The Hannah Montana Experience: Master Machine with Mixed Messages for Girls

The Jonus Brothers opened with "We're the Kids of the Future." They were lowered onto the stage by an enormous contraption, to the screams of 16,000 pre-pubescent girls, my five year old included.

Their set continued with well-choreographed staging and elaborate instrument changes between songs. This perfectly rehearsed "if we were a 60s British rock group that dressed like Duckie from Pretty in Pink, 80s glam, this is how it would go." I think the one in the red pants actually studied film of Mick Jagger's early years....the mannerisms are uncanny. Each lip-synched tracked (okay, maybe most were sung over the track, but it was a rather high track) was backed up by the "support band" who were at least 15 years older than any member of Jonus Brothers. A feature lost on most of the audience, except maybe the parents.

But I am getting a head of myself.

The venue was Seattle's Key Arena, home to the NBA Super Sonics and NHL Thunderbirds. I have been here before, but NEVER seen a frenzy on the grounds quite like tonight. Picture this, a line of bright pink tour buses with Hannah Montana's large face on both sides. Flanked with bright pink "red'" carpets and ropes, lining the way to a staged photo op with a Hannah Montana cardboard cut out (something kind of disturbing about this). Merchandise tents lined the path and the lines were staggering. The centerpiece was a spherical stand and a man with a loudspeaker hollering Hannah Montana trivia & encouraging crowd participation for candy prizes. All this BEFORE the doors opened.

Hannah Montana entered the stage with as much drama as the opening act, if not more. Being lowered from the sky by what I can only describe as a disco "cube" rather than a disco ball and exploding onto the stage with a pyrotechnics and a sequined consume. She was accompanied by two back up singers, rivaled only by Elaine on Seinfeld, Hannah Montana and her backup singers cannot dance. At times they were painful to watch (seriously...a kick ball change is quite challenge). There were however, eight back up dancers that could stay on beat. Every song was carefully choreography and accompanied by a costume change: pleasing to even the pickiest 12 year old.

About 3/4 of the way through Hannah Montana reappears as Miley Cyrus; A brunette alter ego, who is much more rock than pop. Dare I say, a cooler version (but just as sequined).

For those who've been living on a deserted island, the premise of the Disney-created Hannah Montana show is, that Hannah Montana is an international super-star that lives a normal life "undercover" as Miley Cyrus. (Blond wig = Hannah Montana, brown hair=Miley Cyrus).

To her credit, Miley Cyrus aka Hannah Montana is only 15 years-old and CAN sing. She must work very hard. You can just see the hours and hours of rehearsals, coaching and the management team, concert staff and investment behind her and this production. She is a professional and great at working the audience, there's somewhat of an endearing quality about her, whether nurtured or natural, it works.

Although I could admire the production, my stomach was in knots most of the show becuase I was concened about what beauty standards this scene was creating for my daughter. The concert was an excuse for 8 year olds to wear make up, diamond earrings and high heels. And for little brown girls to wear blond wigs (also disturbing), my daughter did not (and didn't ask to either...whew, guess we're safe for now). I like to think that my first concert, Madonna's Open Your Heart Tour, was a step above this one, but I have a feeling my mom was probably harboring some of these same thoughts.

Regardless what I may not appreciate about the Disney machine as a parent, as a music industry professional I cannot discount the pure genius behind it. One girl, two characters, twice the merchandise and twice the profit.

The cost of the merchandise didn't shock me, but it should have. $30.00 for a child's t-shirt & $20.00 for a concert program! I don't usually pay more than $15.00 for a 5T long-sleeve cotton shirt at Target and think the Gap is overpriced. Now keep in mind, most kids were begging for both a Hannah Montana AND Miley Cyrus t-shirt. But that's the point, right? I am more than positive the "evolution" of Hannah Montana into Miley Cyrus is on the five year plan. A closer look at the merchandise reveals that "Hannah Montana" is a Disney copyright, while Miley Cyrus is not. I wonder how long Miley is contracted to Disney and when we can expect her to break out on her own as an "artist."

Enjoy the pics!

LOADING UP ON SUGAR BEFORE THE SHOW

CROWD BEFORE THE SHOW

THE SHOW

HAPPY FANS (w/ COTTON CANDY)