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'r: "*x , yocuo _ ^ ----- - ?√ß . ; ?╟≤-'?√ß>. ;. ?√ß .. ?√ß , ?╟≤' ?╟≤ v??'. Energy lets Jerry reach black ASKED why he wears leotards to rehearsals, American choreographer, director and writer Jerry Jackson casually flicks one supple leg high above his head, then the other, as explanation. "And I haven?╟╓t even warmed ud yet, he grins. H Jackson has been able to make rehearsals a touch easier for the cast of the multi-million dollar musical btarz, which opens tonight in the brand new showroom at Jupiters Casino. r W$ dancer who can drop a tuil split ?╟ in an instant?╟╓, he likes to demonstrate exactly the movements he requires in his shows?╟÷ no mean teat in Starz which has 25 mostly energetic scenes. But multi-talented Jackson is no stranger to energy. It appears to ooze from his every pore. He conceived, wrote, choreographed and directed Starz, as well as designing its lavish costumes and writing special music and lyrics. Not only must he create his own energy, but set the pace for others at rehearsals. The dancers copy my energy level and style then,?╟Ñ says Jackson. ?╟úAnd as they also follow my mood 1 have to always have a positive attitude at rehearsals.?╟Ñ How does he cope? By only eating protein food, having just four hours sleep a night and disciplining himself to maintain a positive altitude always. Discipline has been his keyword ever since childhood, when his mother began drumming into him that he could do anything he wanted to if he set his mind to it. What Jackson wanted was to be a dancer, having watched movie musicals over and over with fascination at the local picture theatre. But as he had a foot deformity, that seemed to be one thing he could not possiblv do By the time he was 18 years old however, the deformity was overcome and Jackson was on the wav to achieving just one of his dreams. He is an accomplished musician having studied the piano for 10 vears?╟╓ and a professional photographed who worked in New York during the mid- 1 70 US. ?√φ ?√φ ?√φ These skills, plus a master?╟╓s degree in art, have ail served him well in the demanding worlds of show business and television. During his six-week stint on the Gold Coast to stage Starz, Jackson has been working with the cast from Vam to 6pm during the day, then with the orchestra until 1 |pm f fthH pleased with the standard of the dancers, who knew their routines by the time rehearsals were half way through, Jackson says technical problems have plagued proceedings. (I he showroom has been completed just in time for tonight?╟╓s opening.) I! P like t0 have complete control of my shows,?╟Ñ he says. ?╟úThat magical moment 1 want the audience to experience will not happen if the technical side of things fails.?╟Ñ And you can get to all the recreation of Moreton Bay in just under 10 minutes In fact at Old Ormeau Town, you don't just get the Best of Both Worlds - you get the Best of ALL Worlds MC3519ALN i ^ Worlds STAGE 3 MOW RELEASED from $24,950 (Av.) $32,300 m A MURPHYORES PROJECT /wS , Awconnsmu ?╟÷ ~ & ASSCCIATESBEALTORS.