The Legend Lives On - Official Cirque du Soleil 'Immortal World Tour' Discussion

Memefan · Oct 15, 2011

StellaJackson said:
Please someone post pics or at least describe the merchandise.

Overview of Women Memorabilia section

PS. Yes, I paid $45 for that purple t-shirt. SMDH.

Mug

V-neck T-Shirt

Crew neck T-Shirt

Tour Program

Mug

Shopping bag

By the way, the sizes are true to regular sizing. T-shirts I've purchase are usually bigger than indicated. These are true to size. And great quality. Better than Bravado.

Ashtanga · Oct 15, 2011

Memefan said:
Overview of Women Memorabilia section

PS. Yes, I paid $45 for that purple t-shirt. SMDH.

Mug

V-neck T-Shirt

Crew neck T-Shirt

Tour Program

Mug

Shopping bag

By the way, the sizes are true to regular sizing. T-shirts I've purchase are usually bigger than indicated. These are true to size. And great quality. Better than Bravado.

bluesky · Oct 15, 2011

PRESS /// Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour!

By <address class="author vcard" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; display: inline; ">Richasi</address>Published: <abbr class="published" title="2011-10-06T12:31:51+00:00" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); ">Oct 6, 2011</abbr>Posted in: Featured StoriesTags:

A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.

THE IMMORTAL World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where we discover Michael’s inspirational Giving Tree – the wellspring of his creativity. The secrets of Michael’s inner world are unlocked – his love of music and dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty of nature.

The underpinnings of THE IMMORTAL World Tour are Michael Jackson’s powerful, inspirational music and lyrics – the driving force behind the show—brought to life with extraordinary power and breathless intensity. Through unforgettable performances Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour underscores Michael’s global messages of love, peace and unity.

CREATIVE TEAM
o) Jamie King — Writer and Director
o) Chantal Tremblay — Director of Creation
o) Kevin Antunes — Musical Designer
o) Greg Phillinganes — Musical Director
o) Mark Fisher — Set Designer
o) Michael Curry — Props and Scenic Designer
o) Zaldy Goco — Costume Designer
o) Germain Guillemot — Acrobatic Performance Designer
o) Scott Osgood — Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer
o) Olivier Goulet — Projection Designer
o) Martin Labrecque — Lighting Designer
o) François Desjardins — Sound Designer
o) Travis Payne — Choreographer
o) Rich and Tone Talauega — Choreographer
o) Debra Brown — Acrobatic Choreographer
o) Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo — Choreographers
o) Jamal Sims — Choreographer
o) Daniel “Cloud” Campos — Choreographer
o) Tamara Levinson — Choreographer
o) Mandy Moore — Choreographer
o) Florence Cornet — Makeup Designer

THE SCENES
Transposed in the theatrical and acrobatic language of Cirque du Soleil, Michael Jackson’s music and his messages have taken on a life of their own.
Childhood
In front of the gilded gates of Neverland, the Mime awakens the bronze statues that inhabit this magical place.
Wanna be Starting Something
In a wild, high-powered number, dancers and acrobats in tribal costumes climb up and down the tree and hurl themselves onto the stage.
Fanatics – Shake Your Body Down to the Ground
In a playful atmosphere, five “fanatics” take pictures of members of the audience jump on stage to groove to Michael’s music booming from a jukebox and dance. When they arrive in front of the gates to Neverland, their only hope is to slip inside, but the doors remain closed.

Dancing Machine
In a scene that evokes an ironworks factory, a group of welders fly and swing on motorized cables. They perform various “dancing machines,” paying tribute to different dance styles.

Ben
A tableau that celebrates Michael’s love of animals.

This Place Hotel
Suspended in the air, artists perform a sensual aerial tango as if they were in an anti-gravity nightclub.

Smooth Criminal
Fleets of foot dancers perform a choreography that showcases Michael Jackson’s iconic moves, including his famous leaning motion.

Dangerous
Surrounded by gangsters, a female acrobat performs a “dangerous” pole-dancing act.

Fanatics Medley
In front of Neverland, the Fanatics take part in a friendly competition as they lip-sync and perform to the sounds of a Jackson 5 medley, which finally lets them in to Neverland.

Mime
Suddenly inhabited by Michael Jackson’s spirit, the Mime is completely transformed and infused with Michael’s talents as he performs a funky beat box number.

Human Nature
While a 3D version of the Neverland log (Michael as a boy sitting on the crescent of a moon) is suspended above the stage, artists representing the constellations wearing multicolored LED costumes swoop, soar and float in the air.

Scary Story – Is it Scary
Like a mind-bending storyteller, a contortionist comes out of a giant Book of Tales. As beautiful as she is strange, she turns the pages in the most unusual positions.

Bats – Threatened
Suspended upside down at first, artists wearing striking winged bat costumes perform a dramatic choreography.

