Featured Dancer: Anthony Galloway

Anthony Galloway is a LEGACY dancer and a production member. As a production member, he is taking on the major video work that is being done for the show. Also, he is helping design and build the set for the shows this year.
Anthony is someone I respect for his simplicity and his work ethic. Ever since I've known Anthony, I've gotten to know more about him and the more I know, the more I appreciate him even more. He is one of the most imaginative/animated people I've worked with. He's got so many ideas and creativity running through his head much of the time, especially when we have production meetings that involve creation.

I was having a conversation over the phone with Anthony a while back about my aspirations for what I wanted LEGACY to be and to represent. 
He said to me: 







"Man, I love listening to you dream"

 That line really hit a cord because Anthony is the type of person who has ideas and tries to make them happen. I admire that in people because it’s one thing to say “I’d like” and another to get it done.  

I am so proud to work with Anthony. We made our "dreams" a reality nine years ago and we continue to do so today.

-LC

Anthony on the 2011 LEGACY Logo

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Well, Hello World!  My name is Anthony Galloway and I am a dancer/production team member of LEGACY!  It is truly a blessing to work with Luis and the wonderful cast and crew of the show!  But thats the legacy of Michael, in whatever way possible, help those around you.  to borrow from the song, "Who am I to be Blind, pretending not to see their needs."  This show raises funds to support the creative development of kids, bring together many styles of dance to beautiful synergy, and in my case, seeing me through one of the hardest times in my life.

At the auditions last year, I was severely out of shape, hadn't really danced since being in Luis's High School Michael productions, and was just starting out in my professional career in education.  I was an out of shape, 225lb old guy (compared to the cast) who clearly had work to do.  On top of it all, my wife and I found out mid rehearsal schedule that we were expecting our first child.  The ingredients didn't seem to be adding up for me.  But I went for it...and got in!

With a great cast, great choreography, and lots of patience, I began to shed pounds and keep up with the 18-23 year olds in the show.  Theres just something about MJ that makes you want to be better than you are.



Then, as my wife went into early labor requiring surgery to save the pregnancy; 7 weeks of bedrest; going down to a 1 income household; a daughter born 3 months early at 1.5lbs; my world began to unravel quickly.  Legacy rehearsal became one of the few things fueling me through one of the hardest times of my life.  I never really let it show, but the end of rehearsal was the hardest part because i had to go back to the uphill sprint my life was becoming.  

The beauty, however, was that the show became one of the few things in my life that was actually getting better.  You know, life has a funny way of giving you what you need at the right time.  because as I started to show some real talent in rehearsal;  as the dances became easier; and I began to get lighter, faster, stronger....and so did my daughter!


Each week she out performed the doctors expectations and I found myself fighting alongside her gaining strength with each passing battle.  By showtime, both my daughter, and my life, were out of the danger zone.  The shows were amazing, I lost 57lbs,  and 1 month later my daughter came home after 101 days in the neonatal intensive care unit a healthy 6.5lb baby girl with no complications.  

This show is about so much more than rembembering Michael.  It truly inspires a creative legacy that makes you want to be a better you.  reflect on the good in life and heal by reaching out to that man or woman in the mirror and saying, "keep going."

Thats why I chose to join the production team this year in addition to auditioning to dance.  The way I see it, the work kept me going through the low times and I better contribute in the good times.  So as this process gets underway, I hope to contribute something, either on the stage or behind the scenes, that can help someone else face the low; so they can pay it forward too.  Thats one of Michael's legacies, and I think this production lives up to its name.  That being said...let the work begin!


-Anthony Galloway

Preparations for the first promo-show this Saturday!

The past couple of weeks have been increasingly exciting and full of planning for our first promo-show in 2011. In addition, they’ve been full of suspense because there is a chance that I may not be able to perform as MJ this Saturday. Alan Mure (Asst. Choreographer) may have to step up to the plate at the last minute and take my place! Here is the download:

We are performing at a private event this Saturday, February 19 and this is going to be one of the longest shows we’ve done outside of SteppingStone Theatre. We are scheduled to perform eight numbers straight through. Some of the numbers will include some of the new costuming for the new numbers and we will also be doing some of last year’s material. This is so that we save much of the new stuff for May/June.

