BEAT IT! – The successful show about the King of Pop!

"BEAT IT! – The Success Show about the King of Pop!" is a spectacular live show experience about the most successful entertainer of all time, whose music will remain unforgettable forever. The approximately two-hour homage traces Michael Jackson's unparalleled solo career in spectacular images and presents 20 of his greatest hits live, including "Billie Jean," "Smooth Criminal," "Thriller," "Man In The Mirror," "Black Or White," and of course, "Beat It." "This is one of the best Michael Jackson shows I have ever seen," raved Michael's brother Jermaine Jackson right after the world premiere on August 29, 2018, at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin. The Berliner Morgenpost headlined after the world premiere: "It almost seems as if the King of Pop has risen again." This led to record tours from 2018 to 2020 in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with more than 250 performances, most of which were completely sold out, and a wave of boundless enthusiasm from audiences and the press, before the tour unfortunately had to be prematurely ended in March 2020 due to COVID-19. Now, six years later, in spring 2026, the myth returns to the stage in a new version with a new cast.

With over 500 million records sold and more than 200 completely sold-out stadiums during his three solo world tours, Michael Jackson became the largest and most successful pop star in music history. Even as a child, as a member of the legendary "Jackson 5," he gained worldwide fame – his breakthrough came with the release of the best-selling album of all time: "Thriller." Even 16 years after his death, Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop," continues to live in the hearts of his millions of fans forever. And "BEAT IT! – The Success Show about the King of Pop!" brings the exceptional artist back to life in a unique stage show. More than 250,000 enthusiastic spectators, a series of completely sold-out concert halls, and a commendation from his brother cannot lie: The success show by musical producer Oliver Forster created goosebumps night after night, not just among die-hard Michael Jackson fans. "BEAT IT!" is a perfectly choreographed stage spectacle featuring outstanding dancers, virtuoso musicians, and a lead actor who is so close to the original that audiences are regularly left breathless. From the very first note, the spark ignites. At "BEAT IT!", no one can stay seated. The urge to move is too great as lead actor Garth Field slips on his silver glitter glove, adjusts his hat, and performs the Moonwalk in typical Michael Jackson style. It almost seems as if the "King of Pop," who passed away in 2009, has risen again and returned to the stage for one more night.

Lead actor Garth Field: A Life for Art
The South African was born in 1993 in Cape Town. His artistic career began modestly as a member of the elementary school choir. However, in his teenage years, his commitment grew, and he learned many facets of the performing arts during his training. He attended the Stage Performing Arts School and Theatre, where he received a certificate in Performing Arts in his second year and studied jazz, tap, and modern dance. He also received further certificates in all three disciplines from the renowned Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in London. In 2008, he expanded his repertoire and studied hip-hop styles with Kumari Singh at the Temple of Hip Hop. In 2012, he obtained an NQF Level 5 in Performing Arts at the New Africa Theatre.

Garth's career took a decisive turn in 2015 when he received his first international contract as a choreographer and dancer in the Spanish production "This Is It – A Tribute to Michael Jackson." In this role, he flourished – leading to him being offered the lead role of "Michael Jackson" the following year. Eventually, he became the production manager and has since spent six months each year with the show in Spain.

In 2023, renowned tribute producer Johnny Van Grinsven took notice of his work in the tribute field. He recast his long-running production "The Michael Jackson HIStory Show" and found in Garth the perfect mix of talent, youthful energy, and drive. He gave him the biggest role of his life, once again as Michael Jackson, but this time in one of the largest international tribute shows in the industry. "Garth possesses the rare combination of singing ability, dance talent, the perfect look, and above all, the drive and ambition to do justice to this role and always work to be the best in the business, just like his idol. I am therefore very proud that we were able to secure him as the lead in the revival of 'BEAT IT!' as the first cast in the role of Michael," said Oliver Forster, the producer of the show. He shares the role with none other than Dantanio Goodmann, who toured with "BEAT IT!" from 2018 to 2020 and was regarded at that time as "the best Michael Jackson performer since Michael Jackson" worldwide.

"BEAT IT!" – The Success Show with Awards and World Records
The "knighthood" was bestowed upon the team behind "BEAT IT!" in 2018 by Michael Jackson's brother. "This is one of the best Michael Jackson shows I have ever seen," raved Jermaine Jackson right after the world premiere in Berlin on August 29, 2018, the day Michael Jackson would have celebrated his 60th birthday, visibly moved to tears on stage. He congratulated the creators and the entire ensemble on this outstanding achievement.

Already on the eve of the celebrated premiere, the ensemble achieved a memorable triumph: Together with the well-known dancer and choreographer Detlef Soost, they set a world record – the largest Michael Jackson choreography dance lesson with 261 dancers! For Soost, who has been a judge, choreographer, presenter, and fitness expert on TV for over 30 years, being part of the creative team of the show was a heartfelt matter: "I became a Michael Jackson fan at the age of twelve and through him came to dance and my career. Now, being part of the artistic team that brings his legacy to the stage is more than an honor for me!"