Thriller
This scene re-imagines Michael Jackson’s original choreography for Thriller and showcases his iconic moves. Tree branches are on the ground as acrobats dressed as mummies perform a free-running parkour act through the branches, roots, coffins and tombstones in a cavalcade of jumps, leaps and bounds.

Swans – I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
Appearing as a black and a white swan, two artists emerge from a lake to perform a graceful straps duo.

Beat It
Embodied and manipulated by the Fanatics, Michael Jackson’s signature accessories – his famous hat, glove and penny loafers – jump to life. In the final moments of the scene, an electric guitar and an electric cello engage in a rock-infused duel on centre-stage.

Jam
Inspired by the video Michael Jackson made with basketball superstar Michael Jordan; artists play with basketballs and perform a hip-hop-inspired choreography.

Earth Song
In a menacing atmosphere, the Mime gets tangled in the tree, which is now turned upside down.

Scream
Acrobats execute a perfectly synchronized tumbling act, flinging themselves in the air and belly flopping onto the stage as Ninja-style aerial dancers suspended above interact with the Japanimation-inspired sequences projected on the screens. The scene evokes the destruction of the world: the tree is ablaze and the planet is in peril.

Gone Too Soon
With images of a merry-go-round filling the screens in the background to the sounds of this moving ballad, four animal heads, each carrying an artist, are gently cradled by the Mime.

They Don’t Care About Us
In a reenactment of the number that was designed for THIS IS IT concert tour, artists dressed like soldiers wearing robot suits with LED breastplates line up to perform a powerful choreography in unison.

Heal the World – Will You Be There
As the soldiers’ breastplates begin to glow, artists come down from the audience onto the stage holding red glowing hearts in a scene that evokes rebirth and conjures up Michael’s spirit on stage, as his image appears on the Giving Tree.

Mega Mix – Can You Feel It/Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough/Billie Jean/Black or White
This sequence is a fusion of music, dance and acrobatics. During Can You Feel It, acrobats execute a Swiss rings act moving from stage to sky. This scene segues into a riveting dance number on Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough. Michael’s famed choreographic style is showcased once more during the Billie Jean sequence; his silhouette is revealed by the dancers’ LED costumes. For Black or White, performers manipulate flags in a tribute to the nations and dance styles of the world, including African, Spanish, Thai and Georgian dances.

Man in the Mirror
The show’s finale culminates with the song Man in the Mirror – a song Michael often chose to end his concerts – in a celebration of the legacy of an immortal.

THE MUSIC
Hard-wired into Michael Jackson’s inspirational music and lyrics, THE IMMORTAL World Tour conjurers up the extraordinary power and emotional intensity of Jackson’s unforgettable concert performances.
“It starts with the music,” says Director Jamie King. “Michael’s voice is what drives the show. I have the opportunity to carry on Michael’s legacy, to take all that energy – all that he was and was going to be – and build it into this production.”

Looking forward
To weave together the all-important musical components of the show, Jamie King called upon Musical Designer Kevin Antunes, who was given unprecedented access to the master recordings, and Musical Director Greg Phillinganes, who has worked with Michael for more than 25 years, providing an unparalleled depth of knowledge of his music and live performances. “Our goal is not to simply cover Michael, but to take his music to a whole new level,” King explains. The Director wanted to integrate as many songs into the 100-minute production as possible, so this meant mash-ups, remixes and new arrangements. It also meant moving them forward emotionally, weaving songs together in new ways so that the music feels new and fresh all the while respecting Michael’s essence and his voice.
Michael’s voice – the driving force behind the show
To say Michael’s voice drives the show is somewhat of an understatement. “In some of his song,” Antunes says, “Michael would let the groves breathe and he would tuck his voice underneath the music. In this show, the world is going to hear Michael’s voice like they’ve never heard it before.”

Banding together to keep Michael’s spirit alive
To showcase Michael’s voice and support the huge cast, Musical Director Greg Phillinganes has rounded up a stellar group of musicians, including Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett, who played drums for Michael for 30 years. “I wanted to handpick everybody on the band,” he explains. “I knew exactly whom I wanted. We have a full band, including horns and an electric cello. I wanted to have as many players as possible with a direct, personal history with Michael Jackson. We are all doing this because of the love we have for Michael. His spirit will live in this show.”

Music Close-Ups
• THE IMMORTAL World Tour features 32 of Michael’s songs, in addition to numerous bits and pieces of songs that have been used for the soundscapes and transitions.
• Musical Designer Kevin Antunes has created a very intimate experience. The audience can even hear Michael snap his fingers or stomp his feet in some audio segments.
• For the song Ben a sonic rainforest was created with all kinds of animal sounds and Asian instruments such as Taiko drums that provides a transition to introduce the song.
• During Dancing Machine scene, cinematic sound effects were added to blend the music with the acrobatic performance.
• Instead of hearing the string section in Childhood in normal stereo, the whole orchestra spreads out and the audience will experience this song in a new light.
• Michael’s phrase “Cause we’re all the same!” from Can You Feel It was added in between the choruses of Black or White.
• They Don’t Care About Us features a previously unreleased choir that Michael recorded.
• The Jackson 5 song ABC features a never-heard-before outtake call and response that Michael recorded when he was young.
• The voice of Naiomi Campbell and elements of the song In the Closet were blended into the intro to the Dangerous scene.
• In the “Scary” section the creepy voice-over segment during the Book of Tales segment was performed by Kevin Antunes.
• The song Ease on Down the Road from the movie The Wiz was added as traveling music for one of the Fanatic characters’ numbers.

