“An Instrument of Nature” – Michael Jackson One by Cirque Du Soleil
http://www.mjvibe.com/an-instrument-of-nature-michael-jackson-one-by-cirque-du-soleil/
Posted on September 5, 2014 by Iconic Mag
Having seen Immortal back in October 2012, I was sceptical about ONE; what could it offer that Immortal didn’t and was it worth a transatlantic trip to Sin City to see what all the hype was about?
Regardless, I knew I wanted to see it at some point as it forms part of my ‘essential MJ’ list. I’m fully in support of all things official and it doesn’t get more official than this. Therefore, I’d purposely avoided trailers, clips and recordings from Youtube as I wanted the experience when I did finally go, to be a first time revelation.
So now that I’ve finally seen the show that’s been in residency at the Mandalay Bay for just over 14 months, what are my thoughts?… Put simply, it’s incredible!!!
For starters, the resident theatre allows for more acrobats, more swinging from the ceiling, more flying above the audience, more stunts… more Cirque; and this compliments Michael’s music beautifully as it’s played out through a story that sees Michael as a type of spirit guide, ushering our 4 talented leads through an alternative universe; where they come up against the evil media, paparazzi and Merphosis. Through the use of Michael’s trademarks, they’re able to overcome their personal inhibitions to defeat the bad guys and create harmony once again…Text book Michael Jackson; an adventure that could have easily been his own brain child!
Visually, ONE is magnificent! Set through a stage framed by the Dangerous album cover (my favourite) with the addition of side slanting screens; add to the spectacle taking place on stage. You’ve not seen an MJ short film until you’ve seen it this big!
Crafted lighting forms stunning transitions between different elements of the universe and assists a stage equipped with toasters, moving platforms and giant structures which accommodate Smooth Criminal leans, springing zombies and swinging paparazzi through an epic and perfectly chosen set list.
One things for sure, MJ ONE takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion, I laughed at ‘Workin’ Day and Night’, I felt loss during I’ll Be There, I danced to Black or White and I cried through Man in the Mirror. Yet your journey starts with the opening extravaganza that is Beat It. It’s so powerful, dramatic and gravity defying that you know the next 90 minutes are going to be some of the best you’ll experience in a long time.
Musically, ONE works in reminding a non-fanatical audience of the classics whilst introducing them to some of Michael’s lesser known gems such a Speechless, Smile and Tabloid Junkie; for which the latter is mixed with 2Bad and the sound of paparazzi cameras, performed through rhythmic jerks and the aid of the elephant man’s bones, hyperbaric chamber and Leave Me Alone rocket…one of my personal highlights of the entire production.
Another highlight was Stranger in Moscow which (without giving away the surprise) allows it’s audience to experience the concept physically. It’s clear that Cirque and the Estate had refused to limit the creative possibilities and this is evident through-out as ONE provides a 360 experience with performers working through energetic routines from all angles of the theatre whilst the audience are immersed in sound. Each seat is equipped with a full speaker in the head rest with the sounds carefully positioned to ensure you feel and hear Michael’s music as you witness this spectacular show.
It’s impossible not to sing along, tap your foot and point in awe as you watch ONE but other than the sparkling popping and locking of Human Nature, the audience gave the biggest reaction when that familiar bass line fills the theatre and Billie Jean begins. What a pinnacle moment as footage of Motown 25 and HIStory tour performances of the song are juxtaposed together; before the stage lights up and comes alive…but I’m not about to give away the plot!
The following evening, I thought to myself, what’s a guy in his 20s to do this evening, in the city that never sleeps?…pull out that credit card and buy another ticket to MJ ONE of course!!! and I’m glad I did, with so much to see, I was naive to how much I’d missed the first time around. There are no ‘bad seats’ within the MJ ONE theatre, so I sat further back to allow myself a more panoramic view second time round; the magic of Michael’s vocal on I Just Can’t Stop Loving You completely filled the room along with it’s visual counterpart that bursts all around you. Witnessing the responses of the people around me made me so proud of Michael and that his work can continue to bring excitement and joy to so many.
As a fan, I truly feel that ONE is the perfect tribute to Michael, his passion is reflected through each number in the music, the expansive screens and each and every performer; as well as the raw clips of Michael speaking which bring forth an intimate insight in to the man behind the entertainment visionary. I absolutely loved it and I have no doubt that the only person who would have been more impressed than the audience, would have been Michael himself.
Pez Greaves
Michael Jackson One Review based on performance seen at the Mandalay Bay on 29 & 30th August 2014.
Nigel Lythgoe ?
