Michael Jackson - Part B

New York, N.Y. At the Beacon Theatre, I was producing about 200 events per year. Thanks to my dear friend Leonard Bernstein, Princes Grace agreed to become honorary chair of the foundation and the Beacon Theater gained the status of  ‘important cultural heritage,’ we raised a lot of money for the foundation I created, and invited the Grand Kabuki by Ichikawa Ennosuke (he was also a genius!), as well as operas, ballets, and even film festivals. Princess Grace and Prince Albert attended our Opening Night.

I created an organization known as the “International Society of Arts” by inviting countries from the United Nations, where 94 countries had signed up. I presented many benefits for charity such as the ‘Hunger Project’, ‘Save the Boat People’, etc. Hundreds of events were now taking place at the Beacon each year. The Beacon Theater was finally saved!

Madison Square Garden became interested in acquiring the long-term lease of the Beacon Theater, and offered enormous amount of the rent. I was finally able to resign as general manager and producer of the Beacon Theater.

One day, the house manager of the Beacon Theater that Michael Jackson was coming to the Beacon told me. I knew by that time Michael never was performing performed at a theater smaller than giant arenas or huge venues, so I thought maybe he was going to use our theater just for rehearsal. I recall my brief encounter backstage in the Midwest years back, and thought, if he remembers me, I would say “Hi!”

The summer of ‘95, Michael announced he would like to produce the ultimate production of project. This would be the very pinnacle of performing arts for TV. He wanted to do this in an intimate surrounding. Thus, The Beacon Theater was chosen for “Michael Jackson: One Night Only.”

The date was set for Dec. 10 to broadcast, and Dec. 8 and 9 were chosen as filming dates. This show would highlight a few number of Michael’s most famous songs, with new choreographies such as “Thriller,” “A Clockwork Orange,” “Dangerous’, “Childhood,” “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Bad,” etc. Michael wanted to be close to his fans, so the Beacon was chosen.

Michael had a special wish. He wanted to collaborate with the famous pantomime, Marcel Marceau, in the “Childhood.” Marceau never shared the stage with anyone, but after talking to Michael, he agreed to cooperate. He flew from France to New York to meet with Michael.

Many Rehearsals Before The Show for the New Choreographies

All was going well for the whole week of rehearsal, however on the afternoon of Dec. 6th during the rehearsal of “Childhood” with Marcel Marceau, Michael suddenly collapsed on the stage of The Beacon. My heart stopped when I heard this and my bones chilled. I tried to see Michael but could not because of the security.

Who’s intention was this? The Universe? In my mind, it continues to spook me still today… The connection of Michael and myself, my Beacon Theatre, and a song called “Childhood.” All had some connection with Michael - and me. Michael, Tell me what you wanted from me?

Afterward, I was told the film of this show had disappeared, gone for good. Even as of today, they never found it at his estate Neverland. There are a few mysterious incidents in our lives. This is one of them.

Originally published as Vol. x in  Weekly Biz , May XX, 2020; translated by Jim Luce.

See:  Dr. Kazuko Hillyer Tatsumura Column in Japan’s Weekly Biz

(ニューヨークビズ！)

Dr. Kazuko ,  Gaia Holistic Foundation ,  Japan ,  Japanese essay ,  Kazuko Hillyer Tatsumura

Tweet