Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson
Saturday, October 29 | 7:30pm
Appell Center for the Performing Arts presents

Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson

 

Strand Theatre
Saturday, October 29 | 7:30pm


The taking of photos or video is strictly prohibited.


 

Created, produced and directed by Bessie Award winner
Darrin Ross, RossLive Entertainment


Starring
Pete Carter Jeffrey Perez

Featuring
Devin Freeman Victor Lewis Jr. 
Brandon Albright
Troi Nichols Ty Scott Lyron Paulin
Jera Miller Sidou Frand Deshawn Sanders
William Isaac Bridges Ivan Manriquez
Doron Lev Matt Dickey Jim Roberson Robert Knowles
Matthew Owens David Spinley


The taking of photos or video is strictly prohibited.

by Chip Chandler


A lifelong fan of Michael Jackson, producer Darrin Ross always felt there was something missing in any of the tribute acts and the singers he’s seen. 

“They pretty much all follow the same format with a band and some background singers with dancers.... but there’s no theatrical segments or new installments in their shows,” Ross said.

So, he set out to change that.

Michael Jackson was always forward progressive minded in his productions. Ross found a duo of performers — Jeffrey Perez (Concert Michael) and Pete Carter (Dancing Michael) — among thousands of Jackson impersonators around the world for his show, INVINCIBLE: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson.

Following Michael Jackson’s performing career from his boyhood days with the Jackson 5 to the heights of his solo career, the show re-invents his songs for today’s generation.

“I think all the tribute artists are ultimate fans,” Ross said. “They’ve studied him, they’ve mimicked him, some of them feel like they sing like him … they have it in their hearts.”

INVINCIBLE combines all of that into one fun filled show.

“Once Michael passed on June 25, 2009, it was major to all of us in the production. We wanted to produce a show that, in my opinion, would bring back Michael Jackson in all his different eras,” Ross said. “I wanted to recreate the magic of seeing his video live in front of you. The passion and the love for him was put into this show, and the audience always reaffirms that we have done the right thing.”

DARRIN M. ROSS
Producer/ Director /Sound and Video Designer)

Darrin Ross has been producing and engineering songs since 1984 with Jam On Productions. He was recently chosen to be a cultural ambassador for the United States representing Dance Motion USA tours to Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. He also completed the score and sound design for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Beyond the Steps PBS Documentary, and for its ballets “Love Stories” “Reminiscin’,” and “LAZARUS,” along with sound design and composition for Suzan Lori Parks’ TopDog/Underdog.

Ross is the recipient of a New York Dance & Performance Award (Bessie) for his music composition. He is also a Meet the Composer and Rockefeller grant recipient. Ross has worked with and established many artists in the industry such as Freeway, PM Dawn, Newcleus, Doug E. Fresh, King Britt, Zhane, Jungle Brothers, Kim Waters, Todd Terry, The Roots, Bahamadia, and more. His sound design credits include Heaven, Facing Mekka, Rome and Jewels, LOW, Same Spirit Different Movement, Impossible Izzpossible, Evolution, Champions of the Dance, BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular, Fallen Crumbs from the Cake, Cool Heat Urban Beat, Cool Heat Urban Beat, BREAK! and Skate, The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Memphis Ballet, The Colorado Ballet, Hot Mouth, RHAW Love American Style, Maurice Hines’ Hot Feet, Carols in Color, Love American Style, Rennie Harris Lifted and Funkedified and has done numerous other dance theater productions.

A great fan of Michael Jackson, Ross created Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson, 

now in its ninth season and continues to expand each year to the excitement of MJ fans.

