Lehman Center for the Performing Arts presents the spectacular, multi-media, live performance honoring Michael Jackson, described as the greatest entertainer of all time in “Invincible: A Tribute to Michael Jackson,” on Saturday, May 27, at 8 p.m. The show’s promoters said producer Darrin Ross searched all over the world to find people that could sing and dance like Michael and worked closely with them to perfect this vision of what is described “as a one of a kind spectacular tribute show that truly captures the essence of Michael Jackson.”

 

Promoters say Invincible star artists, Jeffrey Perez (singing Michael) and Pete Carter (dancing Michael) bring back the spirit and essence of seeing Michael Jackson alive again on stage as the show follows his performing career from his boyhood days with his brothers in the Jackson 5 to the heights of his solo act.

 

“While masterfully performing the unique dancing that Michael was so famous for, as well as dance routines that Michael never had the opportunity to bring to the national stage, including the ones rehearsed for the HBO special One Night Only, they will perform such hits as ‘Billie Jean,’ ‘Beat It,’ ‘Thriller,’ and ‘Smooth Criminal,'” the promoters said.

 

They said the audience will also be introduced to tunes from the Jackson 5 that never aired and/or were never performed live. Invincible, they said, is entertainment for all ages and will also feature breathtaking visuals and a live band with master percussionists and singers. Created, produced and directed by Bessie Award winner Darrin Ross, the show includes choreography by longtime friend and Michael Jackson choreographer Lavelle Smith Jr.

 

Carter has been thrilling audiences as Michael Jackson since he was a child, promoters said. At age eight, he would dance in front of his idol on the TV screen, as his mother sewed replica costumes, they said. Since then, Carter has professionally impersonated the King of Pop for audiences all across the country.

 

In June 2003, promoters said Carter had the honor to sit down with the King himself, who complimented Carter on his costumes and thanked him. Later that year, he was invited to Neverland Ranch on two separate occasions and met the entire Jackson family. Since then, promoters said Carter has worked with Madame Tussauds, Guinness and Sony BMG on behalf of Jackson.

 

They said in April 2009, Carter spent what would be his final moments with Jackson, who autographed his back in black Sharpie. It was permanently tattooed on later that night. Three months later, Carter attended Jackson’s memorial service at the Staples Center, leaving behind a promise to Jackson to do everything in his power to keep the King of Pop’s legacy alive for years to come.

 

Perez fell in love with Michael Jackson as a small child, mimicking his idol’s dance moves and learning to sing all of his songs, the promoters said. As an adult, they said he is the number one moonwalking Michael Jackson tribute performer in the world. With his striking resemblance and MJ-styled voice, promoters said he will give audience members the chills as he transitions through all four eras of the artist’s career. Perez portrays Michael Jackson like no one else can, they said.

 

Lavelle Smith Jr. has created the steps that have grabbed our attention for decades, promoters said. A longtime friend of Jackson’s for over 23 years, they said he worked closely with the King of Pop as his choreographer as well as that of his sister, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Chris Brown, En Vogue, and Destiny’s Child amongst other major stars. They said Smith has won the MTV Video Award for Best Choreography five times, and the Music Video Producers Award for Outstanding Choreography twice.

 

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is located on the campus of Lehman College/CUNY at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468. Tickets for INVINCIBLE: A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON can be purchased at $25, $40, $50, $60, or $100 by calling the Lehman Center box office on (718) 960-8833 or [para español] (718) 960-8835, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and beginning 4 hours prior to showtime on weekends. Tickets can also be purchased online at https://www.lehmancenter.org/events/michael-jackson-tributel. The Lehman center is accessible by the 4 or D trains to Bedford Park Boulevard, and by car, off the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Major Deegan Expressway.

 

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is supported, in part, by public funds through the SVOG Grant. In addition, Lehman Center received funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council and the Bronx Delegation. The center thanks to U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez for their support of arts and culture by implementing the SVOG grant.

 

They also thank former Assemblyman José Rivera for his generous grant from The New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department. Additional funding is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts with support of The Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The 2022-2023 season is also made possible through sponsorship by Goya Foods, Con Edison, Havana Café, and Friends of Lehman Center.