COSTUMES
Few stage performers have created iconic looks that are directly related to specific songs. Say “Billie Jean” and the black sequin jacket, black white-striped tuxedo pants and fedora hat immediately come to mind. As for “Thriller,” one unmistakably sees the red leather jacket with the two black diagonal stripes. In THE IMMORTAL World Tour, there are references galore to Michael Jackson’s legendary outfits.
“Michael is our narrator, leading us on a journey through his lyrics, his poetry, his visuals, his moves and, of course, how he dressed,” explains Director Jamie King. Michael’s world was the wellspring of Costume Designer Zaldy Goco’s creativity. “My approach has been to draw upon and respect Michael’s iconic style while creating something new and fresh. I placed subtle references throughout the costumes in the show,” says Zaldy, who was also Michael Jackson’s exclusive designer for the THIS IS IT concert series.
Keeping Michael’s Legacy Alive
For Zaldy, playing a role in THE IMMORTAL World Tour had a special emotional resonance. “The prospect of working on this show,” he points out, “was not so much a second chance with regard to THIS IS IT as much as an opportunity to honor Michael and keep his legacy alive with new ideas.”
Flights of Fancy
The color palette in THE IMMORTAL is rich and lively. Michael loved gold and all things ornate and shiny. He was fond of Swarovski crystals – aurora borealis in particular. The show’s costumes are a rainbow of colors and called for innovative materials and techniques. “In particular, we explored techniques such as 3D printing and LED, pushing the limits just as Michael would,” says Zaldy.
The production brims with imaginative costumes and outfits. Gangster types have surreal guns that seem to be tucked in their pockets but are only shapes; when they pull the trigger built into their “gun gloves”, streams of pyro shoot out. The ghoulish Thriller characters wear pure white, shiny outfits; the bloody innards that show behind the wrappings reflect Michael’s love for horror movies. The straps duo artists appear as magnificent swans; covered in Swarovski crystals, their costumes are corseted and laced in reference to Michael’s corseted wrist in his Black or White video.
• The bat costumes are made of ultra lightweight paper used for shipping parcels. The huge, lifelike gold wings create a stunning effect.
• The “fanatics” in the Shake Your Body Down to the Ground act wear gold, glittery cartoon-inspired costumes and don the legendary white socks and penny loafers.
• The “welders” copper-colored costumes with zippers in Dancing Machine directly reference Michael’s red, silver-meshed, zipper-clad jacket in Beat It.
• The soldiers’ costumes in They Don’t Care About Us are essentially made of mytex (foil transfer) on a polyester frame with padding.
• The shoulder pads on the gangster costumes are made using 3D printing.
• Each costume in the Celestial/Human Nature scene is equipped with 275 blinking LED lights specially designed for the show. They change color during the song to evoke constellations.
• When Director Jamie King asked Zaldy Goco to design “non-choir choir robes” for the Will You Be There number, the costume designer decided to create shirts inspired by those Michael loved and would wear on the cherry picker during his concerts with the wind blasting from underneath.
• There are a total of 252 costumes in the show.
SET DESIGN
THE IMMORTAL World Tour invites the audience inside an imaginary world inspired by Michael Jackson’s Neverland. Once inside the gilded gates, we discover the Giving Tree, a representation of the great oak tree in which Michael would climb up to seek inspiration and write his songs and poems.
Setting the Stage
Neverland was also the venue chosen to hold the first meeting of the show’s creative team. “I remember going to Neverland with the creative team and meeting the grounds people who have remained faithful to Michael,” Jamie King reminisces. “I recall seeing the Giving Tree where he wrote among other things most of the Dangerous tour that I danced on, and I truly felt that I was at the right place creating this show.” The Giving Tree was chosen early on as the main scenic element to anchor the project.
Set Designer Mark Fisher created a tree that is not a replica of the original tree; it has many personalities and undergoes various transformations during the show. The structure is articulated and can break apart depending on the scene. It turns into a root system for the Thriller scene and becomes a hi-tech object toward the end of the show. A metaphor as well as a centralizing piece, the Giving Tree creates a symbolic world for Michael’s memory to occupy.
“Working on a rock show without a live artist can be challenging,” Fisher explains. “In this case, the set design takes on a whole new meaning. Its role is to fill the shadows as it were, and to evoke the artist’s presence.”
The props as storytelling devices
Props and Scenic Designer Michael Curry, who was one of the designers on the THIS IS IT concert tour, has developed props that serve as storytelling devices. For example, a huge book of tales and an upside down tree serve as acrobatic devices. Michael’s famed glove, hat and shoes become giant props inhabited by nimble dancers. Curry’s goal was to tap into and trigger the fans’ memories of Michael, and to focus attention on the performance. Many of the props are subtext for the songs or support the narrative.
The projections – in Michael’s image
The projections in THE IMMORTAL World Tour not only act as storytelling devices, they play a key role in making Michael’s presence palpable. Projection Designer Olivier Goulet has integrated video content such as footage of Michael’s performances and real-time projections of the performances on stage.
Set design close-ups
THE IMMORTAL’s versatile stage is highly technical with multiple lifts for scene changes. A large, multi-purpose LED screen was developed: it starts flat on the stage, stands up to act as a projection surface, turns into a ramp, and surrounds the Giving Tree like a gradient LED ramp. In the middle of the stage, there are large drawers that serve as steps for artists to perform on.
• The stage out in the house – called the B Stage or runway – is equipped with a conveyor belt, a lift and video screen.
• The tree is 12 m high and weighs 5,500 kg.
• The elephants are more than 2 m tall and weigh 9 kg each. They are manipulated by two hidden acrobats and were inspired by Baba and Gypsy, the two elephants given to Michael by Elizabeth Taylor.
• The giant shoes directly reference Michael Jackson’s famous penny loafers. They are 2.4m long and are created from orthopedic foam with a vinyl skin.
• The giant hat is large enough for two performers to hide inside. It is constructed in a way that mimics the softness of a real hat.
• The glove is a soft sculpture that allows the dancers inside to create various hand positions using their full body. The glove is 1.8 m tall and is light-weight.
• The scrim (translucent screen) is equipped with four 20K projectors; there are four 10K projectors and two 20K projectors on B stage; the tree has two 10K projectors.
• The total projection surface in the show is 500 m2.
• The young Michael in the balloon is an animatronics puppet (animated by means of electromechanical devices) styled after Michael when he was six years old.
• The balloon and its equipment weigh only 4 kg. Free flight is made possible by using a helium balloon outfitter with drive fans. It is remote-controlled by a ground-based technician.
• It took more than 9,000 hours to create the props and puppets.

