Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour
Encyclopedia

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour is the official theatrical production by Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil , is a Canadian entertainment company, self-described as a "dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment." Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and located in the inner-city area of Saint-Michel, it was founded in Baie-Saint-Paul in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy...

 which uses the music and vision of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...

 along with Cirque du Soleil's signature acrobatic performance style to create a realistic concert experience. The arena show—which is very similar to a rock concert—began its tour October 2, 2011. After touring North America for about two years, it will continue on to Europe and the rest of the world. At the point in time it leaves North America, a resident show—which will be more theatrical in nature—will open in early 2013 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is a 44-story luxury hotel casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. It is owned by MGM Resorts International. Five floors of the main hotel building are occupied by the five-star and AAA Five-Diamond Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas...

 located in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is an approximately stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard in Clark County, Nevada; adjacent to, but outside the city limits of Las Vegas proper. The Strip lies within the unincorporated townships of Paradise and Winchester...

, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...

. In addition to the resident show at the Mandalay Bay, Cirque du Soleil will also be opening up a Michael Jackson-inspired lounge.

The Michael Jackson estate has partnered with Cirque du Soleil in order to create this concert experience. As part of the $250 million contract with Sony allowing music publishing until 2017, an album is expected to be produced.

History

On November 2, 2010, Cirque du Soleil and his estate announced the development of The Immortal World Tour through Michael Jackson's official website. In a press release, the company stated, "A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations".

Jamie King, the director and writer who had previously spearheaded tours by Madonna
Sticky & Sweet Tour
The Sticky & Sweet Tour was the eighth worldwide concert tour by American singer Madonna to promote her eleventh studio album, Hard Candy. It began in August 2008 and was Madonna's first tour from her new recording and business deal with Live Nation. The tour was announced in February 2008, with...

, Rihanna
Last Girl on Earth Tour
The Last Girl on Earth Tour was the third concert tour by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna. Visiting Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, the tour supported her fourth studio album, Rated R . The tour was announced through MTV News in December 2009...

 and Britney Spears, stated that he wanted to include Jackson's "giving tree" as the focus of the tour.

As noted during an interview with Daniel Lamarre, within 24 hours of opening ticket sales for the show, Cirque du Soleil sold 200,000 tickets.

Acts

The acts of The Immortal World Tour are staged to the music of Michael Jackson. Cirque gathered a creative team of 10 high-profile choreographers, some of whom worked with Michael, to design the acts.
  • Childhood
    Scream/Childhood
    "Scream"/"Childhood" is the lead single from Michael Jackson's ninth studio album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I where "Scream" is the first song and "Childhood" is the tenth song on the second disc of the album HIStory Continues. The A-side, "Scream", is a duet with his younger sister...

    : The Mime awakens the inhabitants.
  • Wanna Be Startin' Something
    Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
    "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin" is a song by American songwriter and recording artist Michael Jackson. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" was released on May 8, 1983, by Epic Records as the fourth single from Jackson's sixth studio album Thriller in 1982. It is the first song on Thriller...

    : Dance and acrobatic number.
  • Fanatics - Shake Your Body Down to the Ground
    Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)
    "Shake Your Body ", released December 9, 1978, is a hit single recorded by The Jacksons for the CBS/Epic Records album Destiny and peaked in the Spring of 1979....

    : Five fanatics take pictures of the audience and try to get into the gates of Neverland.
  • Dancing Machine
    Dancing Machine
    "Dancing Machine" is a 1973 song recorded by The Jackson 5, released as a single in 1974. The group's first US Top Ten hit since 1971's "Sugar Daddy", "Dancing Machine" reached number two on the Billboard pop music charts in May 1974, and number one on the R&B charts...

    : Welders perform on motorized cables.
  • Ben
    Ben (song)
    "Ben" is a song written by Don Black and composed by Walter Scharf for the 1972 film of the same name . It was performed in the film by Lee Montgomery and by Michael Jackson over the closing credits. Jackson's single, recorded for the Motown label in 1972, spent one week at the top of the U.S. pop...

    : A celebration of Michael's love of animals.
  • This Place Hotel
    This Place Hotel
    "This Place Hotel" was a hit recording by The Jacksons when it was released in 1980.Written and composed by Michael , the song would precede Jackson's own hit, "Billie Jean", in its insecurity-plagued tale of confusion...

    : Aerial tango.
  • Smooth Criminal
    Smooth Criminal
    "Smooth Criminal" is the seventh single from Michael Jackson's 1987 Bad album. The song contains a fast-paced beat intertwined with Jackson's lyrics about a woman named Annie, who has been attacked in her apartment by a "smooth" assailant. It was released as a single on October 24, 1988 and peaked...

