Cirque du Soleil to debut new Michael Jackson-themed show in Vegas
The Associated Press | Posted: February 22, 2013 6:31 PM | Last Updated: February 22, 2013
Show will be called Michael Jackson ONE
Cirque du Soleil is combining the songs of Michael Jackson and its own technology-enhanced theatrics for a second Las Vegas show centred on the King of Pop.
Cirque du Soleil CEO Daniel Lamarre announced Thursday that the company's newest show will be called Michael Jackson ONE. The title is intended to evoke the King of Pop's multifaceted persona and changing musical styles.
"As a creative challenge, this project is the ultimate," Lamarre said in a statement, adding that the show will incorporate "cutting-edge technology."
The show at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on the Strip will start preview performances May 23. It will officially premiere June 29.
The show is the second collaboration between the acrobatic company and Jackson's estate. The first production, Michael Jackson: Immortal World Tour, debuted in Montreal in October 2011 and is currently touring in Europe.
Despite receiving mixed reviews, the show was the fourth highest-grossing tour in 2012, according to Billboard. Costing about $60 million US to produce, the Immortal World Tour earned more than $147 million over 183 shows.
When it created Immortal World Tour, which is meant to create the atmosphere of an arena concert with Jackson, the Cirque announced plans for a second show with a more theatrical feel.
According to the Cirque du Soleil website, Las Vegas tickets for the new show will start at $69.