Latest on MJJC

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

Mikky Dee said:
It's a resident show, which means it's permanently based in Las Vegas. Shows that are in residence in various Las Vegas hotels stay there for years and years and years. This is already MJ One's 7th year. The theatre and stage is purpose-built, in order to suit the show. The entire Mandalay Bay Resort contains MJ related decor. The show is definitely NOT meant to move to other venues. Immortal was the show which travelled the world, but not MJ One.....that won't happen.
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awwww. well one can dream to visit the show. congrats to their 7th year. :)
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is the seat map for MJ ONE for tomorrow night at 7 pm. A SUNDAY night. Mute who? <a href="https://t.co/zpNLwwWOFb">pic.twitter.com/zpNLwwWOFb</a></p>&mdash; andjustice4some (@andjustice4some) <a href="https://twitter.com/andjustice4some/status/1198439340117872642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">24. November 2019</a></blockquote>
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“Cirque Casting is looking for a female hip-hop dancer of African Heritage for a position on their resident show Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, located in Las Vegas!”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ad</a> &#127881;<a href="https://twitter.com/Cirque?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cirque</a> Casting is looking for a female hip-hop dancer of African Heritage for a position on their resident show Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, located in Las Vegas! Don’t miss this opportunity, apply now! <a href="https://t.co/Lhg9emVfT0">https://t.co/Lhg9emVfT0</a> <a href="https://t.co/4Wn0qePNOG">pic.twitter.com/4Wn0qePNOG</a></p>&mdash; Inside Dance (@InsideDanceMag) <a href="https://twitter.com/InsideDanceMag/status/1199367576498950146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Job Title: Urgent: Hip-hop Female Dancer of African Heritage for our show MJ ONE
Discipline: Dancers


The Cirque du Soleil Casting team is looking for a Hip-hop Female Dancer of African Heritage to play a role in our resident show MJ ONE.

Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (Nevada, USA).

Duration of contract: Permanent (minimum 1 year).

Deadline for submissions: December 5th, 2019.

Character traits:

Female
African heritage (creator's requirement)
Slender body type
The MJ Warriors are a benevolent force, on side with our Heroes and MJ’s presence . They are the antithesis of the Tabloid Junkies. They are connected to Michael through their hearts. They are MJ’s family, and represent his core physical presence and manifestation in our journey. In their benevolent incarnations they have key elements that don’t change – an attitude, as much as costume – always letting us know that any given manifestation is still the MJ Warriors.

Requirements:

Ability to portray character’s traits
Strong hip-hop dance technique
Ability to freestyle in different styles, including Popping
Experience performing with heels
Professional experience
Solid stage presence and charisma
Ability to perform ten shows a week.

If you meet these requirements, please submit your application, including:

Your resumé
Two photos (one headshot and one full-body shot)
Video excerpts of the following elements:

A maximum one-minute presentation to the camera: tell us your name, general background and the reasons for your interest in joining Cirque du Soleil
Recent footage of either studio work or stage performance. We must be able to see you clearly.

Important information:

All complete profiles (including a resumé/CV, photos and demo video) will be evaluated by a Talent Scout from the Casting team.
Only selected candidates will be contacted.
Selected candidates will be asked to prepare a specific video with choreography from the show.

General terms and conditions for applying online:

The profile information of candidates will be used by Cirque du Soleil and its partners.
By applying online, candidates who submit their material via links to demo videos agree that Casting will extract material from these links if necessary to add it to the candidate’s profile.
Applications may be considered for one or more roles in all our current shows and upcoming creations.

Questions? Please send email: auditions.lasvegas@cirquedusoleil.com

We can’t wait to discover your talent! Thank you for your interest in Cirque du Soleil.

https://cirquedusoleil-casting.secure.force.com/ene/ts2mmx__JobDetails?jobId=a0x2G00000JqvI3QAJ

:cool:
 

