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Cirque du Soleil 'Michael Jackson ONE' permanent Las Vegas show

Note: Future ticket prices might even getting higher



Entertainment

A Death Rocks Cirque du Soleil



A death cast a pall over the international circus juggernaut Cirque du Soleil on Saturday night, when Sarah Guyard-Guillot, an aerial acrobat in the “Ka” production at Las Vegas’s MGM Grand slipped free from her safety harness and dangled briefly before falling more than 50 feet. The death of the 31-year-old French performer, a two-decade circus veteran, marks the first ever for the Montreal-based organization. It was founded in 1984.
Following the news, Cirque du Soleil’s founder and former stilt-walker Guy Laliberté issued a statement: “I am heartbroken. I wish to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family. We are all completely devastated with this news. … We are reminded, with great humility and respect, how extraordinary our artists are each and every night. Our focus now is to support each other as a family.” The circus also mentioned that they are “working with the appropriate authorities” as they investigate the incident, which would appear to be attributed to a mechanical failure.
The death comes at an unfortunate time for the circus, a reportedly $1 billion company which employs 5,000 people globally, including 2,000 at its headquarters in Montreal. Cirque maintains around 19 touring productions in operation worldwide, including the recently launched “Michael Jackson ONE” at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, in which a cast of 63 performers tumble, dance, and flash their signature aerial acrobatics to a Jackson playlist. The sagging economy has taken some of the magic out of Laliberté’s empire: In January, Cirque du Soleil announced that it was laying off 400 employees.
“The Cirque is not in crisis,” said spokeswoman Renée-Claude Ménard after the announcement, but she also mentioned that the company had not turned a profit in 2012. Production costs had spiraled out of control, she said, which was compounded by a weak U.S. dollar. Ménard claimed that, on the whole, Cirque du Soleil was affected by $3 million for every cent the Canadian dollar gained on its U.S. counterpart. “We are now in the process of reviewing within the company worldwide all of our expenses to ensure that we decrease them significantly,” Ménard said. The circus laid off 50 employees in the previous year.
It remains to be seen how a death will ripple through the constellation of productions and how this will affect future ticket sales. But danger is the whole point, after all, and the show must go on. But not for “Ka,” at least for now. According to the Cirque du Soleil, “performances … will be canceled until further notice.”


http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-07-01/a-death-rocks-cirque-du-soleil


 
Reviews: “MJOne” Is Definitely Cirque’s Best Show Ever!

Source: Las Vegas Sun – By Robin Leach

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The verdict is unanimous: Brilliant! Fantastic! Phenomenal! Justin Bieber, in town for a concert Friday night at MGM Grand, watched the world premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson One” at Mandalay Bay on Saturday night and said: “The show reminded us that he was the greatest that ever did it. Incredible!”

Emails and tweets I received were nothing but praise for Cirque’s eighth production on the Strip and raves for director and writer Jamie King. “Outstanding! Ten times better than Jamie’s ‘Immortal’ arena show, and we didn’t think they could beat that,” one top Las Vegas producer texted me.

Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., Cirque officials, agents from CAA in Hollywood, Madonna’s manager Guy Oseary and Justin’s manager Scooter Braun told Jamie’s agent and manager, Daniel Sladek: “The ultimate show. The absolute best. Impossible to top.”

On the red carpet, Cirque President Daniel Lamarre told me: “It will run for 20 years like our first Las Vegas show ‘Mystere.’ We are celebrating its 20th soon. ‘Michael Jackson One’ is already boosting ticket sales at other Cirque shows on the Strip. People come to see this, and then they want to see all the other shows. This will play, Robin, long after we are both gone. It will make Michael a hero all over again to people growing up now who never heard of him.”

Mandalay Bay President Chuck Bowling added: “This is absolutely wonderful for Las Vegas. It will make us an even bigger destination for people around the world. Ticket sales, hotel and convention bookings are great. I have never seen anything like its halo effect in all my years being in the hospitality business. The show is so fantastic, I think it could be here forever.”

The celebrities on the red carpet included Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson; his sons Prince and Blanket (daughter Paris, recuperating from a hospital stay, remained in L.A.); his brothers Jackie, Marlon and Tito; Neil Patrick Harris; Spike Lee; David Arquette; Allison Janney; Ryan Kwanten; Alfre Woodard; Roberto Cavalli; Pharrell Williams; Dot Jones; Rex Lee; Ian Ziering; Ricardo Laguna; Jon Secada; D.J. Ashba; Tom Higgenson; Richard MacDonald; Robert Griffin III; Carrot Top; Jeff Beacher; Jabbawockeez; Clint Holmes; Human Nature; and Justin Mortelliti, Mark Shunock and Carrie St. Louis of “Rock of Ages.”

Neil summed up what many of the stars felt:

This entirely new show is the second creative project between Cirque and The Estate of Michael Jackson after the top-grossing “Michael Jackson — The Immortal World Tour,” currently playing arenas in Asia. It also is Jamie’s second Michael-Cirque production.

My review from the first night of previews was posted May 24. Jamie, Welby Altidor, director of creation, and their crew tweak, polished and tightened it and added video, laser and sound effects. I asked Jamie how he made it better when it was already at its best and how he made two different shows out of the same superstar and his music.

Jamie and Welby’s team — Kevin Antunes, musical director; Jonathan Deans, sound designer; Zaldy Goco, costume designer; Nathalie Gagne, makeup designer; and choreographers Ivan “Flipz” Velez and Rich and Tone Talauega — deserve credit for the masterpiece of theatrical genius with its cast of 63 energetic dancers, athletes, acrobats and performers. You’re immersed in the production as they work above, behind and alongside you in the theater, as well as onstage.