http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=2806

passy001 · Oct 15, 2011

One performer stood out

Ottawa Citizen October 15, 2011 3:08 AM

My wife and I attended the Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour show starring Cirque du Soleil at Scotiabank Place on Oct. 9 and were treated to an amazing time.

Having read Lynn Saxberg's review earlier in the day, we were looking forward to seeing what she thought was a fantastic show.

And that is what we got. One fantastic act after another, all seamlessly strung together.

However, one of the biggest hits of the entire show was - and maybe I'm being politically incorrect - the amputee cast member of Cirque. I think he should have been mentioned in the review. What this young fellow did acrobatically with one leg and crutches was beyond amazing. And he seemed to do it all with ease.

The entire show was one that I will never forget - he is the one person that I will always remember. And judging by the cheers and applause for him during the curtain call, I was not alone in my thinking. And the smile on his face said it all - he was having a blast.

BRUCE MCMAHON, Ottawa

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/performer+stood/5554327/story.html#ixzz1apglXHr3

passy001 · Oct 15, 2011

<big>Michael would approve

Cirque du Soleil's tribute to The Gloved One 'a natural fit' </big>

By Ted Shaw, The Windsor Star October 15, 2011 4:12 AM

The matchmaker in the sky scored a coup when he got Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil together.

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour pairs the music of the greatest entertainer of his generation with the genius of Montreal's Cirque du Soleil. The dazzling two-hour arena show comes to Detroit's Joe Louis Arena tonight at 8 p.m. for one night only.

Combining elements of a Michael Jackson concert with Cirque's famous acrobatics and choreography, the $60-million extravaganza promises to live up to the Jackson legacy.

"It's a natural fit," said Cirque spokesman Maxime Charbonneau. "But that doesn't mean it wasn't a huge challenge. Let's be honest. We have to do credit to the memory of Michael Jackson and there are millions of people who will be judging us."

The show is one of the biggest and most elaborate ever undertaken by the Montreal entertainment company. It moves from city to city across North America in 40 transport trucks, and features 25 dancers, 25 acrobats and a band of 12 musicians.

The band is directed by Greg Phillinganes, a Detroit native who worked with Jackson on the Bad and Dangerous tours along with the 30th anniversary special at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

There are five members of the band who toured regularly with Jackson. The show itself has the Jackson family stamped all over it.

Every song, every dance move, every image in the show had to be approved by the Michael Jackson estate.

"The show is driven by Michael's voice," said Charbonneau. "It's everything he would have liked to create himself."