LAVELLE SMITH JR.
Creative Consultant/Choreographer

Lavelle Smith Jr. has created the steps that has grabbed our attention for decades. He has worked with many artists such as Michael and Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Chris Brown, The Rolling Stones, TLC, En Vogue, Destiny’s Child, Teena Marie, Diana Ross and Rod Stewart. Smith is known for making movement a part of everything we see. He is also a five-time winner of the MTV Video Music Award for “Best Choreography” in 1992 for “My Lovin’,” 1993 for “Free Your Mind,” 1994 for “What a Man,” 1995 for “Scream” and 2003 for Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love,” as well as a two-time recipient of the Music Video Producers Award for “Outstanding Choreography.” Smith is cited as one of the youngest inductees into the “Gallery of Greats” and has received numerous other award nominations, including an Emmy and a Bob Fosse Award for “Best Choreography.” He has been inducted into the DuPont Manuel Hall of Fame.

AL CRAWFORD
Lighting Designer

Al Crawford has produced the lighting for performances, events and projects in 48 states in the US and over 45 countries. He is enjoying his twelfth season as the Lighting Director for the Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater. Numerous credits include Double Exposure for the Lincoln Center Festival and scenic and lighting designs for “HERE…NOW,” a work commissioned by the Cultural Olympiad at the Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games. Ross and Crawford have previously collaborated on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s “Love Stories” ballet.

JEFFREY PEREZ
Concert Michael

Jeffrey Perez is one of the best and exciting Michael Jackson tribute artists to take center stage. Music has always been a big part of Perez’s life. At the age of one he began to bounce to the beat of Michael Jackson’s Bad album and began to mimic the iconic legend. At the age of three he became obsessed with the entertainer and started to structure his career mastering Michael’s sound, body language and look. Today Perez has become a hit tribute performer across the United States. Aside from his work with INVINCIBLE, he is performing as one of the stars in the international world tour The Legend Continues. In his spare time, he coaches for ArizonaThunder All-Stars in Peoria, Arizona. There are many other Michael Jackson tribute artists, some have a remarkable resemblance and others can dance or even sing like the King Of Pop, Perez does it all and artistically portrays Michael Jackson like no one else can. A video of him has gone viral with over 60 million views and comments that he sounds just like Michael Jackson. Perez was also featured on the Ellen DeGeneres show for his authenticity of his vocal imitation.

PETE CARTER
Dancing Michael

Pete Carter, born and raised in New Jersey, has been thrilling audiences as Michael Jackson ever since he was a little kid. At just eight years old, he would dance in front of his idol on the TV screen as his mother sewed replica Jackson costumes fitted just for him. For the past 12 years, Carter has been professionally impersonating the King of Pop for audiences across the country. In April of 2009, he got to spend what would be his final moments with Michael Jackson. Carter asked Jackson to autograph his back in Sharpie marker- and then got it permanently tattooed on later that night. A one-of-a-kind mark of a true legend left behind on Pete for his entire life. In July of 2009, Carter attended Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center, promising to do everything he can to keep the pop idol’s legacy alive for years to come.

KITINAY PRODUCTIONS

Kitinay Productions was founded in 2004, rapidly winning international acclaim for extending the boundaries of the performing arts. Headquartered in Philadelphia the City of Brotherly love. Kitinay, the company is known for its unique ability to create diversified productions and bring unconventional dance forms to the stage. Kitinay Productions has won numerous awards in video and sound design.

As a dedicated member of the community, Kitinay Productions is committed to raising public awareness about unconventional dance forms in the world of entertainment. For the past few years, the company has been implementing special educational programs in thousands of schools throughout the United States partnering with AIM Productions, Illstyle and Peace Productions and the worldwide acclaimed Rennie Harris Puremovement.

Producer Director Video & Sound Designer: Darrin Ross
Choreographers: Lavelle Smith Jr., Pete Carter
Assistant Choreographers: Devin Freeman & Victor Lewis Jr.
Original Lighting Designer: Al Crawford redesigned by: Darrin Ross
Visual Designers: Ginger O’Neil, Pete Carter & Monnae C. Ross
Stylists and Costuming: Sharmila Ross, Pete Carter, Devin Freeman, Isis Adger
Administrative Assistant: Engrid Bullock
Production Assistant: James Wilcoxson II

Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson
Saturday, October 29 | 7:30pm
Appell Center for the Performing Arts presents

Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson

 

Strand Theatre
Saturday, October 29 | 7:30pm


The taking of photos or video is strictly prohibited.


