First stop for the Montreal-based mega-troupe? Montreal.
In an interview with Robin Leach, Cirque du Soleil CEO Daniel Lamarre said that Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour is "as close as you can get to a rock concert," citing the main difference between the touring arena show and the permanent Las Vegas production is that the residency will be more theatrical than the touring show. Lamarre claims the concert tour will have audiences "feeling that Michael Jackson is alive," with the help of 3D and holographic video technology. Michael Jackson's likeness will share the spotlight with 72 dancers, acrobats and musicians.
Tickets for Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour are on sale in 27 North American cities as of November 3, 2010.
- View photos of Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour world premiere.
- Read a review of Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour world premiere.
According to The Winnipeg Free Press, Michael Jackson was a big fan of Cirque du Soleil, and the thought of creating a Cirque show on his hit song and music video "Thriller" had crossed his mind.
Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour reportedly has the Jackson Estate's blessing, with profits from both the touring project and residency production in Las Vegas to be split 50/50 between Cirque and the Estate. His mother Katherine Jackson's opinion on the collaboration is quite clear, "our family is thrilled that Cirque du Soleil will pay tribute to my son in such an important way.” Father Joe Jackson, who was left out of son Michael's will, doesn't appear to agree, saying "I won't see it," upon hearing the news. Joe Jackson was allegedly physically and emotionally abusive towards Michael as a child and other members of the Jackson clan. The National Post reported that in response to Michael Jackson saying he risks vomiting if he had to be in the same room as his father, Joe Jackson replied, "he regurgitates all the way to the bank. That's right."