Sorry to take forever, but here's the videos I took of the shop! These were on November 14.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="ja" dir="ltr">&#20170;&#12363;&#12425;&#12510;&#12452;&#12465;&#12523;&#12539;&#12472;&#12515;&#12463;&#12477;&#12531;&#12300;ONE&#12301;<br>&#12471;&#12519;&#12540;&#37969;&#36062;&#127913;&#10024;&#10024;&#10024;&#10024;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DANCE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DANCE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LasVegas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LasVegas</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ONE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ONE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichaelJackson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichaelJackson</a> <a href="https://t.co/MUoLrgYeOC">pic.twitter.com/MUoLrgYeOC</a></p>&mdash; &#21517;&#21476;&#23627;&#12473;&#12463;&#12540;&#12523;&#12458;&#12502;&#12511;&#12517;&#12540;&#12472;&#12483;&#12463;&amp;&#12480;&#12531;&#12473; (@nsm758) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsm758/status/1202781757189214208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">6. Dezember 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gift shop busy as always <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mjfam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mjfam</a> on buying spree &#128526; <a href="https://t.co/GZ9VCQFFPA">pic.twitter.com/GZ9VCQFFPA</a></p>&mdash; PeaceWarrior (@4ever58) <a href="https://twitter.com/4ever58/status/1196176457871089669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">17. November 2019</a></blockquote>
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https://lasvegasmagazine.com/entertainment/2019/dec/20/michael-jackson-one-thrills-in-las-vegas/

'Michael Jackson ONE' thrills in Las Vegas
By Matt Kelemen
December 20, 2019

A visit to Vegas is a chance for people to reconnect with their appreciation of the King of Pop by attending Michael Jackson ONE. The Cirque du Soleil extravaganza at Mandalay Bay celebrates the life and songs of Jackson from the point of view of four innocent "misfits" who have transformative encounters with his music and magical items. Dancing, dynamic set design and dazzling special effects redefine his legacy, leaving audience members breathless afterwards with their favorite songs from the show echoing in their heads.

Other elements make Michael Jackson ONE distinct from sister Cirque shows, such as martial arts choreography and fantastical costumes that are technological marvels in themselves. It's ultimately about the music he made at different phases of his career, though, whether it's young Michael assuring "I'll Be There," a mature Michael advising "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" superstar Michael of Thriller or defiant Michael of "Leave Me Alone."

Jackson's spangled glove, sunglasses, shoes and hat all appear. It's fair to say that Jackson's iconic dance moves are featured stars as well, but if the inspiration to moonwalk hits it's best to wait until clearing the exit after the show.

Mandalay Bay, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Sun.-Mon. & Thurs.-Sat., additional 7 & 9:30 p.m. show Dec. 24, starting at $69 plus tax and fee. 702.632.7580

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJOne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJOne</a> Smooth Criminal moves are wild, so we brought them out into nature. &#128247;: IG igorzambelli <a href="https://t.co/iBDeouptAo">pic.twitter.com/iBDeouptAo</a></p>&mdash; Cirque du Soleil (@Cirque) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cirque/status/1202339293018107905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">4. Dezember 2019</a></blockquote>
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Nantucket Cat said:

Sorry to take forever, but here's the videos I took of the shop! These were on November 14.
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That place is heaven for an MJ fan! So many gorgeous items that you won't find anywhere else. I spent a ton of money in there - couldn't stay away from the place.....I was in there, browsing almost every day that I stayed in Vegas. LOL
 
This place is HUMMING both before but especially after each show. Literally dozens of people, it can get too crowded at times. People load up with albums, books, jackets/clothing, mugs, etc. I loved it!
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just wanted to show you all something I found!! This is the ticket website for MJ ONE in Vegas. You can see plain as day that sorry to the haters Michael Jackson will NEVER BE MUTED!!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mjfam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mjfam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mutewho?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mutewho</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichaelJackson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichaelJackson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mjone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mjone</a> <a href="https://t.co/yY9zkyAmHq">pic.twitter.com/yY9zkyAmHq</a></p>&mdash; Jessica (@metalmaidenco) <a href="https://twitter.com/metalmaidenco/status/1209740949640757249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25. Dezember 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Provided by Japanese MJ fan. Thank you &#128591; &#127876;&#127876;&#127876;<a href="https://twitter.com/michaeljackson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@michaeljackson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/princemjjjaxon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@princemjjjaxon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisJackson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParisJackson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJONE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJONE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichaelJackson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichaelJackson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LasVegas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LasVegas</a> <a href="https://t.co/TXBWvWZ8qG">pic.twitter.com/TXBWvWZ8qG</a></p>&mdash; MJJFANCLUB JAPAN (@MJJFANCLUB_JP) <a href="https://twitter.com/MJJFANCLUB_JP/status/1210345810396770305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">26. Dezember 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">No hay mejor manera de continuar el legado, que rendirle tributo al Rey, larga vida al Rey del Pop, su majestad <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichaelJAckson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichaelJAckson</a> <a href="https://t.co/6e4NuNHdfM">pic.twitter.com/6e4NuNHdfM</a></p>&mdash; Principessa JAckson (@Blackladyni) <a href="https://twitter.com/Blackladyni/status/1210235524734013440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">26. Dezember 2019</a></blockquote>
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'Michael Jackson ONE' keeps thrilling Las Vegas crowds