The state-of-the-art surround-sound environment is riveting. You hear Michael as you’ve never heard him before in song and speech. The ever-appearing and disappearing hologram of Michael is awesome.

I’d be remiss in not mentioning Sunday morning’s shocking news of Cirque’s first fatality in its 30-year history. “Ka” acrobat Sarah Guyard-Guillot, 31, died Saturday night at MGM Grand while Cirque execs were celebrating the success of “MJOne.” In the final fight scene, she fell more than 50 feet into a pit when a wire holding her on the vertical wall snapped. Our condolences to her family, especially her two children ages 8 and 5, and the Cirque family. “Ka” shows have been canceled until further notice.

Just hours before the premiere, I took a 2-hour backstage tour as final preparations were underway for “MJOne.” I talked with Zaldy, watched rock guitar muse Gina Gleason in makeup and saw musical director Kevin’s sophisticated sound booth.

Our thanks to contributing photographer Tom Donoghue for his red carpet and backstage photo galleries and Richard Corey for his videos posted on YouTube. I also interviewed Welby about Michael’s guiding influence.

A white-summer-chic party was held at Mandalay Bay Beach after the two VIP shows. MGM Resorts restaurants showcased food, including chef Akira Back’s restaurant Kumi opening at Mandalay Bay this month. Grammy winner Pharrell took the stage after midnight and performed his biggest hits, including his current No. 1 collaboration “Blurred Lines” with Robin Thicke. Partygoers danced into the early hours despite temperatures still reading 100-plus degrees.

“MJOne” is definitely Cirque’s best show ever. The King of Pop would have been thrilled to have watched it or starred in it. His creative genius endures.

Read more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/201...photos-backstage-premiere-inte/#ixzz2XnWAbE5c
 
Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

I am so glad that people are enjoying it.
 
'Michael Jackson ONE' Opens in Las Vegas

'Hard not to like' new Cirque du Soleil show, says Jackson family



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Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Tito Jackson arrive at the world premiere of 'Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil' in Las Vegas.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Cirque du Soleil

By BENJY EISEN
July 2, 2013 11:30 AM ET



Michael Jackson ONE, the newest resident Cirque du Soleil production, opened at its permanent home inside Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas strip this week. Members of Jackson's immediate family, as well as an impressive group of celebrities ranging from Neil Patrick Harris to Spike Lee, convened at Mandalay Bay over the past few days to celebrate the world premiere.

Jackson's mother, Katherine, his children Prince and Blanket, and three of his brothers and Jackson Five bandmates – Tito, Jackie and Marlon – attended the premiere, which was followed by a surprise performance from Pharrell Williams at an after-party event.


When asked for their immediate reaction to the show, all three brothers said, "It was hard not to like it," almost in unison. (Marlon Jackson added: "That's what your article should say: 'Hard not to like it.'")

It's also hard not to think that Michael Jackson himself would've liked it. The show presents a virtual parade of "wow" moments, leaving nothing overlooked without ever losing focus of the most important aspect: the music. Most of the expected hits ("Thriller," "Black or White," "Billie Jean") are woven together, along with some surprises and deeper cuts.

"There's a lot of passion," Jackie Jackson told Rolling Stone. "It's an exciting show. Michael loved a lot of glitz and glamour and production. That's what he was all about, and Cirque did everything more than enough. It was unbelievable."

Sound designer Jonathan Deans told Rolling Stone that they installed more than 5,800 speakers in the custom-designed theater, which employs Meyer Sound's cutting-edge Constellation System in addition to three speakers in the headrest of every seat in the building. The sound literally envelops every individual in the audience. Musical director Kevin Antunes (Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna) remixed each song to create an immersive sonic experience that honors the original tracks while also enhancing their theatrical elements, specific to the production.

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Michael Jackson ONE
Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil


And then there's the dancing. While Jackson was arguably one of the greatest dancers to ever grace a stage, Cirque has found a cast worthy of his company. That's no surprise considering how many members of the creative team behind Michael Jackson ONE worked with the man himself, from famed costume designer Zaldy Goco to many of the scene choreographers.Director and story creator Jamie King was one of Jackson's four dancers on his Dangerous world tour before going on to direct tours for Madonna, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Avril Lavigne, Celine Dion and others. King told Rolling Stone that he let four guiding principles dictate his approach to Michael Jackson ONE: love, grace, playfulness and courage. Those four key elements were "embedded in everything that was Michael Jackson," says King. "And they're embedded in the show."

Perhaps the biggest secret behind the show's success is that Cirque went to great lengths to make sure the production avoids the feel of a tribute show or a nostalgia event. The show doesn't feature an MJ impersonator – although it does feature an impressive young kid with his own unique dance style, who would've been able to go head-to-head and toe-to-toe with Jackson. ("He was out of sight," says Marlon. "I need to meet him!")

There are a few welcome throwbacks – for instance, the iconic gravity-defying dance move that everybody associates with "Smooth Criminal" and, of course, Jackson's Moonwalk. But there are also acrobatic feats, trampoline stunts and other Cirque elements that Jackson never had the chance to explore.

The performance showcases the things that made Michael Jackson such an incomparable performer without reducing the focus to mere idol worship, and it creates its own special moments in the process. Even when a holographic Michael Jackson appears (brought to life by the same team who made Tupac "appear" at Coachella in 2012), it serves as a reminder of the magic that Jackson created, rather than just being a holographic simulacrum of a fallen hero.

As someone who not only grew up with Jackson, but who also recorded and performed with him every day for years, Marlon's enthusiasm for the show was immediate and evident. However, he said, "it doesn't fully represent Michael, because Cirque didn't know the real Michael Jackson. He's much more than what they kept. They only know what they can see and what they saw of him. But Cirque did an incredible job."
Indeed: Hard not to like.



Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jackson-one-opens-in-las-vegas-20130702#ixzz2XuLRRT7S
Follow us: @rollingstone on Twitter | RollingStone on Facebook
 
Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

good review
 
billyworld99;3859443 said:
Reviews: “MJOne” Is Definitely Cirque’s Best Show Ever!

Source: Las Vegas Sun – By Robin Leach

cast-of-one-with-daneille-lamarre-and-chuck-bowling-pres-of-mandalay-bay-570.jpg


The verdict is unanimous: Brilliant! Fantastic! Phenomenal! Justin Bieber, in town for a concert Friday night at MGM Grand, watched the world premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson One” at Mandalay Bay on Saturday night and said: “The show reminded us that he was the greatest that ever did it. Incredible!”

Emails and tweets I received were nothing but praise for Cirque’s eighth production on the Strip and raves for director and writer Jamie King. “Outstanding! Ten times better than Jamie’s ‘Immortal’ arena show, and we didn’t think they could beat that,” one top Las Vegas producer texted me.

Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., Cirque officials, agents from CAA in Hollywood, Madonna’s manager Guy Oseary and Justin’s manager Scooter Braun told Jamie’s agent and manager, Daniel Sladek: “The ultimate show. The absolute best. Impossible to top.”

On the red carpet, Cirque President Daniel Lamarre told me: “It will run for 20 years like our first Las Vegas show ‘Mystere.’ We are celebrating its 20th soon. ‘Michael Jackson One’ is already boosting ticket sales at other Cirque shows on the Strip. People come to see this, and then they want to see all the other shows. This will play, Robin, long after we are both gone. It will make Michael a hero all over again to people growing up now who never heard of him.”

Mandalay Bay President Chuck Bowling added: “This is absolutely wonderful for Las Vegas. It will make us an even bigger destination for people around the world. Ticket sales, hotel and convention bookings are great. I have never seen anything like its halo effect in all my years being in the hospitality business. The show is so fantastic, I think it could be here forever.”

The celebrities on the red carpet included Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson; his sons Prince and Blanket (daughter Paris, recuperating from a hospital stay, remained in L.A.); his brothers Jackie, Marlon and Tito; Neil Patrick Harris; Spike Lee; David Arquette; Allison Janney; Ryan Kwanten; Alfre Woodard; Roberto Cavalli; Pharrell Williams; Dot Jones; Rex Lee; Ian Ziering; Ricardo Laguna; Jon Secada; D.J. Ashba; Tom Higgenson; Richard MacDonald; Robert Griffin III; Carrot Top; Jeff Beacher; Jabbawockeez; Clint Holmes; Human Nature; and Justin Mortelliti, Mark Shunock and Carrie St. Louis of “Rock of Ages.”

Neil summed up what many of the stars felt:

This entirely new show is the second creative project between Cirque and The Estate of Michael Jackson after the top-grossing “Michael Jackson — The Immortal World Tour,” currently playing arenas in Asia. It also is Jamie’s second Michael-Cirque production.

My review from the first night of previews was posted May 24. Jamie, Welby Altidor, director of creation, and their crew tweak, polished and tightened it and added video, laser and sound effects. I asked Jamie how he made it better when it was already at its best and how he made two different shows out of the same superstar and his music.

Jamie and Welby’s team — Kevin Antunes, musical director; Jonathan Deans, sound designer; Zaldy Goco, costume designer; Nathalie Gagne, makeup designer; and choreographers Ivan “Flipz” Velez and Rich and Tone Talauega — deserve credit for the masterpiece of theatrical genius with its cast of 63 energetic dancers, athletes, acrobats and performers. You’re immersed in the production as they work above, behind and alongside you in the theater, as well as onstage.

The state-of-the-art surround-sound environment is riveting. You hear Michael as you’ve never heard him before in song and speech. The ever-appearing and disappearing hologram of Michael is awesome.

I’d be remiss in not mentioning Sunday morning’s shocking news of Cirque’s first fatality in its 30-year history. “Ka” acrobat Sarah Guyard-Guillot, 31, died Saturday night at MGM Grand while Cirque execs were celebrating the success of “MJOne.” In the final fight scene, she fell more than 50 feet into a pit when a wire holding her on the vertical wall snapped. Our condolences to her family, especially her two children ages 8 and 5, and the Cirque family. “Ka” shows have been canceled until further notice.

Just hours before the premiere, I took a 2-hour backstage tour as final preparations were underway for “MJOne.” I talked with Zaldy, watched rock guitar muse Gina Gleason in makeup and saw musical director Kevin’s sophisticated sound booth.

Our thanks to contributing photographer Tom Donoghue for his red carpet and backstage photo galleries and Richard Corey for his videos posted on YouTube. I also interviewed Welby about Michael’s guiding influence.

A white-summer-chic party was held at Mandalay Bay Beach after the two VIP shows. MGM Resorts restaurants showcased food, including chef Akira Back’s restaurant Kumi opening at Mandalay Bay this month. Grammy winner Pharrell took the stage after midnight and performed his biggest hits, including his current No. 1 collaboration “Blurred Lines” with Robin Thicke. Partygoers danced into the early hours despite temperatures still reading 100-plus degrees.

“MJOne” is definitely Cirque’s best show ever. The King of Pop would have been thrilled to have watched it or starred in it. His creative genius endures.

Read more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/201...photos-backstage-premiere-inte/#ixzz2XnWAbE5c
Click to expand...


Great to read such reviews!
 