    : Dance routine.
  • Dangerous
    Dangerous (Michael Jackson song)
    "Dangerous" is an R&B-pop song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. The song appeared on Jackson's solo studio album of the same name, released in November 1991. Written and composed by Jackson, Bill Bottrell and Teddy Riley, the song was planned as the tenth single from the album...

    : Pole-dancing act.
  • Fanatics Medley: The fanatics are in a competition and are granted access to Neverland.
  • Mime: Mime gains the talents of Michael and performs beatbox.
  • Human Nature
    Human Nature (Michael Jackson song)
    "Human Nature" is a song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was written and composed by Steve Porcaro and John Bettis, and produced by Quincy Jones. It is the fifth single from the singer's sixth solo album, Thriller . Initially, Porcaro had recorded a rough demo of the song on a...

    : Aerial act.
  • Scary Story - Is It Scary
    Is It Scary
    "Is It Scary" is a song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. The song was originally written to have been featured in the 1993 film Addams Family Values, but the plans were canceled after contract conflicts. The song was recorded for Jackson's 1997 remix album, Blood on the Dance Floor:...

    : Contortion act.
  • Bats - Threatened: Aerial act.
  • Thriller
    Thriller (song)
    "Thriller" is a song recorded by American recording artist Michael Jackson, composed by Rod Temperton, and produced by Quincy Jones. It is the seventh and final single from his sixth studio album Thriller. It was released on January 23, 1984 by Epic Records...

    : Free-running parkour act.
  • Swans - I Just Can't Stop Loving You
    I Just Can't Stop Loving You
    "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" is a popular ballad by singer Michael Jackson featuring a duet with Siedah Garrett. He created "Todo Mi Amor Eres Tu", a spanish version of the song. Written and composed by Jackson, it was originally intended to be a duet between Jackson and his woman of choice:...

    : Straps duo act.
  • Beat It
    Beat It
    "Beat It" is a song written and performed by American recording artist Michael Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones . It is the third single from the singer's sixth solo album, Thriller . Eddie Van Halen was hired to add the song's distinctive overdriven guitar solo, but was prevented by his...

    : The Fanatics manipulate Michael's iconic accessories.
  • Jam: Hip-hop dance choreography with basketballs.
  • Earth Song
    Earth Song
    "Earth Song" is the third single from Michael Jackson's album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. It is the fifth song on the second disc of the album. It is a ballad that incorporates elements of blues, gospel and opera. Jackson had a long-standing history of releasing socially conscious...

    : Mime is tangled in the tree, which is now turned upside down.
  • Scream
    Scream/Childhood
    "Scream"/"Childhood" is the lead single from Michael Jackson's ninth studio album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I where "Scream" is the first song and "Childhood" is the tenth song on the second disc of the album HIStory Continues. The A-side, "Scream", is a duet with his younger sister...

    : Tumbling and aerial act.
  • Gone Too Soon
    Gone Too Soon
    "Gone Too Soon" is a ballad recorded by American musician Michael Jackson. It was written and composed by Larry Grossman and Buz Kohan, produced by Jackson, and co-produced by Bruce Swedien for the singer's eighth studio album, Dangerous...

    : The Mime cradles four horses in this ballad.
  • They Don't Care About Us
    They Don't Care About Us
    "They Don't Care About Us" is the fourth single from Michael Jackson's album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, released on April 1, 1996. The song remains one of the most controversial pieces Jackson ever composed...

    : Dance choreography.
  • Heal the World - Will You Be There: Artists descend onto the stage with glowing red hearts.
  • Megamix - Can You Feel It
    Can You Feel It
    "Can You Feel It" is a recording by funk and soul group The Jacksons, recorded in March 1980 and released on September 22, 1980 as the first track on their album Triumph....

    /Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough
    Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
    "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" is a single by American recording artist Michael Jackson. Released under Epic Records on July 28, 1979, the song is the first single from Jackson's fifth studio album, entitled Off the Wall. Written by Jackson, it is in the key of B major and in common time...

    /Billie Jean
    Billie Jean
    "Billie Jean" is a dance-pop/R&B song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was written, composed, and co-produced by Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones from the singer's sixth album, Thriller . Originally disliked by Jones, the track was almost removed from the album after he and...

    /Black or White: Swiss rings act, dance choreography, and world dance styles.
  • Man in the Mirror
    Man in the Mirror
    "Man in the Mirror" is a song recorded by Michael Jackson and written and composed by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett. It peaked at number one in the United States when released as a single in January 1988 off his seventh solo album, Bad. It is one of Jackson's most critically acclaimed songs and...

    : Finale is a celebration of Michael Jackson.