Makeup Station  

This week we’re running last-minute fittings, getting new clothing racks, makeup test runs, editing mixes and running the sewing machines like crazy!!! Lisa (our costumer) is working hard getting the new costumes set and ready! She is a very creative person and has really good ideas. I can't wait for you to see her work!

As you may have read in previous blogs, I am going to be a dad any second now, so we do not run the show at the moment. My unborn daughter runs it. She is determining what songs we are to rehearse these past weeks, what songs we are performing on Saturday and if I am even going to make it to the show. Man, talk about control!

In the event that this baby decides to come on the 17^th, 18^th or 19^th I will not be performing as Michael Jackson on Saturday. Alan Mure who is the Assistant Choreographer (and an AMAZING dancer) for LEGACY will be stepping into the MJ’s shoes for me. We have makeup test-runs this week for Alan in case he needs to step into my place. Quote me again:

"The show MUST and WILL go on."

Running makeup tests on Alan Mure

Alan is amazing. He knows his stuff and this guy can put on a great show. If I didn’t feel comfortable with Alan representing LEGACY I would have not signed up to put on a show with those risks. Hopefully I will be able to attend this show as it is one of the most important shows of my “MJ Career” for many reasons. It’s not about how many will be there; it’s about who will be there. However, if my family needs me on such important occasion, even the most important performance of a lifetime will have to be re-arranged.

Saturday, here we come!

Brace yourself for...

 LEGACY- A Tribute to The King of Pop!!

MN State Fair 2011 declines LEGACY

LEGACY applied to be considered for the 2011 State Fair last year.

We hoped to bring something new and something fresh to the MN State Fair in 2011 but unfortunately, we were declined the opportunity.

The MN State Fair has a history of keeping MN traditions; the food, the rides and maybe the entertainment. We must not fit in that tradition for now. We were not given a reason as to why we were not welcomed to perform there. We were given the stereotypical “at this time” speech and got all of our materials back (DVD samples, photos etc.)

Perhaps what we do isn’t the best fit for the fair. However, I think LEGACY could have brought something different to the table and attracted the younger crowds to the fair. The show would have rocked the cheese-curds out of everyone that’s for sure.

There has been some talk about LEGACY not being country enough (which personally, I can agree- it’s everything but country) for the fair. Also, there may be some issues concerning this being an MJ show. Some promoters and venues get a little concerned with the material being “too sensitive”. That is, until they see the show and the numbers our show actually pulls; then the concern level changes. (wink,wink)

The MN State Fair would have been a new, fun stop for us but unfortunately you will not get to see the show there. The good news: you will get to see us at SteppingStone Theatre where you won’t overheat and it’s reasonably priced!!  YAY!

 -LC

Featured Dancer: Matt Robbins (LEGACY Cast)

Once or twice a week, I will be featuring a blog directly from the hands of production team members or the LEGACY cast. I want the readers of this blog to get a well-rounded look into the behind the scenes of this great production.

In todays "Feature Blog" I'd like to introduce Mr. Matt Robbins. 

Matt Robbins

Matt Robbins is one our dancers. This is his first year dancing with LEGACY and I have nothing but positive things to say about Matt. I admire the heck out of this guy. He is one of, if not the most dedicated dancers I have ever worked with. He is a perfectionist, a learner and strives for nothing but being better each time. I'm so glad he decided to audition and I was not surprised he got all 5 votes to make the cut. We have a voting system when auditioning dancers so that it's fair and non-bias. You will enjoy seeing him perform; he means business whenever he steps onto the platform. 

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FEATURED LEGACY MEMBER

First, I would like to say hi to all of the readers/fans. My name is Matt Robbins and I am a dancer in LEGACY  duh haha. I feel so blessed to be apart of this production.

What inspired me to audition?  Well, I went to the show last year and it was a great experience. I originally missed the cast auditions by a few hours last year, and I told my self that if LEGACY was to cast again I'm not missing it and here I am!

