited release is a recipe for mass frenzy which Michael would’ve loved. As I predicted in June, the show can and will go on.
I’m going to add Patrick Swayze to this post who died yesterday after an 8 month battle with pancreatic cancer. Patrick Swayze studied ballet with his mom, Patsy Swayze who also taught sisters Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad back in Houston, TX. Dance seemed to always be in Patrick’s blood, and he was pretty good at it. Patrick was the not so perfect hero in the long-shot films that would become 80s classics and even box office successes – “Dirty Dancing,” “Ghost,” “The Outsiders.”
His “Dirty Dancing” co-star Jennifer Gray released a heart warming statement:
Gorgeous and strong, he was a real cowboy with a tender heart. He was fearless and insisted on always doing his own stunts, so it was not surprising to me that the war he waged on his cancer was so courageous and dignified.
When I think of him, I think of being in his arms when we were kids, dancing, practicing the lift in the freezing lake, having a blast doing this tiny little movie we thought no one would ever see.
Patrick Swayze was 57. He was married to Lisa Niemi (since 1975). He also leaves behind his monther, Patsy Swayse, two brothers (including actor Don Swayze), and a sister. He told Barbara Walters, like in the film “Ghost,” he will take the love with him.