Local man shares how he met Michael Jackson

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Post a comment | E-mail this story | Print

Gary Flannery (pictured top right) performed for Jackson on Broadway and met him after the show.

TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- Tampa resident Gary Flannery's memory of meeting Michael Jackson dates back to 1984.

Flannery was a lead dancer in Shirley MacLaine's Broadway show.

One night there was a delay starting because of a special guest in the audience.

"They were waiting until the theater got quiet, everybody got seated and stuff and then he (Michael Jackson) just whisked in," Flannery said. "We were watching from the wings and he sat down in the third row center."

Flannery says Jackson was fascinated by the dance moves, particularly the choreography of Bob Fossee, and came backstage to talk about it after the show.

"I remember him asking one question especially, 'what was Bob's strengths?' he said. "What was the biggest strength and I told him it as the focus."

More Information

Flannery says through the years, Jackson became almost a "Broadway-type" performer, utilizing dramatic sets and theatrical choreography in both his videos and stage shows.

"It's a lot of the hands," he said. "All the stuff that he identified with so much."

Flannery says while Jackson was a commanding performer, the man he met face-to-face was much more fragile and quiet.

"(Maybe) he just chose to save it for the stage," he said. (That) would make sense in what he gave out there."

Flannery says Jackson's signature style is still influencing dance routines today and he expects it will for years to come.

Be in the Know with Bay News 9 Now!

Get news, weather, and traffic alerts delivered directly to your computer desktop, e-mail, or cell phone with Bay News 9 Now.

Subscribe for free!

July 4th

Happy 4th of July from Bay News 9! From the best firework displays in town to other fun-filled festivities- there's something for everyone.
July 4th events