I am a very hard worker and strive on perfectness...in other words: I get frustrated with my self very easy if I can't get a move down or a dance number lol. I working on trying not to be a perfectionist but its in my blood lol. I just as well as Luis and all of the other dancers want to make  this show "one to remember".  I take this as serious as they come lol.

Well lets move to rehearsals. Rehearsals are a lot of fun but sometimes brutal due to four hours of dancing. Everyone from Luis to the dancers are very helpful to one another. We are like family when we are in the studio. One thing is that when Luis told me it was going to be alot of hard work, he wasn't lying to say the least. I love every minute in the studio and just want to dance.. Look forward to seeing all of your at the show...DUCES

-Matt Robbins 

(LEGACY Dancer)

Matt (far right)  in the dance studio working on one of his favorite dances: "Smooth Criminal"

Becoming Michael Jackson- The Process

It’s amazing what makeup can do. I’m not talking about my female friends by any means. I’m talking about taking an average person and turning them into something or someone else. For LEGACY, becoming MJ requires several layers of powder, creams, liquid sealer, eyeliner, false eyelashes and hair. I usually go for the look that people recognize as Michael Jackson: The thin nose, high cheekbones, wide eyes and light skin and long hair.  

Ben Nye Makeup Set



We use makeup products by Ben Nye which is high quality makeup that is used by professional stage artists. This makeup does not come off easily even with all the heavy sweat that happens due to excessive dancing, warm stage lighting and heavy costuming. There are shading tricks that can be done to thin the nose, make the nostrils look smaller, widen the eyes and make the jaw appear more squared. Makeup alone takes about 1 ½ hour so it’s a very intricate step by step process.  Since this is not a makeup tutorial, I will skip the details. 

MJ wig used for LEGACY

In addition to the makeup, I use fake eye-lashes and a wig made from human hair that gets anchored-in using my real hair so that it does not come off during all the movement and the quick costume changes. That would be HILARIOUS!!!!- if it fell off in the middle of a show. HAHAHAHA. Yeah, I laugh now, wait until it really happens! After every show, the wig gets cleaned, curled and styled by a professional also known as a “Wig Master”.

The most challenging part for me was the weight loss in preparation for LEGACY. When I was approached by the producer about working on this project I was in no shape mentally or physically to take on something like this. The physical work alone can be exhausting for a fit person let alone for an overweight guy.

2011 (175lb)

2009 (197lb.)

When I signed to do the show for 2010 I weighed in at 197lb. After years of not dancing and eating foolishly, I gained a great amount of weight. When I started training in the dance studio I realized I was extremely out of shape. After about the 4^th song in rehearsals I was ready to quit. I couldn’t keep up!! Then kicked in the discipline and the rigorous rehearsals and the weight began dropping.  By show night in 2010 I was at 169lb. By then, I had gained the resistance and speed I needed in order to fulfill my duties as a performer. It’s funny how even as little as 5 pounds can make a big difference. I suppose when dancing for two hours under warm lighting and heavy costuming, every ounce counts. I intend to be right around 160-165lbs. by show night this year.  In my opinion, MJ was too thin- I don't care for weighting 135lbs. That's a bit drastic for my body frame. 

 Looking like MJ is one of the most important parts of what I do. I can't say I impersonate him if I don’t assimilate to him. Sometimes it’s my least favorite part (getting ready) of my job because it’s tedious and time-consuming work but it’s one of the most important. Impersonating Michael Jackson is not putting on a shiny jacket, a glove and dancing around. It's leaving who you are aside for a moment, changing your attitude onstage and embracing someone else through you, and delivering it with all the respect and dignity that artist and this artform deserves. I always say:

“If you are going to do something that you are passionate about, do it right.  ALL or NOTHING”

-LC

(2011)

The 2011 LEGACY Lineup is!!!...

People have been asking about what songs we are performing for this year’s shows. At every show, I like to keep the lineup a secret until the opening night. Lineups are never in the programs. Ever. The only people who know the lineup are the cast and production crew.