During his life, Michael Jackson always worked to create a sense of wonder in his music and other artistic projects, and the Cirque du Soleil show Michael Jackson ONE is a perfect realization of those ambitions, even though Jackson is no longer around to see it. Created around a fantastical story of four young people who collect magical artifacts associated with Jackson (his sequined glove, his fedora, his dance shoes, his sunglasses) and eventually meet up with him in a version of his home at Neverland, the show brings Jackson's music to life for new audiences while taking care to honor his memory.

It also features all of the astounding talents that Cirque is known for, including amazing dancers (performing iconic Jackson moves like the moonwalk and the "Smooth Criminal" anti-gravity lean) and limber acrobats (zombies on trampolines during "Thriller"), plus live musicians augmenting Jackson's recorded vocals or shredding on intricate guitar solos. The show is packed with Jackson hits (including "Bad," "Beat It," "Human Nature," "Black or White"), from his youth in the Jackson 5 through the end of his career.

Mandalay Bay, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Sun.-Mon. & Thurs.-Sat. (dark through Jan. 20); 7 p.m. show only Jan. 23, starting at $69 plus tax and fee. 702.632.7580

https://lasvegasmagazine.com/entert...ichael-jackson-one-keeps-thrilling-las-vegas/
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New snowball from MJOne cirque du soleil <a href="https://twitter.com/MJONE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mjone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Cirque?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cirque</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/princemjjjaxon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@princemjjjaxon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mjone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mjone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cirquedusoleil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cirquedusoleil</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichaelJackson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichaelJackson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hectorbarjot?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hectorbarjot</a> <a href="https://t.co/yUOYtgsSQF">pic.twitter.com/yUOYtgsSQF</a></p>&mdash; Hector Barjot (@hectorbarjot) <a href="https://twitter.com/hectorbarjot/status/1220264731266748416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">23. Januar 2020</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">More than seven years after opening, Michael Jackson ONE is still selling out regularly in Las Vegas. When will you be there? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJONE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJONE</a><a href="https://t.co/4lYUoPSVza">https://t.co/4lYUoPSVza</a></p>&mdash; Michael Jackson (@michaeljackson) <a href="https://twitter.com/michaeljackson/status/1216770698619883527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">13. Januar 2020</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Representing the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BraveNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BraveNation</a> at the <a href="https://twitter.com/Cirque?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cirque</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mjone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mjone</a> show and enjoying the last few days before heading back to the Mighty State of Texas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mjone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mjone</a> is a great show. <br><br>And as always........ thinking of higher learning on our tour of <a href="https://twitter.com/unlv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@unlv</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/communityisd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@communityisd</a> <a href="https://t.co/K3J4SX9Aj8">pic.twitter.com/K3J4SX9Aj8</a></p>&mdash; Dr. Roosevelt Nivens (@Dr_RNivens) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_RNivens/status/1213366636964544515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">4. Januar 2020</a></blockquote>
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https://lasvegasmagazine.com/entert...e-du-soleil-michael-jackson-one-mandalay-bay/

Moonwalk, don’t run to Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Michael Jackson ONE’

By Greg Thilmont
February 7, 2020

Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil is a wondrous celebration of the greatest musical superstar of all time. The unforgettable epic follows a group of rag-tag Heroes—Clumsy the slackliner, Shy the martial artist, Smarty Pants the juggler and Sneaky the manipulation specialist—as they’re pulled into an alternate dimension, where they have to fight against the malevolent Mephisto.