The Genius… The Visionary… Michael Jackson!

by Roberto Cavalli

214. The Genius… The Visionary… Michael Jackson!

I’m in Las Vegas and it’s incredibly hot… 40 Degrees!
The Nevada desert surrounds Las Vegas… it looks like an oasis that appears out of nowhere… the weather is always good here, 300 days of sunshine out of 365!

I was invited by my friend Guy Laliberté, president and founder of Cirque Du Soleil, to attend the opening night of the MICHAEL JACKSON ONE show which is presented by the Cirque Du Soleil at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

I arrived in Las Vegas one day in advance for some business meetings. Las Vegas is a very interesting place… “The entertainment capital of the world…”

But I want to tell you about Michael Jackson and this fantastic show, Michael Jackson ONE.

I met Michael Jackson several times. His creative genius, his vision and his message of unity, harmony and hope for a better world have always resonated with me. I remember when he said to me “we need to give love and remind everyone of the importance of love…“, a thought that I have always shared…

Michael was an artist who was always been ahead of his time. Even today his music is still so present, his musical genius is not affected by the passage of time…

I spoke with Michael by phone a week before his tragic death, he was fine, I still remember his typical way of speaking with his soft voice…

The show created by Cirque du Soleil in his honor is absolutely stupendous! I have never seen a show so unique… an audio-visual experience! Sounds… colors… lasers… special effects… its cast of talented artists transported me through the most important moments in Michael Jackson’s career…

This is a show that I recommend you to see… you’ll be amazed!

Las Vegas is also the gaming capital of the world. I decided to try my luck at the blackjack table… you know that when I play I’m superstitious… small gestures and little rituals… but tonight I was not lucky, I spent two pleasant hours and I console myself by thinking that anyway… I’m lucky in love!

Tomorrow I have an appointment with some important clients at my Boutique in Las Vegas. I shall be surrounded by beautiful women…


Las Vegas Strip

Before leaving Las Vegas I have to make a trip to The Strip, those 6 kilometers that are the iconic center of Las Vegas… the road symbol of shopping and entertainment…

Vi abbraccio…

I LOVE YOU

http://robertocavalliblog.com/214-the-genius-the-visionary-michael-jackson/
 
Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

Love those tweets and all the love. I am sad about the accident and hope there are no more tragedies.

I see not everyone stuck to the white and black theme.
 
@cashleelee
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/follow_button.1372833608.html#_=1373041382936&id=twitter-widget-3&lang=en&partner=undefined&screen_name=cashleelee&show_count=false&show_screen_name=false&size=m" class="twitter-follow-button twitter-follow-button" title="Twitter Follow Button" data-twttr-rendered="true" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; border-width: 0px; outline: rgb(0, 0, 0); position: absolute; top: 6px; right: 8px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); width: 61px; height: 20px;"></iframe>here are some gorgeous shots of @Cirque's new Las Vegas thriller Michael Jackson One @MandalayBay! http://j.mp/12CTDoe via @THR #MJOne












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'Michael Jackson One'
Written and directed by veteran arena concert directorJamie King, choreographed by Jackson's longtime collaborator Travis Payne and outfitted by fashion designer Zaldy Goco, Cirque du Soleil's resident production Michael Jackson One premiered at the Mandalay Bay Theatre on June 29.


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Black or White

With 26 scenes, 60 performers and full versions of Jackson’s biggest hits, One follows four misfits on a transformative journey that leads them to personify Jackson’s personality traits: agility, courage, playfulness and love. "The running theme by the end of the show [is] that we're just all the same, because we are all the same," says Jamie King. "It doesn’t matter if you're black or white, we're all the same. It's that oneness that I want people to leave with, because that was Michael’s message 'til the end."



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In the Studio
With full access from John Branca and the Michael Jackson Estate to the musician’s library of master recordings, musical director Kevin Antunes showcased each song's intricate layers. For example, the theater's front speakers play Jackson’s lead vocals, while each seat's headrest speakers swoon with his background vocals. "You're not listening to a CD or an MP3, you're listening to the raw audio of these master recordings in their full complete embodiment – you're hearing it in a way that only Michael and his engineers had heard it when they had done [it]," he says.


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Best Ideas

"Michael was always very, very clear that he just wanted to get to the best idea – it did not always have to come from him, the only thing he asked is that it's something he'd never seen before," says Travis Payne. "You always left exhausted because he always pulled everything out of you and wouldn't allow you to settle, because he wasn't gonna settle."



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New Heights

One is Cirque du Soleil’s most ambitious endeavor to date, as no production has ever had so many acrobatic performances in a single show. To avoid recycling routines from The Immortal World Tour, choreographers take advantage of the intimate theater setting and spotlight Jackson’s iconic moves at new heights. Cirque is also working with dance crews for the first time, having found new inspiration in groups from South Korea, New Zealand and Puerto Rico.



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Smooth Criminals

"I love those outfits and I love those guys!" saysZaldy Goco of the Smooth Criminals. "They’re such sharp, energetic perfectionists and the way they can perform in these big coats. At first, I never wanted to do any black light on any outfits, but somehow we came up with this way of doing it in white – normally, you just have all these other neon colors. That was an exciting advancement in that area, and then it goes back into these blue and white striped suits!"



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Building Up

Differing from Cirque du Soleil’s other tribute productions, One never has a performer portraying Jackson onstage. Instead, the show strategically uses video and audio footage of the singer throughout the plot's peaks and valleys. "His presence, even on video, is so powerful, that it can be very tricky to use him," saysWelby Altidor, One’s director of creation. "What we wanted to do in this show is build Michael’s presence through his voice and feeling his shadow, to feeling him progressively becoming more and more present



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MJ Warriors

"I presented this idea of a mashup of the best of MJ’s iconic fashion moments: the epaulets mixed with frogging, mixed with the shape of the ‘Thriller’ jacket and the ‘Dangerous’ belt buckles, but then all in white and silver," says Goco of the MJ Warriors. "It’s honoring what Michael did -- which is he always wanted fresh ideas and wanted to get things that are new, and not just keep doing the same thing -- but respecting what fans love. You want to please fans, but the big client is Michael."



