King of Pop immortalised by Kings of Circus

It was always Michael Jackson’s trademark to entertain, inspire, and thrill audiences with his wild performances. It’s no surprise then that Cirque du Soleil has taken the same approach with their daring new show: Michael Jackson – The Immortal World Tour.

A tribute to Michael, this show invokes as much passion and thrill as the late singer himself did. Combining original tracks and video footage, with new chorography and acrobatics, The Immortal World Tour gives fans a unique insight into the spirit of a singer who transformed global pop forever.

It’s this blending of the old with the new that gives the show its X factor, explains writer and director Jamie King.

“Our goal was not simply to cover Michael, but to take his music to a whole new level, which meant weaving songs together so the music feels fresh and new.”

The Immortal World Tour features over 30 of Jackson’s hits, as well as snippets of his songs in the soundscapes and transitions. Attention to detail hasn’t been spared either – audiences can hear original recordings of Jackson snapping his fingers and even stomping his feet.

Musical director Greg Phillinganes was unwavering in the show featured as much of Michael in it as was humanly possible.

Having worked closely with the singer himself for 25 years, Phillinganes was able to add an unparalleled depth of knowledge when it came to Jackson’s live performances.

He was also keen to feature as many musicians with a direct personal link to Jackson
as possible.

“I therefore handpicked everybody on the band – I even got Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffett, who played drums for Michael for 30 years,” says Phillinganes.

And for those who sadly never made it to an original Jackson concert, but wish they had – this is the show for them. The integrated video projections of Jackson’s shows will have you feeling like the King of Pop is right in front of you.

King adds that “these features not only act as storytelling devices, but play a key role in making Michael’s presence palpable.”

Of course, being Cirque du Soleil, the acrobatic and theatrical elements haven’t gone astray. Take the hit ‘Scream’ for example, where performers fling themselves in the air and belly-flop onto the stage. At the same time acrobats execute a perfectly synchronied tumbling act, as ninja-style aerial dancers are suspended above the set.

Then comes the stellar mega mix of ‘Can You Feel It’, ‘Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough’, ‘Billie Jean’ and ‘Black or White’.

Beginning with ‘Can You Feel It’, acrobats carry out a Swiss rings act, moving from stage to sky – it’s enough to have your own belly doing flips! During ‘Billie Jean’ the King of Pop’s famed choreographic style is showcased, while his silhouette is revealed by the dancers’ LED costumes.

Finally, ending with ‘Black or White’, Michael’s desire for world peace and harmony is put forward as performers wave flags in a tribute to various nations, while getting their groove on to different dance styles from around the world.

This is one full-on, highenergy, flawlessly executed performance that will leave you exhausted just watching it. Jackson may never have imagined himself immortalised through a circus performance, but this is one tribute to the King of Pop that will leave its mark long after the final curtain falls.

Michael Jackson – The Immortal World Tour
Parken, Cph Ø; Sat–Sun 20:00; Tickets 465–665kr, www.billetnet.dk

TOP STORIES

  • Bestselling author of ‘The Year of Living Danishly’ Helen Russell on why she moved back to the UK after 12 years

    Bestselling author of ‘The Year of Living Danishly’ Helen Russell on why she moved back to the UK after 12 years

    After more than a decade living in Denmark, Russell shares why she made the move, how she’s coping, what she already misses, and the exciting new projects she’s working on. “It’s been a very tough decision. I love Denmark, and it will always hold a special place in my heart,” she says.

  • Denmark launches first AI supercomputer

    Denmark launches first AI supercomputer

    The new Gefion AI supercomputer is one of the world’s fastest and will accelerate research and provide new opportunities in Danish academia and industry.

  • Navigating big love, big moves and big feelings

    Navigating big love, big moves and big feelings

    Experts believe it takes seven years to move into a new culture, according to leading Danish psychologist Jette Simon and therapist Vibeke Hartkorn. For expat couples, the challenges of starting a new life together in Denmark can put pressure on relationships, but emotions-focused therapy can help.

  • More and more Danes are working after retirement age

    More and more Danes are working after retirement age

    Politicians debate a lot these days about when you can retire. The reality shows that an increasing number of Danes like to work, even if they can withdraw from the labor market. Financial incentives help.

  • Environmental activist fears death in prison if extradited to Japan

    Environmental activist fears death in prison if extradited to Japan

    Canadian-born environmental activist Paul Watson has been in prison in Greenland for almost 100 days awaiting an extradition decision for a 14-year-old offence against a Japanese whaling vessel that he calls a “minor misdemeanor”. The 73-year-old had previously passed through Ireland, Switzerland, Monaco, France and the USA without trouble, before Greenlandic police arrested him in July.

  • Denmark too slow to ease recruitment rules for non-EU service workers, say industry associations

    Denmark too slow to ease recruitment rules for non-EU service workers, say industry associations

    When the Danish government in January presented the first of its schemes to make it easier to recruit foreign labour from outside the EU, it was hailed by the healthcare and service sectors as a timely and important policy shift. But while healthcare changes have been forthcoming, the service sector is still struggling, say the directors of the industry association Dansk Industri and one of the country’s largest private employers ISS.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

  • Come and join us at Citizens Days!

    Come and join us at Citizens Days!

    On Friday 27 and Saturday 28 of September, The Copenhagen Post will be at International Citizen Days in Øksnehallen on Vesterbro, Copenhagen. Admission is free and thousands of internationals are expected to attend

  • Diversifying the Nordics: How a Nigerian economist became a beacon for inclusivity in Scandinavia

    Diversifying the Nordics: How a Nigerian economist became a beacon for inclusivity in Scandinavia

    Chisom Udeze, the founder of Diversify – a global organization that works at the intersection of inclusion, democracy, freedom, climate sustainability, justice, and belonging – shares how struggling to find a community in Norway motivated her to build a Nordic-wide professional network. We also hear from Dr. Poornima Luthra, Associate Professor at CBS, about how to address bias in the workplace.

  • Lolland Municipality launches support package for accompanying spouses

    Lolland Municipality launches support package for accompanying spouses

    Lolland Municipality, home to Denmark’s largest infrastructure project – the Fehmarnbelt tunnel connection to Germany – has launched a new jobseeker support package for the accompanying partners of international employees in the area. The job-to-partner package offers free tailored sessions on finding a job and starting a personal business.

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs