Having just returned from Las Vegas, we are so excited to share our thoughts on the new stage show “Michael Jackson One” created by Cirque Du Soleil.
For those who have been lucky enough to watch The Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour by Cirque will know this is going to be a big show, and it is. A very grand show in a smaller venue, but created to give you the ultimate Michael Jackson experience. The theatre itself has been re-designed from the ground up, taking over from The Lion King. Lions are now replaced by majestic diamond set pieces, and beautiful silhouettes of Michael Jackson who greets you as you wait to be seated.
The stage is a technical wonder, with six video screens that surround each side of the stage delivering mind blowing visuals that support the performance. The seating has also been enhanced to deliver additional background vocals from Michael Jackson (we loved this little effect).
The overall theme for the show is a lot darker than its predeccassor Immortal. Dark blacks and reds engulf the stage, and at times you are greeted by the Paparazzi Monster – a stunning technical wonder that enters the stage. This monster like machine is so captivating. Seeing is believing and works so well as a representation of the media.
The choreography and acrobatics are faultless as you would expect from Cirque – the dancers are of the highest standard and perform with so much passion and love. At times it feels like Michael himself is directing the show.
The stance on the usual repertoire of songs has changed and the lesser known songs are brought to the spotlight including 2Bad, Don’t Walk Away and Speechless.
The show starts off with a completely new version of Privacy. Musical Director Kevin Antunes has taken this song to another level. Gone are all the percussion and heavy synths, and in place a subtle african rhythm with the music stripped back and Michael’s voice forefront. Remixed and re-edited, we felt, worked so well – Michael’s voice is so clear and sounds very different.
Billie Jean has been re-envisioned. The stage goes dark, and you are greeted by LED silhouettes representing Michael’s iconic image. They come to life with dance and visual effects, with a very special ending – as Michael’s silhouette levitates to the sky. A very clever set piece.
Another highlight for us was Earth Song. Silhouettes are the theme for this part of the show. Dancers appear as 30ft silhouettes that tell a story based only the shape of their bodies. It’s beautifully crafted and visually looks stunning. Not only does it look amazing, Michael Jackson is brought back to life for a very brief moment – it’s subtle – it’s clever – and if you blink you may miss it! But he’s there!
Well, for us the highlight of the show was without doubt “Man In The Mirror”. Whatever your opinion is, you can not deny the magical artistry of the performance and creativeness for what we felt should of been the finale.
Michael Jackson is brought back to life as a hologram. It’s tastefully done, it’s magical, it’s a very special moment and it’s very clever. The hologram Michael interacts with the dancers as he performs Man In The Mirror, (we have created a visual to give you an idea see below) – but the hologram Michael is amazing. The moves are not perfect, but the spirit of Michael is center stage and for that moment – you are captivated. Particles magically bring Michael alive as his spirit floats and flies seamlessly across the stage.
Overall both the Estate Of Michael Jackson and Cirque Du Soleil have created a masterfully creative production. The show felt like it had been directed by Michael, it was big, it was loud, it was energetic, it was imaginative. The stage show will undoubtably be a success, because there’s so much to take in – you will find yourself wanting to go back again and again.
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