 

Created, produced and directed by Bessie Award winner
Darrin Ross, RossLive Entertainment


Starring
Pete Carter Jeffrey Perez

Featuring
Devin Freeman Victor Lewis Jr. 
Brandon Albright
Troi Nichols Ty Scott Lyron Paulin
Jera Miller Sidou Frand Deshawn Sanders
William Isaac Bridges Ivan Manriquez
Doron Lev Matt Dickey Jim Roberson Robert Knowles
Matthew Owens David Spinley


The taking of photos or video is strictly prohibited.

by Chip Chandler


A lifelong fan of Michael Jackson, producer Darrin Ross always felt there was something missing in any of the tribute acts and the singers he’s seen. 

“They pretty much all follow the same format with a band and some background singers with dancers.... but there’s no theatrical segments or new installments in their shows,” Ross said.

So, he set out to change that.

Michael Jackson was always forward progressive minded in his productions. Ross found a duo of performers — Jeffrey Perez (Concert Michael) and Pete Carter (Dancing Michael) — among thousands of Jackson impersonators around the world for his show, INVINCIBLE: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson.

Following Michael Jackson’s performing career from his boyhood days with the Jackson 5 to the heights of his solo career, the show re-invents his songs for today’s generation.

“I think all the tribute artists are ultimate fans,” Ross said. “They’ve studied him, they’ve mimicked him, some of them feel like they sing like him … they have it in their hearts.”

INVINCIBLE combines all of that into one fun filled show.

“Once Michael passed on June 25, 2009, it was major to all of us in the production. We wanted to produce a show that, in my opinion, would bring back Michael Jackson in all his different eras,” Ross said. “I wanted to recreate the magic of seeing his video live in front of you. The passion and the love for him was put into this show, and the audience always reaffirms that we have done the right thing.”

DARRIN M. ROSS
Producer/ Director /Sound and Video Designer)

Darrin Ross has been producing and engineering songs since 1984 with Jam On Productions. He was recently chosen to be a cultural ambassador for the United States representing Dance Motion USA tours to Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. He also completed the score and sound design for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Beyond the Steps PBS Documentary, and for its ballets “Love Stories” “Reminiscin’,” and “LAZARUS,” along with sound design and composition for Suzan Lori Parks’ TopDog/Underdog.

Ross is the recipient of a New York Dance & Performance Award (Bessie) for his music composition. He is also a Meet the Composer and Rockefeller grant recipient. Ross has worked with and established many artists in the industry such as Freeway, PM Dawn, Newcleus, Doug E. Fresh, King Britt, Zhane, Jungle Brothers, Kim Waters, Todd Terry, The Roots, Bahamadia, and more. His sound design credits include Heaven, Facing Mekka, Rome and Jewels, LOW, Same Spirit Different Movement, Impossible Izzpossible, Evolution, Champions of the Dance, BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular, Fallen Crumbs from the Cake, Cool Heat Urban Beat, Cool Heat Urban Beat, BREAK! and Skate, The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Memphis Ballet, The Colorado Ballet, Hot Mouth, RHAW Love American Style, Maurice Hines’ Hot Feet, Carols in Color, Love American Style, Rennie Harris Lifted and Funkedified and has done numerous other dance theater productions.

A great fan of Michael Jackson, Ross created Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson, 

now in its ninth season and continues to expand each year to the excitement of MJ fans.

