Cirque du Soleil effortlessly combines circus art with beloved Michael Jackson hits.
With sold-out performances around the world, Cirque du Soleil pays tribute to Michael Jackson in "Michael Jackson: THE IMMORTAL World Tour," which will be at the Cajundome on Tuesday, July 29 and Wednesday, July 30.
More than 3 million people have seen Cirque fuse its awe-inspiring acrobatics to the musical stylings of Jackson to present this alluring pop concert. Fans will be subjected to the bewitching atmosphere of a Jackson performance along with the utter uniqueness that is Cirque.
"It's more of a hybrid show," says Laura Silverman, Cirque du Soleil publicist. "The audience will have Cirque and Michael Jackson, so it's a different experience."
Creative director and choreographer Jamie King, known for his work with Prince and Madonna, developed the show in 2011. This is one of two Jackson-centric shows King has developed, the second being "Michael Jackson: One," which has permanent residence in Las Vegas.
According to the Cirque's website, "the show underscores Michael's global message of love, peace and unity." The entirety of Jackson's 45-year career will be covered as audience members enjoy such favorites as "Dancing Machine," "Ben," "Thriller" and "Beat It." Some songs may not be recognizable to fans, especially one that was close to Jackson's heart.
"Childhood' is probably not as well known, but it's included because it's one of Michael's favorite songs," says Silverman.
The lead single from Jackson's ninth studio album, 1995's HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, the track refers to Jackson's troubled childhood from dealing with his abusive father and with being pushed into the public eye at a young age.
Jackson died on June 25, 2009 after suffering cardiac arrest from an overdose of propofol and benzodiazepine. Jackson's death came less than 20 days before he was to begin his 50-show residency in London titled "This Is It." Jackson forebodingly proclaimed it would be his final concert series.
Designers created more than 250 vibrant and ornate costumes for the tour. Most of the surreal props and special effects were created through 3D printing and pyrotechnics. More than 50 artists, from musicians to acrobats and dancers, worked diligently over a six-month period, merging their circus styles to bring Jackson's music to life.
Cirque collected talent from 17 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Italy, France, Turkey and Spain. Silverman explains: "Cirque is good about being an international company and bringing people from all walks of life."
The Quebec-based art entertainment company was created in 1984 by street performers Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste.-Croix. For 30 years, Cirque's shows have garnered a multitude of fans and continue to kindle imaginations everywhere.
Lafayette is one of the last stops for the tour as its three-year run concludes on Aug. 31 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Cirque has been continuously successful in showcasing its artists' amazing abilities as well as reminding the world of the unparalleled talent that was Michael Jackson.
"The show celebrates who he was as a person and an as influence on pop music," says Silverman. "The artists put forth the talent and spirit of Michael Jackson and make it known how talented he was."