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Making a Muse

"I also love the Muse – gold, crystals, and big gold boots," says Goco. "It’s a technique that I used on a jacket for Michael for This Is It. It was supposed to be his finale look for 'Man in the Mirror.' It’s a technique that mimics frogging, but almost like frogging walls, stuffed full of Swarovski crystals, packed in there so it’s like two inches thick. I remember when I showed that to Michael, he said, 'This is like my secret treasure!'...I just thought that since she’s the closest thing to Michael, I’m gonna give her that inspiration from This Is It, since we never really got to see it. I love that."



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In the Audience

How can anyone make a Michael Jackson show that isn't created by Michael Jackson himself? Says Payne: "To think, would Michael get a kick out of that? Would he think this is really great? Would he think that this is thematic enough? Or would he think this is strong enough? We're just grinding in rehearsals to make the answers to all of those questions 'yes' and make it a piece in entirety that Michael would love and he would enjoy being an audience member at, that he would enjoy bringing his mother and his children to."



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Transforming the Theater

Cirque du Soleil already has seven resident shows along the Las Vegas Strip, but One is Mandalay Bay’s first Cirque production and moves into a theater that previously housed musicals Mamma Mia! and The Lion King. The Mandalay Bay Theatre’s entry is now outfitted with six floor-to-ceiling portraits of Jackson dancing the moonwalk in his white socks, sequined jacket and black hat. Brightly lit jewels accessorize the sapphire blue lobby, which features double doors honoring Jackson’s signature military-inspired blazers.



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Icon Status
"Almost everything he did – that’s the 'Thriller' jacket, the 'Billie Jean' look, the 'Dirty Diana' look, the glove, the sock, the arm brace – everything he did was thought out. It was just fashion for him, and it’s lasting," says Goco. "That’s what’s so special about Michael – it’s music, art, fashion, culture. He entered that world, all at the same time, and everyone responds to it."


http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/inside-cirque-s-new-las-576686#related-galleries

 
 
Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

source: @Leezy82



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Where Michael Jackson lives on

I promised to write a review of the show premier if I get a chance to see it on June 29th. Well, luckily we did get to see everything fisthand, so here goes my review.

First, let me explain how we got the tickets. There was a group of 8 of us from the Bay area, and we originally bought the tickets for June 28. Tickets for the premier were not on sale, so we planned to see the show on Friday, and then on Saturday go watch the red carpet. However, on June 25 a girl from our group met an MJ Estate representative, Alicia, at Forest Lawn, and Alicia was offering free tickets for the opening night plus an invitation to the afterparty at Mandalay Bay for fans - for free! So, my friend signed up all of us. :) We ended up seeing the show twice - on Friday and on Saturday.

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There is a good promotion for MJ ONE in Vegas. Michael greets visitors already at the airport.

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On the way to the city, there it a huge billboard with the same banner.

We stayed at Luxor hotel connected to Mandalay Bay by an inside passage - which turned out to be a very smart choice as it was 119 degrees outside!

The first thing we discovered at Luxor was an MJ slot machine. They have been installed in all hotels on the Strip, and I noticed they are pretty popular ;) We shoved a couple bucks inside, but didn't win anything. Oh well.

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The Mandalay Bay theater has been tuned into "Michael Jackson ONE" theater now. There are signs and posters of the show all over the first floor of the hotel. The nearby shops often play Michael's music. As soon as you get there, you really feel that it is a place where Michael lives on...

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The ticket office.

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When the show was first announced, there were talks about making a Michael Jackson museum nearby that would feature an interior of his Neverland library. Unfortunately, the museum plans were later scratched, but there are a few Michael's things on a display near the theater.
The authentic Dangerous tour shoes and socks:

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The AMA 1984 jacket:

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The MJ ONE gift shop is awesome!

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Honestly, the shop alone is worth going to Vegas. It had been my dream for years to find myself in a place like this. There are very few offline stores with good MJ memorabilia in the U.S. - usually all you can get is a couple of lousy T-shirts. But this is a wealth of merchandise! Key chains, notebooks, mugs, jackets, books, CDs.... When I first saw it, I wanted to by EVERYTHING. I had to stop myself from spending a fortune right away, and decided to come in later - it helped, lol. But in the next couple of days we visited the store again and again. it just draws you in.

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The store has virtually all possible MJ CDs and DVDs.

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As for books, they have Opus, Moonwalk, Man in the Music and King of Style. Perfect choice.

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On opposite wall from the store, there is a huge Michael poster. Everybody takes photos with it.

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Michael is dancing in front of the theater entrance.

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The theater doors are decorated in his favorite military style.

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The foyer is luxurious. Fit for the King.

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Walls are decorated with the names of Michael's songs.

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MJ bar.

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Before going to the premier on Saturday, we watched the red carpet that was organized in the hall near the theater side entrance. There were lots of photographers and a few celebrities that I didn't recognize.


The red carpet itself was surrounded by the photographers, so it was very hard to see anything there. There was also a huge crowd of onlookers that gathered by the arrival of celebs, so poor hotel guests who were clueless about the event and wanted to get to their rooms were given a hard time, lol. We secured a very good spot between the end of the red carpet and the side entrance to the theater, so all celebs were coming from under the camera flashes right towards us.