Jackson was an avid Cirque fan. He saw his first Cirque performance in Santa Monica, Calif., in 1988, and took in dozens of performances over the years. He attended Cirque shows in Las Vegas many times, said Charbonneau.

He also visited the Montreal headquarters of Cirque to see a show in preparation.

"Cirque du Soleil to Michael Jackson was all magic and beauty. It was a whimsical dream."

Show designer Chantal Tremblay and director Jamie King have stayed true to the singer's legacy, Charbonneau said.

"How can you redo Thriller? How can you change Bad? You'll find Jackson's signature in every aspect of the show. The only thing missing is Michael himself."

That means the dancers perform all those iconic moves, like the moonwalk, the toe lean and the infamous crotch-grab.

"All the essential elements are there," Charbonneau said. There are snippets from more than 60 Michael Jackson songs, most of them familiar. But there are some surprises, too.

"The show opens with Childhood, which is a song many people won't associate with Michael. But the songs people know best are there, too. When the first few notes of Smooth Criminal are heard, the audience goes crazy."

Cirque du Soleil has had success using source material for two of its Vegas shows - The Beatles Love and Viva Elvis. With Michael Jackson, it completes the Holy Trinity of late 20th century popular culture.

"We worked closely with Michael's family," said Charbonneau, "so there was a need to get it right."

When the show premiered in Montreal earlier this month, several members of the Jackson family were in attendance, including his mother and three of his brothers.

"The family was extremely moved by what they saw," said Charbonneau.

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour arrives in Detroit after stops in Ottawa and Hamilton. There are 47 cities on the tour so far, with more to be added later.

Plans call for touring the arena version for two years in North America, then moving to Europe and Asia. A Las Vegas theatrical version is also in the works for the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in 2013.

Sony Music, Jackson's record label, is also planning to produce an album and DVD of the show.

tshaw@windsorstar.com or 519-2556849

BOX OFFICE

The Immortal World Tour has one performance at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena, tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are US$63.70 to $191.55, including fees and taxes. If you miss the Detroit show, the tour moves to London's John Labatt Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday, both at 8 p.m. Tickets are $51.75$176.75. Tickets to either venue are available at ticketmaster.com.

© Copyright (c) The Windsor Star

Read more: http://www.windsorstar.com/entertainment/Michael+would+approve/5555094/story.html#ixzz1aqOO0WAl

love is magical · Oct 15, 2011

^^thanks memefan. The memorabilia looks amazing. I love the design of the t-shirt.

Memefan · Oct 15, 2011

passy001 said:
One performer stood out

Ottawa Citizen October 15, 2011 3:08 AM

My wife and I attended the Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour show starring Cirque du Soleil at Scotiabank Place on Oct. 9 and were treated to an amazing time.

Having read Lynn Saxberg's review earlier in the day, we were looking forward to seeing what she thought was a fantastic show.

And that is what we got. One fantastic act after another, all seamlessly strung together.

However, one of the biggest hits of the entire show was - and maybe I'm being politically incorrect - the amputee cast member of Cirque. I think he should have been mentioned in the review. What this young fellow did acrobatically with one leg and crutches was beyond amazing. And he seemed to do it all with ease.

The entire show was one that I will never forget - he is the one person that I will always remember. And judging by the cheers and applause for him during the curtain call, I was not alone in my thinking. And the smile on his face said it all - he was having a blast.

BRUCE MCMAHON, Ottawa

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/performer+stood/5554327/story.html#ixzz1apglXHr3

I have to agree with him...the dude is on a whole other level. Impressive.

I am a bit curious to know how he lost his leg. He seems at ease in everything he did. He also got the loudest cheers at the 2 shows i've seen so far.

StellaJackson · Oct 15, 2011

Memefan - thanks for the merch pics. Looks like I have to start saving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OnirMJ · Oct 15, 2011

They Don't Care About Us & Heal The World/Will You Be There:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkmFQmqF_9U

Gold Pants Girl · Oct 16, 2011

For anyone going to the Toronto show on Friday there is gonna be a fan meetup before.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=247727155280025

We're meeting at 5:30pm at The Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner and then walking over to the ACC ( 10 min walk)

The Old Spaghetti Factory
54 The Esplanade
Toronto, ON M5E 1A6

marebear · Oct 16, 2011

It seems really good reviews so far. I go to the show on Oct 27 and I can't wait.

CrazyVegasMJ · Oct 16, 2011

That article said Sony is planning on releasing a DVD of the show!! Yay!

Memefan · Oct 16, 2011

First Reviews from Detroit (On twitter):

RT @DilaraTheXdr: OMG CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IS EXCEEDING MY EXPECTATIONS!!! MICHAEL JACKSON LIVES MICHAEL JACKSON LIIVVEESS #IMMORTAL

RT @KarenFilippelli: Todos deberían asistir a Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by @Cirque du Soleil... It's SO AWESOME!!!

