It is normal to wonder whether you are on the island of Madeira or somewhere else in the world when you watch the show at Casino da Madeira, entitled “Smooth Criminals”. This is due to the bold nature of this show, which stands out for completely breaking with what has been done in this venue in the past.
The constant changes in musical style, costumes and the show's approach in general, which moves between the classic and the modern without losing sight of the quality of the entertainment, take you back several decades.
For the first time, the Casino da Madeira wanted to create a show that would appeal to both locals and foreigners. Thus, was born this Dinner and Show, which offers an evening marked by a dynamic and engaging storyline, where the line between criminals and innocents is blurred, providing a unique entertainment experience.
It is an invitation to get out of the routine, out of autopilot, and enjoy a different, glamorous evening, which also includes dinner, with a three-course menu and drinks included until the start of the show.
On arrival, on the 4th floor of the Casino, at the Bahia Restaurant, we are greeted with a welcome cocktail. As you enter, you have access to a panoramic view over Funchal.
The show opens with great energy, with the dancers invoking the spirit of Michael Jackson, the greatest pop star of all time, to the sound of “Smooth Criminal”. We see a recreation of the iconic choreography, and suddenly we travel back to the rebellious 80s.
From then on, the stage alternates between moments of great intensity and softer ones, through the interpretation of ballads and widely recognized pop themes. An example of this mix is the interpretation of the song by British singer Robbie Williams “Let me entertain you” (1998) and “I want to know what love is” by the Anglo-American band Foreigner (1984). Effusiveness and melancholy accompany us throughout the show, making us enter into the narrative.
Ricardo Mendes, the dancer in charge of costuming, all Madeiran for the first time, explains that the inspiration for the show comes from the “criminals of the 20s, 30s and 40s”, combining elements of humour and elaborate choreography. These ingredients have been decisive for the success of the show, which has always had a full house.
The cast includes the voices of Bruna Pereira and the debuts of Júlia Ochoa and Levi Gonçalves on the Casino da Madeira stage. The group of dancers is made up of 12 local artists, under the creative direction of Juliana Andrade, who has brought a new approach to this show format.
“We've had very positive feedback from the public, because this isn't a conventional casino show, like those of a decade ago, with feathers and sequins. In this show, dance takes centre stage,” says Ricardo Mendes. One of the objectives was to “rejuvenate the audience” with a more up-to-date repertoire, making the show attractive to both residents and visitors, and this has been a winning bet.
“Madeiran audiences, traditionally more reserved, have responded enthusiastically, with lots of clapping and energy,” says Ricardo Mendes. Another important factor in its success is the diversity of the group of performers, whose ages range from 18 to 44. Some are dance students, while others are self-taught. What unites them is their passion for dance, the stage and the authenticity of their interpretation.
"Smooth Criminals” will be on stage in April (19), May (3 and 24), June (7,14,21,28) and July (5 and 26).