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From that spot we saw Michael's kids, Prince and Blanket, with Katherine (who appeared to be about the same height as Blanket), a number of Michael's newphews (don't remember their names, sorry) and Omer Bhatti (very handsome). Majestic was also there, surrounded by girls, as usual. In fact, Michael's family arrived the day before, and they also watched the show with us on Friday, but they were discreet, so we only learned about it afterwards, from people who accidentally saw them at the theater. On Saturday they came again, this time "officially", with the red carpet and all. We saw them very closely. Prince was escorting a lady who was taller than him (with the heels), Blanket, as usually, didn't smile and was hiding from the cameras. He actually did walk the red carpet, but you can't see him on the video or photos - he must have evaporated. I felt a little sorry for him.

However Alan Duke from CNN, who was also at the premier and sat behind the Jacksons later told us that the kids were smiling, dancing and enjoyed the show. I'm glad they did, because the show was dedicated to them. I was watching it in the same theater with them and thinking that it must be an incredible feeling for them to see this extravaganza and know that it's about their dad and dedicated to them.

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Paris, unfortunately, wasn't at the show, but she later asked through her mom how fans liked it.

Besides the family, on the red carpet we saw Spike Lee, Berry Gordy, Zaldy, Jamie King, Greg Philliganes and finally, fashionably late, three of MJ's brothers - Jackie, Tito and Marlon.

From the estate I saw John Branca and Karen Langford. They didn't walk the red carpet, but were among the organizers. Karen was a lot near the red carpet making sure they kids were safe in the crowd on their way to the theater. This was just a couple of hours after the Mirror article - I was wondering if they already got the news. It was their big day, and it's a shame that it was spoiled by some tabloid garbage.

Justin Bieber was also expected, but he didn't walk the red carpet, he sneaked in the theater quietly after the show had began. I respect his choice - he recognized that it was Michael's day, and didn't make it about himself. After the show he tweeted very nice words about it.

The review of the show itself is coming up...
 
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Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

I so want to go there and see it all. Thank you for showing us with pictures.
 
Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

Thank you for the write up. They need to put that MJ Store online for those of us that can't get there. That looked awesome.
 
Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

Man after seeing pics of the store, I know I be leaving there broke as a joke LOL!!!
 
Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

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I want one of them!
 
Re: Where Michael Jackson lives on

morinen said:
I promised to write a review of the show premier if I get a chance to see it on June 29th. Well, luckily we did get to see everything fisthand, so here goes my review.

First, let me explain how we got the tickets. There was a group of 8 of us from the Bay area, and we originally bought the tickets for June 28. Tickets for the premier were not on sale, so we planned to see the show on Friday, and then on Saturday go watch the red carpet. However, on June 25 a girl from our group met an MJ Estate representative, Alicia, at Forest Lawn, and Alicia was offering free tickets for the opening night plus an invitation to the afterparty at Mandalay Bay for fans - for free! So, my friend signed up all of us. :) We ended up seeing the show twice - on Friday and on Saturday.

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There is a good promotion for MJ ONE in Vegas. Michael greets visitors already at the airport.

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On the way to the city, there it a huge billboard with the same banner.

We stayed at Luxor hotel connected to Mandalay Bay by an inside passage - which turned out to be a very smart choice as it was 119 degrees outside!

The first thing we discovered at Luxor was an MJ slot machine. They have been installed in all hotels on the Strip, and I noticed they are pretty popular ;) We shoved a couple bucks inside, but didn't win anything. Oh well.

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The Mandalay Bay theater has been tuned into "Michael Jackson ONE" theater now. There are signs and posters of the show all over the first floor of the hotel. The nearby shops often play Michael's music. As soon as you get there, you really feel that it is a place where Michael lives on...

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The ticket office.

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When the show was first announced, there were talks about making a Michael Jackson museum nearby that would feature an interior of his Neverland library. Unfortunately, the museum plans were later scratched, but there are a few Michael's things on a display near the theater.
The authentic Dangerous tour shoes and socks:

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The AMA 1984 jacket:

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The MJ ONE gift shop is awesome!

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Honestly, the shop alone is worth going to Vegas. It had been my dream for years to find myself in a place like this. There are very few offline stores with good MJ memorabilia in the U.S. - usually all you can get is a couple of lousy T-shirts. But this is a wealth of merchandise! Key chains, notebooks, mugs, jackets, books, CDs.... When I first saw it, I wanted to by EVERYTHING. I had to stop myself from spending a fortune right away, and decided to come in later - it helped, lol. But in the next couple of days we visited the store again and again. it just draws you in.

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The store has virtually all possible MJ CDs and DVDs.

261104_600.jpg


As for books, they have Opus, Moonwalk, Man in the Music and King of Style. Perfect choice.

259682_600.jpg


On opposite wall from the store, there is a huge Michael poster. Everybody takes photos with it.

265249_600.jpg


Michael is dancing in front of the theater entrance.

264331_600.jpg


The theater doors are decorated in his favorite military style.

264702_600.jpg


261594_600.jpg


The foyer is luxurious. Fit for the King.

262365_600.jpg


Walls are decorated with the names of Michael's songs.

262143_600.jpg


MJ bar.

261730_600.jpg


266320_600.jpg


Before going to the premier on Saturday, we watched the red carpet that was organized in the hall near the theater side entrance. There were lots of photographers and a few celebrities that I didn't recognize.


The red carpet itself was surrounded by the photographers, so it was very hard to see anything there. There was also a huge crowd of onlookers that gathered by the arrival of celebs, so poor hotel guests who were clueless about the event and wanted to get to their rooms were given a hard time, lol. We secured a very good spot between the end of the red carpet and the side entrance to the theater, so all celebs were coming from under the camera flashes right towards us.