A ghastly mashup of radios, microphones, cameras and TVs, Mephisto is a true media monster. Set to a surround-sound medley of smash hits, the quartet must outsmart sinister Tabloid Junkies, aggressive Paparazzi and creepy Ghouls as they search for magical, iconic talismans: Michael Jackson’s famous white glove, shiny penny loafers, stylish fedora and glinting sunglasses.

ONE brings together more than five dozen talented dancers, acrobats and aerialists who cartwheel across the stage, bounce off trampolines and twirl on trapezes in a spellbinding cavalcade illuminated with glittering Swarovski crystals, glowing LED lights and scintillating pyrotechnics. There’s even a rocket ship. But will there be moonwalking, you ask? Count on it.

Mandalay Bay, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Thurs.-Mon., starting at $69 plus tax and fee. 702.632.7580

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hello <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mjfam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mjfam</a> from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mjone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mjone</a> show in Vegas!!!! &#10084;&#65039;&#10024;&#10084;&#65039;&#10024;&#10084;&#65039; <a href="https://t.co/XHRMKEzUUP">pic.twitter.com/XHRMKEzUUP</a></p>&mdash; Constantinos Isaias (@Isaiasthoughts) <a href="https://twitter.com/Isaiasthoughts/status/1221662777556623361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/GaryPayton_20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GaryPayton_20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Cirque?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cirque</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Cirque?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cirque</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJONE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJONE</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheKingofPop?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheKingofPop</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HOF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HOF</a>. Greatness recognizes Greatness! Enjoy! <a href="https://t.co/8FT8zo3gwm">pic.twitter.com/8FT8zo3gwm</a></p>&mdash; L (@lolitasway) <a href="https://twitter.com/lolitasway/status/1223445973298376704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">More than seven years after opening, Michael Jackson ONE is still selling out regularly in Las Vegas. When will you be there? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJONE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJONE</a><a href="https://t.co/4lYUoPSVza">https://t.co/4lYUoPSVza</a></p>&mdash; Michael Jackson (@michaeljackson) <a href="https://twitter.com/michaeljackson/status/1216770698619883527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
MJ ONE reduces the number of shows due to Coronavirus

Coronavirus has affected everyone on the planet. While all Broadway shows in New York have been suspended until April 12, Las Vegas is also hit by the effect of the virus!

Cirque du Soleil has reduced the number of shows on the strip. Fridays and Saturdays used to have 2 shows a night and have been reduced to only one a night. MJ ONE is part of the reduced schedule.

with Flights from Europe banned by President Trump (except from the UK), the number of tourists and visitors will drop considerably in the next few days and while many countries have started to ban any gathering over 500 people, it seems just a question of time before all shows in Las Vegas to be cancelled. Many artists and residencies have already been postponed.

MJVibe

Everybody stay safe and wash your hands. stay home if you can.
 
MJ ONE Now temporarily suspended:

What are the measures taken by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group to respond to COVID-19 pandemic?

Taking into consideration the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation for social distancing as well as the escalation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group announced the immediate temporary suspension of the following Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas:

“O” at Bellagio
KÀ at MGM Grand
The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage
Mystère at Treasure Island
Zumanity at New York-New York
Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay

From the very beginning of the outbreak of the new coronavirus, the Group took rigorous measures to protect its work teams and the public. Our priority has always been and remains the health and safety of our artists, our partners and various employees, but also of our public.

We will continue to monitor and assess the situation to determine when shows will resume

Will customers be reimbursed?

Yes, all customers who purchased tickets for a cancelled Cirque du Soleil show will be contacted by their point of sale to facilitate reimbursement.
Customers may cancel show bookings for a full refund, for any reason, through May 31, 2020 or 24 hours before the show begins,whichever is earlier.

If you have any questions, please write to lasvegas.customerservice@cirquedusoleil.com
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https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/faq/covid-19-rsd
 
I hope they find a cure for this virus soon. it's sad to see people dying and catching it. not only that but we can't go anywhere they closing stuff down too. not only that but stores have to keep on restocking everything everyday because of this.

this really goes to show you what kind of world we are living in. hoping for a cure very soon.
 
Coronavirus: Cirque du Soleil lays off 95 per cent of its staff

The Cirque du Soleil is shuttering virtually all of its operations, effective immediately, and is leaving thousands of employees and performers with no source of income.