LAVELLE SMITH JR.
Creative Consultant/Choreographer

Lavelle Smith Jr. has created the steps that has grabbed our attention for decades. He has worked with many artists such as Michael and Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Chris Brown, The Rolling Stones, TLC, En Vogue, Destiny’s Child, Teena Marie, Diana Ross and Rod Stewart. Smith is known for making movement a part of everything we see. He is also a five-time winner of the MTV Video Music Award for “Best Choreography” in 1992 for “My Lovin’,” 1993 for “Free Your Mind,” 1994 for “What a Man,” 1995 for “Scream” and 2003 for Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love,” as well as a two-time recipient of the Music Video Producers Award for “Outstanding Choreography.” Smith is cited as one of the youngest inductees into the “Gallery of Greats” and has received numerous other award nominations, including an Emmy and a Bob Fosse Award for “Best Choreography.” He has been inducted into the DuPont Manuel Hall of Fame.

AL CRAWFORD
Lighting Designer

Al Crawford has produced the lighting for performances, events and projects in 48 states in the US and over 45 countries. He is enjoying his twelfth season as the Lighting Director for the Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater. Numerous credits include Double Exposure for the Lincoln Center Festival and scenic and lighting designs for “HERE…NOW,” a work commissioned by the Cultural Olympiad at the Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games. Ross and Crawford have previously collaborated on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s “Love Stories” ballet.

JEFFREY PEREZ
Concert Michael

Jeffrey Perez is one of the best and exciting Michael Jackson tribute artists to take center stage. Music has always been a big part of Perez’s life. At the age of one he began to bounce to the beat of Michael Jackson’s Bad album and began to mimic the iconic legend. At the age of three he became obsessed with the entertainer and started to structure his career mastering Michael’s sound, body language and look. Today Perez has become a hit tribute performer across the United States. Aside from his work with INVINCIBLE, he is performing as one of the stars in the international world tour The Legend Continues. In his spare time, he coaches for ArizonaThunder All-Stars in Peoria, Arizona. There are many other Michael Jackson tribute artists, some have a remarkable resemblance and others can dance or even sing like the King Of Pop, Perez does it all and artistically portrays Michael Jackson like no one else can. A video of him has gone viral with over 60 million views and comments that he sounds just like Michael Jackson. Perez was also featured on the Ellen DeGeneres show for his authenticity of his vocal imitation.

PETE CARTER
Dancing Michael

Pete Carter, born and raised in New Jersey, has been thrilling audiences as Michael Jackson ever since he was a little kid. At just eight years old, he would dance in front of his idol on the TV screen as his mother sewed replica Jackson costumes fitted just for him. For the past 12 years, Carter has been professionally impersonating the King of Pop for audiences across the country. In April of 2009, he got to spend what would be his final moments with Michael Jackson. Carter asked Jackson to autograph his back in Sharpie marker- and then got it permanently tattooed on later that night. A one-of-a-kind mark of a true legend left behind on Pete for his entire life. In July of 2009, Carter attended Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center, promising to do everything he can to keep the pop idol’s legacy alive for years to come.

KITINAY PRODUCTIONS

Kitinay Productions was founded in 2004, rapidly winning international acclaim for extending the boundaries of the performing arts. Headquartered in Philadelphia the City of Brotherly love. Kitinay, the company is known for its unique ability to create diversified productions and bring unconventional dance forms to the stage. Kitinay Productions has won numerous awards in video and sound design.

As a dedicated member of the community, Kitinay Productions is committed to raising public awareness about unconventional dance forms in the world of entertainment. For the past few years, the company has been implementing special educational programs in thousands of schools throughout the United States partnering with AIM Productions, Illstyle and Peace Productions and the worldwide acclaimed Rennie Harris Puremovement.

Producer Director Video & Sound Designer: Darrin Ross
Choreographers: Lavelle Smith Jr., Pete Carter
Assistant Choreographers: Devin Freeman & Victor Lewis Jr.
Original Lighting Designer: Al Crawford redesigned by: Darrin Ross
Visual Designers: Ginger O’Neil, Pete Carter & Monnae C. Ross
Stylists and Costuming: Sharmila Ross, Pete Carter, Devin Freeman, Isis Adger
Administrative Assistant: Engrid Bullock
Production Assistant: James Wilcoxson II