Are you the biggest Michael Jackson fan? Do you love the circus? Why not hit two rockin’ robins with one stone and see an astonishing performance of Cirque du Soleil’s homage to the King of Pop in The Immortal Tour. It’s the perfect mix of acrobats, dancers and a mime wearing tuxedos, zombie makeup, and psychedelic 70s bellbottoms in a sea of Jackson’s timeless beats and tunes.
Appropriately named, Cirque du Soleil’s The Immortal Tour proves that although the genius behind the music is no longer with us, his style and soul still lives to touch people of different generations, races, and backgrounds. The development was announced about a year ago in November. Writer and director Jamie King, who had been on tour with Michael Jackson during his early years in dance, feels gifted in being given the opportunity to showcase his admiration for the singer in a style of his own. King hopes to incorporate into the show everything he remembers about Jackson’s pure dedication to putting on a spectacle—how Jackson made certain that even the people in the last row were able to feel the music.
Also onboard with the show are musical designer Kevin Antunes and musical director Greg Phillingames, who were always fascinated and intrigued by Jackson’s dynamic style. In an interview with the two of them, Phillingames states that Jackson had a “very cinematic approach to his music, and now that we have the luxury of Cirque du Soleil, which is always very cinematic in their approach, we get the amazing combination.”
The inspiration for the show stems from the writers and choreographers’ “love that [they] have in their hearts for Mike,” which superbly shows throughout each little detail, whether it’s the classic music, the electrifying costumes, the thrilling movement and dancing, or the jaw-dropping special effects. Each act of the performance are staged to the music of Michael Jackson, as each scene tells an important part of his life. “Fanatics-Shake Your Body Down to the Ground,” for example, focuses on a meticulously decorated and heavily gated Neverland Ranch, whereas their rendition of “Ben” showcases Jackson’s love for many different animals. Along with a hip basketball dance, enticing aerial performances, and haunting contortion acts choreographed to a King of Pop song, a mime inherits the spirit of Michael Jackson and gets into some crazy antics along the way.
The show opened in Montréal on October 2, 2011 and was completely sold out. It will be returning in 2012 to Montréal through March 20-22, and again through July 6-7. Tickets are available online now. So, even if you’re name isn’t Billie Jean, be sure to see this spectacular tribute to the King of Pop and experience his immortal message of peace, love and unity.
For more information, visit:
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/michael-jackson-tour/default.aspx