Midday Thursday, Cirque CEO Daniel Lamarre announced to staff that the company is laying off 95 per cent of its employees. The Cirque will lay off 4,679 employees, keeping just 259 staffers to maintain basic operations and continue tour planning and ticket sales for shows scheduled for later this year and in 2021. The Cirque will prepare for rehiring if and when productions are allowed to return to the stage.

On Wednesday, influential American bond credit rating company Moody&#8217;s downgraded its rating of Cirque du Soleil, saying the outlook is negative. The Moody&#8217;s downgrade report states that the show closures will leave the company &#8220;with limited prospects for a tenable capital structure thereafter. Weak liquidity, soft show demand and challenging economic conditions will further pressure Cirque du Soleil&#8217;s operating flexibility and capacity for growth &#8230; once shows resume.&#8220;

In an interview Thursday afternoon, Lamarre said he had no other choice given that the company has had to cancel all 44 of its shows around the world due to fears related to the COVID-19 crisis.

&#8220;It happened within a week. &#8230; We were shut down by cities and countries around the world,&#8221; Lamarre said. &#8220;As we speak today, there is no revenue coming in for the company and I don&#8217;t know when it will come back, which is why we&#8217;re doing what we are doing. We have laid off most of our employees and we will keep just a small fraction of employees to be able, whenever the situation is stabilized, to come back in a short period of time.&#8221;

Of the 1,543 employees who work at the head office in Montreal, 1,373 have been laid off. On Monday, Lamarre announced 2,600 staffers and performers around the world were being sent home. Of the 259 employees still at work, 170 are at the head office in Montreal, with another 89 still employed around the world, including 39 in Las Vegas and Orlando.

A technician on one of the Cirque&#8217;s major touring Big Top shows, who wished to remain anonymous, said Thursday that staffers are left with no money because the company expanded too quickly in recent years.

&#8220;Any surplus we would have had has gone to expanding the company,&#8221; the technician said. &#8220;So now we&#8217;re in this precarious situation. So Cirque can&#8217;t come out and say, &#8216;Hey, we&#8217;ll give you $500 a week.&#8217; They spent all that money acquiring properties, acquiring companies that may or may not be making Cirque any money. All of this comes from upper management, and I can tell you that every one of us who works for Cirque thought they were overexpanding and that they&#8217;d been diluting the brand. It&#8217;s just so oversaturated. Then something like this happens and none of us have any income.&#8221;

Lamarre said all of the laid-off employees will receive a paycheque this week, and that&#8217;s it. But the Cirque will also continue to pay both the employees&#8217; and the employer&#8217;s portion of the health insurance for the time being.

Lamarre rejected the argument that the company was overextended, that it was already in precarious financial shape before the COVID-19 crisis and that the brand was diluted. The Cirque&#8217;s latest Las Vegas show, R.U.N., was its biggest flop ever on the Strip, forced to shutter even before the COVID-19 closures, and there were major creative concerns about the upcoming Montreal Big Top show Under the Same Sky.

&#8220;We were in a growing mode, and under normal circumstances my view is that probably in six months to a year from now we would have been worth more than (what the Cirque was worth when Guy Laliberté sold the company for $1.5 billion in 2015),&#8221; Lamarre said. &#8220;We were optimizing our portfolio of shows. We had a huge axis of development. &#8230; Nobody could predict what is happening now.&#8221;

Lamarre believes the Cirque will survive and is hoping the provincial and federal governments can help.

&#8220;I certainly hope (that the Cirque survives),&#8221; he said. &#8220;We are in communication with the government. I have been talking a lot with (Quebec Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon).

&#8220;I&#8217;m working on two fronts. On one hand, I&#8217;m working with the government to make sure that I can have some support &#8230; and it&#8217;s coming from Investissement Québec. They&#8217;re the one that will help companies, so that&#8217;s one front. The other front is we have the Caisse de dépôt, which is a very important shareholder, and they&#8217;re also very supportive of how they can help us.&#8221;

Fitzgibbon said Thursday that he believes things will turn around for the Cirque.

