The newest Cirque du Soleil show, "Michael Jackson ONE," has opened, and it features songs by the King of Pop, according to USA Today.
Jackson's family, including his mother, Katherine, his children Prince and Michael "Blanket" and his siblings Tito, Jackie and Marlon, attended the opening, which was held at the Mandalay Bay. Jackson's daughter, Paris, who had recently been hospitalized for health problems, was not in attendance. Other celebrities that attended the event included Neil Patrick Harris, Spike Lee and Justin Beiber.
The new show is the second collaboration with the Jackson estate. The first, "Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour," is currently on tour in Asia. The new show features a custom-built theater with state-of-the-art surround sound. It also features the original master recordings of Jackson's songs.
The show was created by Welby Altidor and Jamie King, who were excited to showcase their work for opening night.
"We wanted to bring the energy of Michael in the show, and so far the response and the resonance from the audience has been amazing," Altidor told USA Today. "We hope tonight people will feel that."
The show had been in previews for six weeks. It features 63 performers, though no one specifically plays Jackson. Four "misfits" guide the audience through Jackson's hit songs, such as "Smooth Criminal," and "Stranger In Moscow," with choreography and acrobatics. The show also features a moonwalk during "Bad."
"It's like eight months of really hard work," King said. "I could have a baby.
"I am having a baby in a way, it's a metaphor" King continued. "Tonight is really a celebration, a show that we put together with love and passion for Michael Jackson."
The after party was held at Mandalay Beach, and featured a performance by Grammy-winning singer Pharrell Williams.
Tickets to the show are between $69 and $160.
Sneak peek of Michael Jackson ONE.