Translation: Everyone should go to Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour

RT @MsMarquia714: Cirque du Solei-MJ Experience is off the chain...experience of a lifetime!! #Amazing

RT @Homa_Lily: Omg the mj cirque show is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!! Omg omg omg!!!

RT @Homa_Lily: Omg the MJ @cirque show was freaking amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Omg omg!!!

RT @Mighty04: MJ Immortal World Tour Cirque Du Soleil is a great show. Truly creative. I highly recommend it when it comes to your city.

RT @GameJunkiee: What an amazing tribute to MJ and his music. Cirque and all involved with the production, much appreciation.

Not ONE negative review ...so far

passy001 · Oct 16, 2011

Last Updated: October 16. 2011 1:22AM
Cirque du Soleil delivers loving tribute to late The King of Pop
Adam Graham/ Detroit News Pop Music Writer

Michael Jackson fans got an eyeful at "Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour," the visually dazzling Cirque du Soleil tribute to the late King of Pop which made its U.S. debut at Joe Louis Arena Saturday night.
The fantastical 2-hour show features acrobats, mimes, aerial dancers and all manner of circus performers interpreting the works of Jackson, who died in 2009 at age 50. And it's a loving tribute through and through, celebrating his art, entertainment and global outreach efforts while never touching on any of his troubles.
What it lacks is a focal point, or a sense of coherence to tie it all together. The show bounces between songs and themes like someone hit "shuffle" on a Michael Jackson playlist; late in the show, the basketball-centric "Jam" segues directly into "Earth Song," Jackson's plea for saving the environment. The transition is so sudden it could cause whiplash.
And while grand themes of love and tolerance are played up, the presentation often overwhelms the message. Which is fine; the show's ultimate takeaway is that Cirque du Soleil, like Jackson, are world class performers, and their dedication to entertainment is something they share with Jackson. It's likely he would have loved the show.
Jackson's catalog, meanwhile, is treated a little too delicately. Songs are presented in a rather straightforward manner, and one wishes the material was jumbled a bit more in a mash-up fashion. The most thrilling portion of the show is the closing suite, which mixes "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough," "Billie Jean" and "Black or White," and the way they flow together makes you wish producers would have mixed and matched the songs together in a more adventurous fashion. We all know Jackson's songs are great, but it would be exciting to hear them in a new way.
Visually, however, there was nary a dull moment. Cirque dancers danced, flipped, flew, climbed and bounced around the stage, constantly providing something at which to marvel. They replicated Jackson's moonwalk during "Beat It" and his signature lean during "Smooth Criminal," while others pulled tricks above and beyond Jackson's skill set (Jackson, while a hugely talented individual, would have never been able to pull off the gravity-defying moves the show's contortionist performed on a pole during "Dangerous"). In one of the show's many great bits, dancers made 6-foot replicas of Jackson's glove and his white-sock-and-dance-shoes combo come to life during "Beat It," and later a troupe of dancers' LED-enhanced suits lit up in unison in "Billie Jean." It was thrilling.
"Dancing Machine" took on a factory theme, with dancers being brought to life by assembly line robots. A team of acrobats performed the equivalent of a floor routine on a bouncy air mattress during "Scream," and in a bit borrowed from Jackson's "This Is It" tour, dancers dressed as robots with glowing LED breastplates stepped in unison to a hard-stomping, albeit censored, "They Don't Care About Us." A dancer dressed as Jackson's pet monkey Bubbles was a fixture throughout the show, and at one point mimed DJ moves on a platform high above the crowd while a team of gymnasts performed an acrobatic routine from the rings dangling below the rig. It was that kind of a show.
Performers and workers seamlessly transitioned from song to song, with much of the changes occurring in shadows outside the view of the audience. The show's technical wizardry was directed from the soundboard, which with its banks of monitors and computers resembled a NASA command center.
Jackson's presence looms large over the show, however, and his absence is difficult to overcome. Wisely the show didn't have someone "playing" Jackson, and videos of the performer - as well as his inimitable vocals - are used throughout. "Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour" doesn't try to pretend Jackson isn't there, but he still manages to cast a shadow over the show that all the flash and pizzazz of Cirque du Soleil can't hide. And in a way, maybe that's the ultimate Michael Jackson tribute.
agraham@detnews.com (313) 222-2284

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20111016...tribute-to-late-The-King-of-Pop#ixzz1avEG85rG

Arklove · Oct 16, 2011

I so want that purple tshirt :wild:

passy001 · Oct 16, 2011

<big>Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson show makes U.S. premiere</big>
By Brian McCollum, USA TODAY

DETROIT – Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson tribute started its long American journey Saturday night, whirling, twirling, moonwalking and occasionally defying gravity in a colorful performance at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena. After a couple of weeks in Cirque's Canadian homeland, "The Immortal World Tour" made its U.S. premiere in Detroit — the town where Berry Gordy Jr. first groomed the Motown star he'd one day eulogize as "the greatest entertainer that ever lived."

