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