New "Beat It Jacket" with a latex-twist

Granted, some songs are always a given. You can’t do a tribute to Michael without numbers like “Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Thriller, Beat It” and other classics.

A theatre usually hands you a program with the cast list, the production, about the program you are about to see and sometimes you even get the scene by scene. LEGACY is different. Legacy is a live dance show that embodies Michael Jackson’s live shows. When you go to a pop concert you never get a list of the songs to be performed. It’s part of the surprise factor.

In this year’s show, we are performing to the classics and enhancing it with brand new numbers that people have never seen or that we’ve never performed to before which is very exciting. Also, the costuming is different; even for the classics. Everything is different.

All I can say is that this will be the most bad-ass experience ever. It’s something unlike anything in the Twin Cities and I can guarantee that. I’ve seen many, many dance acts and this one is very unique. I hope to see you at the shows!

-LC

Gold, space costume to be used in the 2011 shows!
The questions is... to what song(s)?? 

Selling the LEGACY shows in this market; easy as ABC.

For the May/June LEGACY shows, we usually like to begin marketing and promotion early in the game. If the show opens at the end of May for example, I don’t want to begin marketing at the end April. That would be like tossing a rope around your neck because you’ll spend more time stressing and you will drive yourself insane trying to sell so many seats in a single month. We have a unique approach and plan of action when selling our show to the public.

The secret to having a successful marketing campaign is simple: “Show them what you’re going to show them”.  There are many performers out there (some, who I’ve met personally) that advertise this and that plus a bag of chips & a footlong on paper and the web but when you see their product LIVE, you never get the chips or the footlong. In other words, they offered something they don’t have. That’s a turn-off to people and that is why many show-goers are careful about what they buy.

In my opinion, the best thing to do is to show new, prospect audiences your product upfront. I like to advertise the show and myself by showcasing some of the work LIVE. I don’t know how effective handing out a flyer alone is. I’m not discrediting paper advertisement by any means; we use paper and web advertisement too. However, we accompany our paper advertisement with a live performance most of the time. When I tell people what I do the reaction is something like “Oh, nice… “

When I show them a video clip of the live performances their reaction is very different. They say something along “Oh My God!!!   This is serious!!!  Wow!! “ and then they ask for show dates, times, ticket prices etc. which is what I’m aiming for; keep them wanting more.  It’s the approach that is the key to selling tickets, not the flashy flyers and the online marketing alone.

February 19^th is our first “official” promotional show for the 2011 shows. Then, we move into the March promo-shows beginning the 5^th and 6^th. These are brand new audiences that are going to experience a sample of the pie. If they want more, they are going to have to come see us at SteppingStone. After our promo-shows, we like to stick around, mingle, take photos with members of the audience and hand out flyers and business cards with our contact info. New opportunities tend to arise from these shows and that you can’t pass up.

As I said before, I am not anti-print advertisement. I just like to enhance it with the real deal up-front. I want for people to feel confident about buying tickets to see our shows. For the 2011 season, we are sending 10,000 full color flyers to the printers followed by 500 color 18x24 posters that will be distributed at nightclubs, dance schools, dance studios, universities, theatres and just about anywhere else we know it may look appealing to MJ and non-MJ fans.

Marques Mathias (Marketing Director & Dancer)

Marques Mathias is the director of marketing (as well a a dancer for LEGACY) and so far, we are on schedule and I’m very confident in Marques's work. He is always on top of things and marketing is the key to selling the show. As a matter of fact, tickets are not on sale yet and there have been several large orders for tickets by a few groups.  It’s nice to know we have people who know what they’re doing and groups who are eager to get tickets reserved. We are expecting a large number of pre-sales based on last year’s reaction to the show. Last June, tickets were pre-selling at a high rate even before we moved into the theatre the week before the shows. We owe this success to our team, our dancers, the fans and the marketing tactics we have set in place to make sure we make the most of our time at SteppingStone. The more tickets we sell, the more we donate to such a great cause.  

And that is your LEGACY Marketing 101.

-LC

Marketing materials & artwork by Luis Castillo 

Above: front and back of flyers (4.25x6)





Business Card  

Business Card

Poster design is currently in production





LEGACY will not return to SteppingStone in 2012. Here is why.

2011 is our second year returning to SteppingStone Theatre. The experience there was and continues to be AMAZING. We had an insane amount of tickets sold, the balcony was packed and the audiences were amazed and highly entertained. Also, we raised over $12,000 in just three days for SteppingStone and we couldn’t have been happier.

Mr. Richard Hitchler
 (Artistic Director of SST)

The director of the theatre (Richard Hitchler) has been a great person to work with. He’s been very supportive of our production and always willing to make things happen if we need help during the production. I’ve gotten to know some of the other employees of SteppingStone theatre and I feel very welcome when in their space. My experience has been exceptional while working with SteppingStone.

SteppingStone approached me about a month ago in regards to a 2012 show. I was taken back by the pitch simply because we are in the middle of the 2011 production and I’m not used to doubling up on large productions being planned a year and a-half out. This 2012 show was to be put together entirely in seven weeks. This includes training dancers, getting costuming, set and the whole works in seven weeks (we usually take months to work on this). Crazy, I know! But I LOVE the idea! It sounds challenging and fun-filled! After bringing this to the table it was back and forth until a decision was made.

First, it’s not my call whether or not we have a show. It’s not a one-man show. People think that because I am the principal character in the production that all decisions go through me AND made by me. That’s not the case at all. There are so many people involved in this show and if everyone is not on the same boat, taking on a contract like this will be very difficult without the right foundation.

Secondly, my wifey-pooh-bear is expecting our first newborn any second now and once my little monkey is here, my priorities will change. I have to get a hold of what will be the new routine and once I have that down, I can plan for another large commitment like that. Also, some key production members were not “thrilled” with the seven-week timeframe to get a dance production on its feet and onto the stage; which is completely understandable. There are so many factors involved and sometimes things don’t always turn out the way we want them to.

I will not be leaving the stage, that’s for sure. The show will go on. I will wear my dancing shoes throughout the year after June and I know many of the peeps won’t want to stop either. The “larger-scale” shows will have to wait a little bit. With that said, get your tickets now before we sell-out and you won’t see the show until who knows when!! HAHAHHA 

Actually, tickets are not on sale yet! What am I talking about!?

Which reminds me… where is Marques!!?? That little schmuck!

….Marques is taking care of marketing and selling the show out!!!



SteppingStone Theatre



"Your tickets sales are INSANE!!! You MUST be RICH!"...Rich Indeed!

People always ask if we get paid to do these shows and the answer is always the same:  “I’ll never tell…” (in a high-pitch voice).

The truth is, we get all types of work. Some is paid and some is not. The work that is NOT paid, we are very selective about. For example, last year we performed for “Dance Your Heart Out” at the MOA and that was not paid. However, we got so many benefits from that. We got to support the organizations cause, got mad exposure, earned a set of brand new “fans” and let’s not forget about the ample green room and the abundance of  pizza they provided the crew with. YUM!





"Thriller" -Rotunda at the MOA (2010)

"Man in the Mirror"- Millenium Hotel (2010)







We’ve also done shows for lavish, elegant galas at elegant hotels (The Graves, for example), fancy weddings and other private company events. Most of the money from these shows gets re-invested back into the benefit shows for new costuming, set and other basic expenses. Sometimes dancers themselves will refuse to get paid in order to donate it to the cause: Stepping Stone Theatre Shows. 

The “BIG” shows at Stepping Stone Theatre are not paid. Some people have this notion that I rake in the cash under my mattress and little do they know. We are volunteers who donate our time and talent to put these shows together. We donate 100% of the profits back to the theatre in order to support the work they do with young adults in the community. Last year alone we donated over $12,000 in just three nights! That is C.R.A.Z.Y.!!  At aprox. $10 tickets, that’s over 1,200 seats sold. That is the loyal support we get from our followers and Michael Jackson fans. We are so thankful and so blessed to have audiences like that.  This year, we are doing 6 shows over a two-weekend period and we hope to pull in close or over $20,000 and donate Every. Single. Penny.