Costumes

Zaldy Goco, The Immortals costume designer, said the following in regards to his inspiration for the collection of 252 costumes: ”My approach has been to draw upon and respect Michael’s iconic style while creating something new and fresh. I placed subtle references throughout the costumes in the show." The color palette chosen for the show is rich, lively, and ornate such as through the usage of gold and crystals. The design team explored such technologies as 3D printing and LED lighting for the many different colored pieces.

Highlights of the costumes range from 3D printing techniques to pyrotechnics being built into the designs.
  • Gangster types have 3D-printed surreal guns that shoot pyrotechniques the the triggers are pulled. The shoulder pads are also 3D-printed.
  • The straps duo costumes are covered in Swarovski crystals, and were inspired by Michael's corseted wrist in the Black and White video.
  • The bat costumes are created using ultra lightweight paper used for shipping parcels.
  • The soldiers' costumes are primarily made of mytex on a polyester frame with padding.
  • All the costumes in the Human Nature act are equipped with over 275 LED lights.
  • The costumes for the welders was inspired by the red, zipper-clad jacket in Beat It.

Tour

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour premiered in Montréal, as all touring Cirque du Soleil shows do, on October 2, 2011.

2011 schedule

Montréal, QC - From 2 October 2011 to 3 October 2011 (show première)

Ottawa, ON - From 7 October 2011 to 9 October 2011

Hamilton, ON - From 12 October 2011 to 13 October 2011

Detroit, MI - 15 October 2011

London, ON - From 18 October 2011 to 19 October 2011

Toronto, ON - From 21 October 2011 to 23 October 2011

Winnipeg, MB - From 26 October 2011 to 27 October 2011

Saskatoon, SK - 29 October 2011

Edmonton, AB - From 1 November 2011 to 2 November 2011

Vancouver, BC - From 4 November 2011 to 6 November 2011

Seattle, WA - From 9 November 2011 to 10 November 2011

Spokane, WA - From 12 November 2011 to 13 November 2011

Eugene, OR - 15 November 2011

Portland, OR - From 18 November 2011 to 20 November 2011

Salt Lake City, UT - From 28 November 2011 to 29 November 2011

Las Vegas, NV - From 3 December 2011 to 27 December 2011

Phoenix, AZ - From 30 December 2011 to 31 December 2011

2012 schedule

Boise, ID - From 3 January 2012 to 4 January 2012

Denver, CO - From 6 January 2012 to 8 January 2012

Sacramento, CA - From 10 January 2012 to 11 January 2012

San Jose, CA - From 13 January 2012 to 15 January 2012

Oakland, CA - From 17 January 2012 to 18 January 2012

San Diego, CA - From 21 January 2012 to 22 January 2012

Anaheim, CA - From 24 January 2012 to 25 January 2012

Los Angeles, CA - From 27 January 2012 to 29 January 2012

St. Louis, MO - From 7 February 2012 to 8 February 2012

Houston, TX - From 10 February 2012 to 12 February 2012

New Orleans, LA - From 15 February 2012 to 16 February 2012

Tulsa, OK - From 18 February 2012 to 19 February 2012

Kansas City, MO - From 21 February 2012 to 22 February 2012

Indianapolis, IN - From 24 February 2012 to 25 February 2012

Miami, FL - 2 March 2012

Jacksonville, FL - 7 March 2012

Raleigh, NC - 10 March 2012

Charlotte, NC - 13 March 2012

Milwaukee, WI - From 16 March 2012 to 18 March 2012

Montréal, QC - From 20 March 2012 to 22 March 2012

Quebec, QC - From 24 March 2012 to 25 March 2012

Minneapolis, MN - From 27 March 2012 to 28 March 2012

Newark, NJ - From 30 March 2012 to 1 April 2012

New York City, NY - From 3 April 2012 to 5 April 2012

Long Island, NY - From 7 April 2012 to 8 April 2012

Philadelphia, PA - From 10 April 2012 to 11 April 2012

Pittsburgh, PA - From 13 April 2012 to 15 April 2012

State College, PA - From 24 April 2012 to 25 April 2012

Baltimore, MD - 5 May 2012

Worcester, MA - From 16 May 2012 to 17 May 2012

Dayton, OH - From 6 June 2012 to 7 June 2012

Columbus, OH - From 9 June 2012 to 10 June 2012

Austin, TX - 15 June 2012

San Antonio, TX - 23 June 2012

Atlanta, GA - 29 June 2012

Montréal, QC - From 6 July 2012 to 7 July 2012

Washington, DC - From 13 July 2012 to 15 July 2012

Cleveland, OH - From 17 July 2012 to 18 July 2012

Chicago, IL - From 20 July 2012 to 21 July 2012

Boston, MA - From 3 August 2012 to 4 August 2012

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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