&#8220;The Cirque made money before the crisis, and it will make money again once things restart,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Other countries have mentioned that they want to restart shows in July. We will help the Cirque du Soleil to make sure that liquidities post-layoffs are sufficient to survive this period.&#8221;

https://montrealgazette.com/news/lo...e-du-soleil-lays-off-95-per-cent-of-its-staff
 
Cirque du Soleil, too, is putting tickets for its MGM Resorts shows back on sale May 11. That covers &#8220;O&#8221; at Bellagio, &#8220;Michael Jackson One&#8221; at Mandalay Bay, &#8220;Ka&#8221; at MGM Grand, &#8220;Love&#8221; at Mirage and &#8220;Zumanity&#8221; at New York-New York.

The SPI Entertainment shows in play are Hans Klok, Thunder from Down Under and Australian Bee Gees at Excalibur. Shin Lim at Mirage will be taking ticket orders beginning May 14.

But again, as a Cirque spokeswoman indicated Wednesday, the situation remains uncertain for all production shows.

May 1 had been the original date for planned return for MGM Resorts productions. The time frame was moved back Tuesday after Gov. Steve Sisolak directed nonessential businesses to shut down for 30 days to help offset the coronavirus outbreak. At the moment, all ticketed shows and public performances in clubs, lounges and taverns in Las Vegas are dark.
Click to expand...

https://www.reviewjournal.com/enter...0MfBK3sd4rIaL1Wzx8gl4OOSBqBgc4U6xUyLHbLXlULXk
 
Jackson estate gives to Broadway, Vegas needy amid outbreak
By Associated Press - March 25th 2020,

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Michael Jackson estate is donating $300,000 to help entertainment industry workers on Broadway, the music business and in Las Vegas who have been hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.

The estate announced Wednesday that it will give $100,000 apiece to Broadway Cares, the food bank Three Square in Nevada and MusiCares, because all three areas have been good to the estate and to Jackson.

"This virus, this pandemic affects all of us obviously, so we wanted to start in our own communities," John Branca, the estate's co-executor, told The Associated Press. "This is personal for us."

A Jackson-themed Broadway show, "MJ The Musical" is scheduled to start previews in July, though like the rest of Broadway it is currently on hold amid the coronavirus shutdown. No announcements have been made on postponing the show, and the estate and producers are taking a wait-and-see approach, Branca said.

"Michael Jackson ONE," the long-running Jackson-based Cirque du Soleil show at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, where Jackson lived late in his life, is also on hold indefinitely.

"Las Vegas has been very good to Michael," Branca said.

The estate's donation there will provide 300,000 meals to the needy, and help to maintain the supplies of the food bank Three Square, the estate said.

In New York, the estate says it is donating to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS´ COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund, and will give the rest to MusiCares, the charitable branch of the Recording Academy that helps those in the music industry who are economically struggling.

The estate says the donations are inspired by the constant charitable work of Jackson himself.

"Michael was extremely generous both of his time and his money in his life, and it's in his music too," Branca said. "We look to Michael for leadership and inspiration. We´re doing what Michael would have been doing."

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
 
Cirque du Soleil in Talks With Pension Fund for Lifeline

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is in talks with Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec for rescue funding after the company&#8217;s shows were halted by the coronavirus pandemic, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The Montreal-based company is discussing options including a capital injection or a loan under a relief fund that Caisse established to aid Quebec companies impacted by Covid-19, according to one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private.

Caisse, Canada&#8217;s second-largest pension fund, is a minority shareholder in Cirque du Soleil. &#8220;We follow very closely the companies in which we are invested, and we have ongoing conversations with them,&#8221; a Caisse representative said in an email, declining to comment further.


https://www.bloombergquint.com/busi...n-talks-with-pension-fund-caisse-for-lifeline
Copyright © BloombergQuint
 
I wonder if the MJ Estate is among the potential future investors...?

Quebec government throws faltering Cirque du Soleil a US$200-million lifeline

MONTREAL -- The Quebec government is coming to the rescue of Cirque du Soleil, pledging to loan up to US$200 million to support the live entertainment giant whose operations remain paralyzed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon says the province will become a creditor of the company under an agreement in principle between Investissement Quebec and Cirque's three main shareholders -- Texas-based TPG Capital, Chinese firm Fosun and the Caisse de depot et placement.

Fitzgibbon suggests that Quebec would also have the option of buying Cirque in the event that shareholders decide to sell their stakes.

In exchange for financial support, the company's head office must remain in the province and its senior executives have to reside there.