265733_600.jpg


From that spot we saw Michael's kids, Prince and Blanket, with Katherine (who appeared to be about the same height as Blanket), a number of Michael's newphews (don't remember their names, sorry) and Omer Bhatti (very handsome). Majestic was also there, surrounded by girls, as usual. In fact, Michael's family arrived the day before, and they also watched the show with us on Friday, but they were discreet, so we only learned about it afterwards, from people who accidentally saw them at the theater. On Saturday they came again, this time "officially", with the red carpet and all. We saw them very closely. Prince was escorting a lady who was taller than him (with the heels), Blanket, as usually, didn't smile and was hiding from the cameras. He actually did walk the red carpet, but you can't see him on the video or photos - he must have evaporated. I felt a little sorry for him.

However Alan Duke from CNN, who was also at the premier and sat behind the Jacksons later told us that the kids were smiling, dancing and enjoyed the show. I'm glad they did, because the show was dedicated to them. I was watching it in the same theater with them and thinking that it must be an incredible feeling for them to see this extravaganza and know that it's about their dad and dedicated to them.

270287_600.jpg


Paris, unfortunately, wasn't at the show, but she later asked through her mom how fans liked it.

Besides the family, on the red carpet we saw Spike Lee, Berry Gordy, Zaldy, Jamie King, Greg Philliganes and finally, fashionably late, three of MJ's brothers - Jackie, Tito and Marlon.

From the estate I saw John Branca and Karen Langford. They didn't walk the red carpet, but were among the organizers. Karen was a lot near the red carpet making sure they kids were safe in the crowd on their way to the theater. This was just a couple of hours after the Mirror article - I was wondering if they already got the news. It was their big day, and it's a shame that it was spoiled by some tabloid garbage.

Justin Bieber was also expected, but he didn't walk the red carpet, he sneaked in the theater quietly after the show had began. I respect his choice - he recognized that it was Michael's day, and didn't make it about himself. After the show he tweeted very nice words about it.

The review of the show itself is coming up...
Click to expand...

:eek:



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:woohoo: >>>
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Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

Thanks very much for your brilliant summary Morinen. While reading it I felt like I was there:clapping:
I can certainly see that you could easily spend all you money in that gift shop, I found many things I would have wanted to buy :wild:
 
Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

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I really like this shirt. Wouldn't mind getting one for myself.
 
Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

Omg i need to go there!

All that mj memorabilia is driving me crazy! Hahahaha \o

so nice!
 
Below is my review of Michael Jackson ONE show. As I mentioned above, we have seen the show twice: on the last night of the preview and on the night of the premiere. The performance was practically identical both nights (maybe with just a little extra pyrotechnics added here and there on June 29th).
In short, I enjoyed it very much.

I have to admit, I didn’t leave the show in tears or emotional like some other fans. But I hadn't expected to: I’m not a big fan of Cirque du Soleil, and I knew that even with all the holograms and MJ images in it, it’s not a Michael Jackson performance, it’s a tribute. So that’s how I watched it - with appreciation.

<img src="http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/morinen_mj_blog/30786410/263876/263876_600.jpg" alt="IMG_3627" title="IMG_3627" width="600" height="450" />

The show is really different from the Immortal World tour. (As much as two cirque performances with the same theme can be different). The set-list for MJ ONE is new, and those songs that appear in both shows are presented on stage differently. They did, however, recycle a few good ideas from Immortal, such as a pole dancer in Dangerous/Dirty Diana/In the Closet, sparkling aerialists flying against the starlight background (here they performed IJCSLY), and dancers in costumes lined with lights for Billie Jean. But even these numbers where enhanced and looked more spectacular.

MJ ONE certainly gains from the relatively small size of the theater. In Immortal the performance was far away on the stadium; here the show feels very close and intimate. The group dances look more impressive, you can see the artists’ faces, their costume details. I experienced the show from different points in the theater: the first night my seat was right in front of the stage, and on the second night we sat far behind and to the side. I can say that both options have their advantages: from the front rows the dancers and acrobats look more impressive, but from the back rows you can take in all that’s happening in the theater, including the big side screens and artists flying above the audience.

The show fully takes advantage of its permanent stage. The sets are richer, the special effects are cutting edge, and the performances are more elaborate. Immortal constantly had issues: in once city the giving tree was missing, in another city the lightning didn’t work as supposed to. In MJ ONE they have everything under control. Everything is perfect, just as Michael would have liked.

In regards to the script, I felt this time they really did their homework. All the song renditions felt very organic and tasteful. Unlike in Immortal (especially its early performances), there wasn’t a moment when I winced. I wouldn’t say that the show has a “story” – as was promised in announcements. There are 4 characters that appear throughout the show and more or less tie different numbers together, but I wouldn’t call that a story. However, it’s as much a “story” as in any other Cirque show, so really not a downside at all.

What I did feel a little iffy about at first was the soundtrack. It’s not completely true that the show includes “full songs” as it was announced. In reality, most of the songs are cut short (sometimes even by stitching the lines from different verses together) and there is a lot of mixing – the coda from Will You Be There is attached to Stranger in Moscow, Never Can Say Goodbye is overlaid on top of Human Nature, etc. For me that didn’t feel right – it’s like taking two different books and trying to compile a third one from them. I wasn’t happy about it in Immortal either. I like to hear the songs just like Michael wrote them. But putting my personal tastes aside, I guess for a cirque show it makes sense, and during the second night, when I knew what to expect, it sounded better. The show again uses many of Michael’s spoken words, including his line “We are all one”. And the seats really do have built-in speakers with instrumental and backing vocals. However the sound in the theater is very loud, so you can really only hear that backing track if you press your ear to the seat back.