A diverse, multigenerational audience of more than 10,000 filled the Joe, with wide-eyed kids and head-bobbing grandmas alongside the Jackson diehards with their white gloves and bags of tour merchandise.
It was a typically animated Motor City crowd. Cries of "I love you, Michael!" and "Go, girl!" rang out as Cirque's nimble performers did their thing, with cheers greeting each appearance of Jackson — even his autograph — on the video screens.
PHOTOS: Scenes from the show
In a two-hour, blink-and-you-missed-it show that was often captivating, at times moving, Jackson's vocals on "Childhood" set the tone early: "Like fantastical stories to share / The dreams I would dare / Watch me fly."
Not that Cirque and its cast of dozens needed much prompting: The company's trademark whimsy and splashes of surreal were applied generously throughout, with a five-man dancing clown group, a liquid-limber mime and a costumed chimp Bubbles as main characters.
Jackson's music was less a soundtrack than a showpiece of its own, his recorded vocal tracks meshed with a band led by Detroit native and longtime Jackson collaborator Greg Phillinganes.
Still, some of the show's most extensive sequences turned on less-than-blockbuster fare ("Earth Song," "They Don't Care About Us," "Gone Too Soon"), and while the hooks were plentiful, fans who came for full-blown readings of hits such as "Billie Jean" likely left frustrated.
Even accounting for its design as a concert-theater hybrid, the show often seemed caught between multiple minds, never quite sure where to commit its energies. Athletic group dance numbers ("Scream") mingled with cinematic sequences (the robot army of "They Don't Care About Us") amid vintage Cirque fare, including the gorgeous aerial ballets of "Human Nature" and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You."
With no straightforward storyline, the show was structured as a series of vignettes, the gates of Neverland Ranch opening to a kind of dreamscape. But what it lacked in narrative, "Immortal" compensated with ample visual candy: There was a graveyard party for "Thriller," a Chicago-gangster period piece for "Smooth Criminal," a live-cartoon, Afro-topped celebration of early Jackson 5.
And surely Jackson would have been the first to approve the giant boogieing glove of "Beat It," the performers sent spiraling into the air on "Dancing Machine," and the seemingly boneless contortionist working the pole on "Dangerous."
The show's emotional flow was gentle, and there was a genuine sweetness to go with the visual sizzle. All came to a grand finale with the night's most energetic stretch, the closing "Black or White," a multicultural celebration and global flag array that paired America's Stars and Stripes with New Guinea's bird icon.
There was one big change from the Canadian rollout earlier this month: The show's Giving Tree— centerpiece of the Mark Fisher-designed set — was denuded, its fiberglass branches back in Montreal for mechanical tweaks. The pruning was prompted by artist-safety concerns, according to a show rep, and the tree is expected to be restored for Friday's Toronto stop.
That left the already starless show without its visual anchor, though the tree's trunk remained as an occasional scampering spot and launch pad for the cast of acrobats and aerialists.
Saturday was a brief stateside swing for "Immortal," which will play several more Canadian dates before resuming its U.S. run Nov. 9 in Seattle. From there it's at least 49 more stops — including a December residency at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas — before the tour heads to Europe and Asia.

http://mediagallery.usatoday.com/Michael-Jackson's-The-Immortal-World-Tour-launches/G2789

bluesky · Oct 16, 2011

well, I just hope that they (cirque + estate) read the comments from the reviewers and maybe modify accordingly so the tour can be a success.

ilmjj · Oct 16, 2011

I was at the Detroit show and I loved it!!! Every time they used Michael talking I cried.(of the many times and don't ask about my reaction to Man In the Mirror!) Just hearing his voice...

When the cast came out for their final bows the whole place erupted in a standing ovation. It was like I could almost feel us all leaning forward as a group trying to get closer to them. For a few hours it felt like Michael was back with us and we weren't ready to let go.

It only reinforced the enormity of our loss.

I can't wait to see it again!!

P.S. I don't know what that Detroit reviewer was watching but the finale was not Black or White like he states. Maybe he left at the intermission?
The last song was what Michael used as his grand finale.

ExoticPrincess · Oct 16, 2011

bluesky said:
well, I just hope that they (cirque + estate) read the comments from the reviewers and maybe modify accordingly so the tour can be a success.

I am sure the Cirque team anticipated modifications of the show as it progressed and I for one think this MJ Immortal World Tour is already a success.

@ilmjj.....so happy to hear that you enjoyed the show.

PurpleParrot · Oct 16, 2011

Seems like the cast loved it in Detroit just as much as the crowd!

Reading comments from dancers and acrobats and they had a blast

Commenting on the loud screming from the crowd and how you seemed to love the show.

Good job fans!!!

Silouette · Oct 17, 2011

*from passy001*

Jackson's vocals on "Childhood" set the tone early:

*from ilmjj*

It only reinforced the enormity of our loss.