As you can see, we’re rich!! Knowing that we do so much to give back to our community makes us filthy-rich. Knowing that you can help make a difference makes you feel like a million dollars.

-LC

PHOTOS

Photos from various events. Some paid, some unpaid and some shots from the shows at SteppingStone Theatre.

5 De Mayo Festival (2010)

"Billie Jean" -SteppingStone Theatre (2010)

"Black or White" -SteppingStone Theatre (2010)

"Beat It"- Millenium Hotel (2010)

Video:  (Home video)

Mall of America Performance:



"Making the Cut"- There are two ways to make it!!

Last night I was thinking about the peeps that got cut from this year’s show. We have mutual friends and I always hear about them etc. When we casted them into the show I was sooooo happy for them and for us. We had amazing talent and unfortunately they ended up in between the scissors.

When casting, LEGACY requires that its dancers have rhythm, energy and are able to pick up new choreography fairly quickly. If you have those features, you are likely going to be cast.  That is one way to “make the cut”. We also want to see commitment but that usually comes with time which brings be to my second point.

The second way to “make the cut” is by having the following features: Slacking off, thinking you are too good to show up to rehearsals and scheduling last minute shows, photo shoots or auditions outside of LEGACY on rehearsal nights and coming in extremely late with no notice.

It’s funny to me that usually the dancers that end up getting cut are the more skilled dancers and the ones who seek dance as a career. I always tell them that before they can showcase their talent, they have to be committed to their work. Then come the “buts, ifs, because” and that’s too unfortunate.

We originally cast 13 dancers. LEGACY now has 9. We give two warnings and one sayonara. I feel really bad when we (Gloria and I- Glo is the Producer) and I have to pull our violins and sing them the “Gooddbye” song. I know how much they want to be there for the shows but it’s too much monkeying around with folks. We have an entire production to put together in short time period and I have short patience for slackers.

I always say:

“I rather have average dancers with lots of commitment than amazing dancers with no commitment or good work ethic.”

In the end, the show must and will go on.



LEGACY and the STAGES

Hello and welcome!

Before I begin, I want to introduce myself in a nutshell since I will be writing to you very often.

My name is Luis Castillo, also known as “Mike, MJ, Michael" and occasionally, "Chamone”

I’ve been mimicking Michael Jackson as long as I can remember. I recall being a little boy in my mother’s living room wearing a utility glove as my MJ glove and a baseball cap as my fedora trying to dance to Billie Jean. I could write a book about why, how and Michael Jackson but this something I will save for another day. I was chronically obsessed with Michael as a child.

Next thing you know, I find myself in front of thousands of people (over the many shows we’ve done over the years) looking, dressing and being Michael Jackson for a few hours. On top of that, they actually scream and express their joy when the music begins and we step out onto the STAGE. I’m so thankful; it never fails.

I am confident stating that I’m a Professional Michael Jackson Impersonator and I Love what I do. I love the people I work with and I love the people who love to see us entertain them. Enough said about me. And now, the real blog.

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This blog is called “STAGES”. I want to bring you closer to LEGACY. You may have seen one of our shows in the past, you may have not and that’s okay. LEGACY is a show that honors the LEGACY of the King of Pop; Michael Jackson. It’s a fully staged production, fully costumed and the whole works.

Audiences get to see the final product of the show but never get to see the process and the different STAGES and phases we go through as members of this production. My long-time friend, Marques Mathias who is a cast/production member in the show suggested that we do more things to bring our audiences closer to the production. I thought that was somewhat unusual because there are many things I probably would not want people to see. For example, our bad days, our “creative brawls” and our sweat and tears.

However, when I gave it more thought, I realized that that is the beauty of what we do. We go through so much and so many great moments, moments of eternal frustration but in the end, we have an amazing product called: “LEGACY- A Tribute to The King of Pop.





Luis Castillo as Michael Jackson (2011)