Speaking of particular numbers that stand out, I have to mention Stranger in Moscow. The number is performed by a gymnast on a rope against a huge screen that shows ethereal images of Michael pouring his soul out. There is also a hinted theme of an elusive female ideal (images of Mother, Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylot flash on the screen), and it looks as if the gymnast character is trying to reach that ideal woman and fails. A very beautiful and dramatic piece. Here is a snippet from one of the early rehearsals:

[video=youtube_share;yOfZFps2ys4]http://youtu.be/yOfZFps2ys4[/video]

I also loved the Earth Song number. First, it was preceded by the “Planet Earth” poem read by Michael. Ever since that recording had been released, I wished I could hear Michael reading it from the stage in the acoustics of a theater. So on Friday, my wish almost came true. The poem, although shortened down to a few verses, feels very intimate and touching. Then begins the song, and its interpretation is awesome. Instead of showing the customary Earth Song visuals, they did a completely original performance in shadows on the big screen. It looks very symbolic and fitting for the song theme. In the end Michael himself briefly appears on the screen, also as a shadow. This number is a little work of art in its own right.

Smile was very touching – when they started showing photos of Michael dressed up as Chaplin, I felt a lump in my throat.

Overall, I have to say, some of the brightest moments of the show are those where Michael is shown on the big screen. And to the creators’ credit, they realize that: the good portion of Billie Jean is just a compilation of Michael’s live performances projected on the screen. Still mesmerizing. Then live dancers in the lit-up costumes chime in and at some point form glowing letters “MJ” in the dark.

Those were the highlights of the show for me. The rest of the numbers are mostly group dancing and acrobatics.

Special effects in the show deserve a separate mention. The show uses the most innovative, cutting edge technology. The very first thing you see when you enter the theater is a huge holographic set of Michael’s signature props: a hat, sunglasses, penny loafers, a glove and a stool floating above the stage.

<img src="http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/morinen_mj_blog/30786410/262899/262899_600.jpg" alt="IMG_3613" title="IMG_3613" width="600" height="450" />

The theater is invaded by a gang of paparazzi in aggressive red coats – they single out innocent spectators and attack him with cameras and microphones, so the audience members can for a moment feel themselves in Michael’s shoes.

<img src="http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/morinen_mj_blog/30786410/263588/263588_600.jpg" alt="IMG_3622" title="IMG_3622" width="600" height="450" />

The photos taken by the “paparazzi” appear on screaming headlines on the side screens.

<img src="http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/morinen_mj_blog/30786410/266142/266142_600.jpg" alt="IMG_3675" title="IMG_3675" width="600" height="450" />

Many show numbers use optical illusions as well. For example, in Jam, a dancer-girl fights animated digital speakers that attack her from all sides; in Scream, animation is superimposed against Michael and Janet’s music video.

And then, of course, there the hologram in Man in the Mirror. I have to admit, for me it wasn’t the emotional climax of the show. I guess that’s because I already knew about it and knew that it wasn’t made off Michael. However, it still looks totally magical. I imagine that’s what Michael would say: “magic!” Even from a pure technical side or it – just the fact that this is possible. And the dance of ethereal “Michael” (who occasionally dissolves into a golden dust) with the live artists looks very symbolic. What’s interesting is that the dancers on the stage do not see the hologram – it is seen only from the audience. So they dance with Michael, not seeing him. At the afterparty, when my friend spoke with some of the dancers, they confessed that it is a very emotional moment of the show for them.

All in all, I thought the show was great. Colorful, impressive, and certainly embodying the spirit of Michael Jackson’s music. I hope it will stay at Mandalay Bay for years to come. Everyone who knows the Cirque repertoire says that MJ ONE is the most innovative and cutting edge show on the Strip. It certainly looks so. The Cirque directors say it has raised the bar for all the other shows in Vegas. I think Michael would have approved. ;)


After the show we had tickets to the afterparty at the Mandalay Bay pool.

<img src="http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/morinen_mj_blog/30786410/266562/266562_600.jpg" alt="IMG_3680" title="IMG_3680" width="600" height="450" />

There isn’t much to tell about the party – there were a lot of people, free food and drinks and a lot of sand in the shoes, lol. Michael’s dance music was blasting.

<img src="http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/morinen_mj_blog/30786410/266881/266881_600.jpg" alt="IMG_3686" title="IMG_3686" width="600" height="450" />

It was still about 110 degrees outside, so I didn’t feel like dancing. In fact, in the end seeing all these strangers celebrating a new project completed under Michael’s name, when he himself wasn’t around, made me feel a little sad.

But overall, looking back at the whole experience, I have to say that MJ ONE is a wonderful accomplishment. And it’s not just the show itself that makes me happy – it’s knowing that Michael has got such a place now – a place where he is honored and loved, and where his life and music are celebrated every night.

<img src="http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/morinen_mj_blog/30786410/269726/269726_600.jpg" alt="IMG_3758" title="IMG_3758" width="450" height="600" />
 
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Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

Thank you Morinen. That was a wonderful review.

I heard that the hat, gloves, loafers ect were like charms that the characters had to retrieve to complete their mission.
does that make sense when you look back at the story line?
 
Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

qbee said:
I heard that the hat, gloves, loafers ect were like charms that the characters had to retrieve to complete their mission.
does that make sense when you look back at the story line?
Click to expand...

Hmm, maybe you're right. They did discover Michael's things throughout the show - which was mostly the comical part of it. So I guess the idea is that by finding his props they somehow become closer to him until he finally materializes in Man in the Mirror.
 
Re: Cirque du Soleil "Michael Jackson ONE" permanent Las Vega show

WOW! The more I read about MJ ONE the more I can't wait to go, that's as soon as I save enough of course! lol And that gift shop looks amazing! I will be so broke when I go in there that's for sure! =D
 
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