CIRQUE DU SOLIEL HONORS THE KING OF POP WITH IMMERSIVE, INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCE

Michael Jackson’s music still resonates and sets records:
The late King of Pop’s iconic “Thriller” album went 30 times platinum in the U.S., a first for any artist.
“Like a
monumental work of art or architecture, Michael’s music, dance and
performances continue to inspire and thrill the world. Michael is music
incarnate.”
–JOHN BRANCA & JOHN MCCLAIN
Executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson
“Michael
created music that takes us places so magical that we are swept away
into another world where life is vibrant and colorful, and music is
thrilling,” said Jamie King, creator and director of Michael Jackson ONE
by Cirque du Soliel, which has been drawing legions of entertainment
fans to the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino since 2013.
“Michael
Jackson ONE is the only production in the world where audiences will
hear Michael’s recordings, experience his actual voice and see his
actual visuals in one production. This is all made possible through our
partnership with TheEstateof Michael Jacksonand their intimate, ongoing
involvement,” said Matthew Nickel, the show’s company manager.
ONE
is the only immersive production where audiences can experience the
real Michael Jackson — his voice, his visuals and his recordings.
Jackson’s hits come alive with state-of-the-art technology, unparalleled
dance and high-flying Cirque du Soleil acrobatics set to his actual
recordings and footage made possible through Cirque’s partnership with
Jackson’s Estate.
The
iconic “Thriller” choreography is paired with ghouls performing
acrobatic feats off a trampoline wall, while in “Billie Jean” performers
moonwalk in unexpected places and wear custom LED costumes that light
up as they move.
Artists
augment “Bad” by jumping and tumbling on an ultra-thin slack line
anchored several feet above the stage floor. “Audiences are completely
surprised during ‘Bad,’” said ONE performer Paulo Souza.
State-of-the-art technology has been “thoughtfully employed” to enhance music, voice and visuals, Nickel said.
Musical
Director Kevin Altunes reimagined Jackson’s hit recordings in a unique
and innovative way to enhance each of the mesmerizing acts envisioned by
writer/director Jamie King, who, it should be noted, started his career
as a back-up dancer for Jackson.
Each
of the theater’s 1,804 seats is equipped with three speakers for a
remarkable sonic experience. To set the scene, 26 projectors and GPS
tracking show vibrant imagery across almost every surface of the
theater, including audiovisual walls and LED screens, props and
performers.
The
theater at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino has been customized to enhance
the audience experience. Pod lifts on the stage launch artists into the
air, while a pair of 96-foot overhead tracks with trolleys allows
artists to soar over audiences and perform touching scenes such as “I
Can’t Stop Loving You.”
Since
its debut, the production has evolved by tapping talents from
top-touring show Michael Jackson THE IM- MORTAL World Tour — the first
joint production by Jackson’s Estate and Cirque — to create scenes that
highlight the performers’ skill sets. Dancer Jean Sok takes center stage
for the explosive dance scene “Can You Feel It.”
“Sok’s style is unique and certainly an inspiration to everyone,” said ONE artistic director David Gomez.
Still, Michael Jackson ONE stays true to the King of Pop’s creativity and essence as an artist.
“Michael
Jackson ONE is the only production where you’ll find something for
Michael Jackson fans, music fans, dance fans and Cirque du Soleil fans
in one place. It combines Michael’s timeless music, artistry and
iconography with vibrant choreography, driving acrobatics and soaring
aerial performances in a captivating, innovative way,” Nickel said.
ONE runs Friday to Tuesday with performances at 7 and 9:30 p.m.; tickets start at $69.