Cirque du Soleil has a new show coming, and it once again uses the musical catalogue of Michael Jackson with the amazing acrobatics of the Cirque du Soleil performers. The show is called "Michael Jackson ONE," according to USA Today.
The first Michael Jackson-themed show, "The Immortal World Tour," is currently touring Europe. The new show will be at the Mandalay Bay casino hotel.
The show was created by writer and director Jamie King. Along with the director of creation, Welby Altidor, King spoke to the show's preview audience, which was shown a selection of four acts that they felt were representative of the energy of the show, which features more than 60 performers.
Prior to the start of the show, instead of the usual clowns that accompany a Cirque du Soleil performance, paparazzi wearing black fedoras and red trench coats roam the aisles, getting in the faces of audience members in a nod to the struggle Jackson had with the media. The paparazzi show up again later in the show, during an act called "Tabloid Junkie" that highlights some of the craziest rumors Jackson faced, such as buying the bones of the Elephant Man and sleeping in an oxygen tank.
The show incorporates Jackson's own trademark choreography with the classic Cirque du Soleil acrobatics.
"With Cirque, I can express and experience his music in a new way," King said. "There are a lot of iconic moments that are put on with a Cirque twist."
Much of the show was created by asking, "If Michael was an acrobat, how would he move?" according to Altidor and King.
Some of the most famous hit songs are used in the show, including "Smooth Criminal," which is performed as a study in light and dark, and "Bad," which features a moonwalk.
The show officially opens on June 29. Tickets are available at the show's web site.
Behind the scenes of "Michael Jackson ONE" with director Jamie King.
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