Dancing Machines

Michael Jackson’s iconic songs and style get the Cirque du Soleil treatment

By Christopher Braun

The King of Pop may be gone, but the kingdom he built in pop culture lives on – and it’s sending a delegation to Columbus in June.

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, a new show by world-renowned acrobatic and musical performance troupe Cirque du Soleil, hits Value City Arena June 9 and 10. The show combines the essence of a Michael Jackson concert performance with the distinct magic of Cirque du Soleil, showcasing the life, career, style and music of the one-whitegloved wonder.

The show will feature more than 30 of Jackson’s original songs and even sam- plings of Jackson’s voice, which will “drive the show and really bring the audience into Michael’s world,” says Maxime Charbonneau, touring publicist for Immortal World Tour. Every Jackson favorite in the show is rearranged to fit the context of the show, always staying true to Michael’s world-famous tunes.

Themes vary widely – a pole-dancing routine set to Dangerous, an exploration of Jackson’s accessories to Beat It, a freerunning parkour act to Thriller

Accompanying Jackson’s music will be a cast of acrobats and dancers performing routines by famous choreographers, even some with household names. So You Think You Can Dance choreographers Mandy Moore and Tabitha and Napoleon D’Umo are among the long list of contributors.

The performance will feature more than 250 costumes worn by the cast, each piece influenced by the flashy, eccentric personality of Jackson himself. Though touching on Jackson’s iconic style, each costume holds new value as well, keeping audiences on their feet and in awe of costume designer Zaldy Goco’s dazzling masterpieces.

Though Immortal World Tour was designed with lifelong Jackson fans in mind, even those who have never even seen a Michael Jackson video have found wonder in Cirque du Soleil’s performances.

“We’ve seen people bring their children dressed up in Michael’s outfits to the show. Kids have shown up dressed in full Michael attire, with red jacket and white glove and all,” says Charbonneau. “Even if you never saw a Michael Jackson video, or saw him live, you’ll find something to enjoy in the show.” cs

Christopher Braun is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@pubgroupltd.com.

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