The minister's announcement followed one by Cirque founder Guy Laliberte Sunday, who said he wants to buy back the 36-year-old circus company that he sold for US$1.5-billion in 2015 after growing it from a troupe of stilt walkers and fire breathers into a global entertainment titan.

The pandemic has forced Cirque -- which carries a debt estimated at more than US$900 million -- to cancel all 44 shows and lay off about 4,700 employees, the vast majority of its workforce.

On Sunday night, Guy Laliberte, the founder and one-time owner of Cirque du Soleil, said he and a group of investors want to buy back into the circus company

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/quebec-...955425#_gus&_gucid=&_gup=twitter&_gsc=A8iVN4F
 
Most of the Casinos in Las Vegas are re-opening today putting safety measures in place against COVID-19.

While most of the casinos and hotels are re-opening, all shows are still currently closed but you can pre-book tickets shows for MJ One starting on July 2.

It is not know yet what measures Cirque du Soleil will put in place but the date is set for now.

https://mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com/...4&showId=a6208ba6-553c-4ca2-b571-350c7ec70c10

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RT - MJONE will OPEN AGAIN in JULY 2020 <a href="https://t.co/wPfUHt7aA0">https://t.co/wPfUHt7aA0</a> Step right up ... Get your tickets HERE - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichaelJackson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichaelJackson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thursdaymorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thursdaymorning</a> WHOOOTS <a href="https://t.co/PlxiTDP3S0">pic.twitter.com/PlxiTDP3S0</a></p>&mdash; MJJJusticeProject #1Billion4MJ (@MJJJusticePrjct) <a href="https://twitter.com/MJJJusticePrjct/status/1268546299776958467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Cirque du Soleil files for creditor protection in Canada

By Associated Press

Published: 18:41 BST, 29 June 2020 | Updated: 19:11 BST, 29 June 2020

MONTREAL (AP) - Cirque du Soleil filed for creditor protection in Canada on Monday while it develops a plan to restart its business amid the pandemic.

The creator of many of the most popular shows in Las Vegas on Monday blamed the "immense disruption and forced show closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic."

The Montreal-based circus arts show company temporarily suspended its productions around the world in March because of the new coronavirus outbreak.

Cirque du Soleil also announced the termination of approximately 3,480 employees previously furloughed in March.

In connection with the filing, Cirque du Soleil said it has entered into a purchase agreement with its existing shareholders TPG, Fosun and Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec as well as Investissement Quebec as a debt provider. Its said the sponsors´ bid includes an intent to rehire a substantial majority of the terminated employees, business conditions allowing, when its operations can resume.

The company added that given that its resident shows in Las Vegas and Orlando are expected to resume before the rest of the other shows, the artists and show staff of the resident shows division are not affected.

The Las Vegas shows that were cancelled included "O" at the Bellagio, "KA" at MGM Grand, "The Beatles LOVE" at the Mirage, "Mystere" at Treasure Island, "Zumanity" at New York-New York and "Michael Jackson ONE" at Mandalay Bay.

Cirque du Soleil shows in Austin, Texas, Chicago, Houston, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Montreal, Boston, Tel Aviv, Meloneras, Spain, Munich, Costa Mesa, California, Denver, and the Australian cities of Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth were also cancelled.
 
More info. here. The sale / purchase options don't seem to be the same as above. :

Cirque du Soleil files for bankruptcy protection, terminates 3,500

In a move that would have been unheard of even a year ago, Cirque du Soleil, the Las Vegas Strip&#8217;s preeminent production company for more than two decades, has filed for bankruptcy protection.

The company, which has six productions on the Strip, announced Monday morning from its headquarters in Montreal it was seeking a debt restructuring protection under its home country&#8217;s Companies&#8217; Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).

As expected, the company said in its filing announcement the refinancing move was &#8220;in response to immense disruption and forced show closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.&#8221;

Cirque du Soleil shut down all 44 of its shows in March, laying off 95 percent of its workforce, including more than 1,300 in Las Vegas. The company further announced that nearly 3,500 employees in its international workforce would be terminated, though none in its Las Vegas productions.

The company had furloughed some 4,700 employees in March. The company states that the termination &#8220;allows employees to maximize and accelerate the financial compensation&#8221; the would receive through unemployment assistance programs.

