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I’ve seen the Jabbawockeez at MGM Grand several times, but nothing could have prepared me for their new show FREQNCY. Opening night introduced all the usual suspects of a wow-worthy Jabbawockeez production: stunts, storytelling, world-class breakdancing and more. But this time, the masked crew pushed into new territory through its music selections.
Over the last 15 years of performing on the Strip, the Jabbawockeez have dabbled in pop music, sprinkling it throughout their shows. But FREQNCY presented an opportunity to fully commit to hits like “Hollaback Girl” and “Living on a Prayer” in a way the crew has never quite done before.
But it’s not all Top 40. The Jabbawockeez reference multiple genres and eras—a “buffet of frequencies”—to connect with and excite their audiences.
“You have frequencies that can be sad, can make you happy, can make you angry, can put you in different moods. That’s the main concept we wanted to go on,” says Rynan Paguio, an original member and co-owner of the crew.
The experience is like being inside a living jukebox powered by mischievous men in white masks. One moment, the dancers are getting down to Fatman Scoop’s “Be Faithful”; the next they’re headbanging to “We Will Rock You.”
“There’s so many Easter eggs in there,” says co-owner and original member Joe Larot. “If you pay attention, you’ll have a lot of candy.”
Here are five highlights from the show.
CATCHING THE RHYTHM
Jabbawockeez tuned into the R&B station throughout the night. It started with a hip-hop-infused routine to Boyz II Men’s “Motownphilly.” At its peak, the dancers donned coatless zoot suit outfits and did a smooth routine to Usher’s unmistakable vocals in “Lovers and Friends.”
TWERK HARD, PLAY HARD
We weren’t surprised in the least when Jabbawockeez honored their hip-hop roots. But busting out bangers from Busta Rhymes, Juvenile and JID took the temperature up a notch. The dancers twerked enthusiastically to “Back That Azz Up” and stylishly maneuvered on the monster jam “Pass the Courvoisier.”
REMIXED RIFFS
The crew paid tribute to rock in a loud and lively way. To the chorus of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” the Jabbawockeez joined fans in the audience, standing on counters as they invoked a rallying cry for Queen’s “We Will Rock You” next. Headbanging, head spins and baby windmills kept the intense energy up through snippets of Guns N’ Roses, The White Stripes and System of a Down.
A TOUCH OF SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Watching the Jabbawockeez handle disco-era hits like Sister Sledge’s “He’s the Greatest Dancer” and Prince’s “I Wanna Be Your Lover” in fitted vests and bellbottoms blasted us to the past. And in true celebration of the ’70s genre, one Jabba even stunned the crowd with some roller skate stunts.
AUGMENTED REALITY
As the show progressed into the future, the dancers did fancy work with lasers and 3D mapping. At one point, it looked as though one Jabba had the power of the laser in the palm of his hand. At another, images projected onto a screen, turning the stage into a pixelated playground. After all these years, this world-famous crew still knows how to ratchet up our heart rates and expand on a style they’ve so perfectly finessed.
JABBAWOCKEEZ: FREQNCY nightly except Tuesday, times vary, $74-$211. MGM Grand, mgmgrand.com.
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