Reasons why it'll be hard for me to see this show.
For me, it's hard enough. It's not like Michael is actually there.
To pay those prices for the tickets.....for what? To see acrobatic performers perform to MJ's songs?
I think they are amazing dancers/performers, but I don't feel the need to see the show.

I'm glad however, that you guys enjoyed Cirque.
I guess it's another way to connect to Michael.....the One we adore and miss tremendously.

fans who came for full-blown readings of hits such as "Billie Jean" likely left frustrated.

They wouldnt do Billie Jean, and they left a part of the Giving Tree in Canada and used just the stump. :blink::doh:

*from ilmjj*

P.S. I don't know what that Detroit reviewer was watching but the finale was not Black or White
like he states. Maybe he left at the intermission? The last song was what Michael used as his grand finale.

That would be Heal the World? Or Man in the Mirror?

Thank you for posting the review. It was quite useful and helpful.

qbee · Oct 17, 2011

bluesky said:
well, I just hope that they (cirque + estate) read the comments from the reviewers and maybe modify accordingly so the tour can be a success.

I wouldnt be to concerned about that one review. All I have seen is raves and positive reviews and that the show is a huge sucess so far. They had to make some modification becuase of the Giving Tree. Its apparent the writer of the review just doesnt get it. as all other reviews were very positive. The People who saw the Detroit show gave it a standing ovation and raved about it. I dont think any one left frustrated (sheesh) Billie Jean was not left out its meshed between other songs and Black and White wasnt the finally.

Silouette · Oct 17, 2011

amid vintage Cirque fare, including the gorgeous aerial ballets of
"Human Nature" and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You."

I just came back to add that I can imagine that this must have been pretty. :girl_smile:

MsCassieMollie · Oct 17, 2011

http://twitter.com/JoeVogel1

JoeVogel1 Joe Vogel
It was a lot of fun. Was hoping to stop by the Motown Museum but ran out of time
1 hour ago

JoeVogel1 Joe Vogel
Just got back from Detroit. My review of the Cirque Michael Jackson Immortal Show should be up tomorrow.
1 hour ago

JoeVogel1 Joe Vogel
I'm writing a review of my Cirque Immortal experience for the HuffPost
14 Oct

JoeVogel1 Joe Vogel
I will be attending the U.S. debut of the Cirque Immortal World Tour this Saturday in Detroit!
14 Oct

qbee · Oct 17, 2011

Wow thanks Cassie - I cant wait to read Joe Vogels review

He has a way with words especially when it comes to Michael
and he would be one to really appreciate the art and how Michael's music was used.

qbee · Oct 17, 2011

Silouette said:
I just came back to add that I can imagine that this must have been pretty. :girl_smile:

Ive heard its very beautiful. I hope you change your mind Silouette and see the Immortal tour. from every one I have
spoken to and all I have read I believe you will find the spirit of Michael is there and you will be very moved. But I do
understand your feelings that is not the same as him being there in the flesh. I really do hope you reconsider

Memefan · Oct 17, 2011

qbee said:
Ive heard its very beautiful. I hope you change your mind Silouette and see the Immortal tour. from every one I have
spoken to and all I have read I believe you will find the spirit of Michael is there and you will be very moved. But I do
understand your feelings that is not the same as him being there in the flesh. I really do hope you reconsider

Personally...I felt MJ was in the arena. For 2 hours, MJ felt more alive than ever. The ardest part was leaving the show & coming back to reality...

bobmoo79 · Oct 17, 2011

It's great to see that the vast majority of the reviews are positive, although it is true that they need to address points that are mentioned as areas for improvement. Many shows do this, and that's why most shows have many, many 'previews' before the official premiere. This show didn't do previews (aside from last minute rehearsals with invited guests) because the MJ Estate wanted to keep it secret for as long as possible. From what I have read, the show needs more of a focus, but mostly reviewers really like it. I hope the shows keep selling most of the tickets on sale and continues to be popular, and the good reviews will help. I'm being selfish really because if it's successfull in the US it's more likely to come across to the UK.

Silouette · Oct 17, 2011

qbee said:
Ive heard its very beautiful. I hope you change your mind Silouette and see the Immortal tour.
from every one I have spoken to and all I have read I believe you will find the spirit of Michael is there and you will be
very moved. But I do understand your feelings that is not the same as him being there in the flesh.
I really do hope you reconsider

:hug: Thank you Qbee, for understanding. Maybe I will. I just don't know.
I have no doubt that it was a great show.

The spirit of Michael is everywhere that I am, imo.
Just as the spirit of my Dad and brother that I lost just a few months before Michael is.
I swear, I thought I was gonna lose my mind during that time.

Memefan said:
Personally...I felt MJ was in the arena. For 2 hours, MJ felt more alive than ever.
The hardest part was leaving the show & coming back to reality...

See, that's exactly what I'm talking about.
Again, I'm sure it was a great show.

Hess · Oct 17, 2011

I can't believe all reviews are so very positive! - That's GREAT !!!

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