In its restructuring, Cirque has been buoyed by a $300 million infusion from its investors (including $200 million from its own government agency, Investissement Quebec) to continue operations while productions are sidelined.

A total of $15 million is being applied to sidelined employees&#8217; ongoing benefits coverage. Another $5 million is earmarked for payments to contractors, owed several millions since the company shut down in March.

There has been no specified strategy from the company for when, how or even if all of its shows will reopen on the Strip.

The filing also allows the company protection from creditors to reduce its debt load, reported to be at least $900 million. The move also sets a &#8220;stalking horse&#8221; purchase agreement with current investors, led by TPG Capital. From the announcement, &#8220;The purchase agreement sets the floor, or minimum acceptable bid, for an auction of the company under the court&#8217;s supervision pursuant to the SISP (Sale and Investor Solicitation Process), which is designed to achieve the highest value available or otherwise best offer for the company and its stakeholders.&#8221;

That means Cirque is available at a reduced, undisclosed price for a half-dozen suitors, including a consortium led by company co-founder Guy Laliberte, and another from the Canadian communications conglomerate Quebecor. The other parties who have entered the bidding process have not been made public, and today all of the potential investors are under nondisclosure agreements.

It will take months, probably into the fall, for the company&#8217;s ownership to be established. Cirque CEO Daniel Lamarre said in Monday morning&#8217;s announcement that the company had enjoyed 36 years of success until the pandemic took hold, and needed to act &#8220;decisively&#8221; to bolster its future. The purchase agreement is to set a template for Cirque to eventually return as a stronger company.

&#8220;The robust commitment from the sponsors &#8212; which includes additional funds to support our impacted employees, contractors and critical partners, all of whom are important to Cirque&#8217;s return &#8212; reflects our mutual belief in the power and long-term potential of our brand,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I look forward to rebuilding our operations and coming together to once again create the magical spectacle that is Cirque du Soleil for our millions of fans worldwide.&#8221;

https://www.reviewjournal.com/enter...ankruptcy-protection-terminates-3500-2064149/

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Cirque expects to emerge from the restructuring process as a leaner entity with about 1,000 employees initially. About 700 of them would be in Las Vegas, where the company earned about 40% of its $1 billion in revenue last year and where it hopes to open a show as early as November, Lamarre said. Touring shows could come back in 2021 if the virus situation allows for it, he said.

....The filing starts the clock on a bidding process for control of a restructured Cirque. Quebecor Inc. and Cirque founder Guy Laliberte have expressed interest in investing in the company. &#8220;We know there are probably five other parties that will be interested to make an offer,&#8221; Lamarre said. &#8220;The good news today is that we know that someone is committed to ensure the future of the company.
And within 45 days, we&#8217;ll know if someone is willing to invest even more.&#8221;


https://www.bloombergquint.com/markets/cirque-du-soleil-files-for-bankruptcy-following-shutdowns
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Adding a bit more info from here:
https://www.showbiz411.com/2020/07/...man-group-and-quebec-not-just-flying-acrobats

Cirque du Soleil Bankruptcy Also Involves the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Blue Man Group, and Quebec&#8211; Not Just Flying Acrobats

...Cirque du Soleil has at least $1 billion in debt, and that&#8217;s from long before the coronavirus. Bad management made them vulnerable to COVID-19, certainly. The ceasing of all live performances everywhere did them in.

In February, perhaps sensing the end was near, Laliberte sold his 10-percent minority interest to the Canadian investment company Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ). They are now left holding the bag with TPG, the San Francisco-based investment firm that bought 60-percent stake in 2015. The ownership group also includes China&#8217;s Fosun Capital Group, headquartered in Shanghai. Laliberte earned a possible $1.5 billion in the TPG deal, and is said to be worth $2 billion.

But Cirque du Soleil is left high and dry. And so are the &#8220;Love&#8221; and &#8220;One&#8221; shows. They have no performances set until August 1st, when their reservations start working again for ticket sales.

...A Jackson insider told me: &#8220;Right now they can&#8217;t reopen the shows because of the virus. Once they are able to reopen the shows they will. They&#8217;re waiting for input from bankruptcy counsel to make sure they will get paid when the show reopens. TPG &#8212; as private equity companies will do &#8212; hampered the company up by putting $1.2 billion of debt on the company and taking the money out.&#8221;.....
 
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