Music & Movie Mojo: Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour In Chicago

It is hard to believe that three years have passed since the world was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Michael Jackson.  However, in that short period of time, Michael’s creative and musical genius has been captured, preserved, and delivered to us in the form of Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour.

No one can hold a candle to the gift that was Michael Jackson’s, and that is why this show is not your usual Cirque du Soleil show. Immortal World is a fast-moving, high-energy, concert that pays tribute to the King of Pop!

You will not see MJ impersonators. You will hear Michael’s voice backed by a live band and background singers who were both inspired by and worked closely with him throughout his career.

Some of Michael’s closest friends and colleagues including Jamie King, Writer and Director of Immortal World, Greg Phillinganes, Musical Director, and Johnathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett, who worked with both Michael and his brothers for over 30 years, performing on this tour.

Laura Silverman, publicist for Cirque du Soleil, says “This show is different from any other show we’ve done. It is dance-driven even though you will still see elements that you associate with Cirque.”

Silverman also went on to explain that like the name of Michael’s last planned concert tour, “This Is It” if you miss seeing the show while it is traveling through North America.  “In Fall 2012, the tour heads to Europe,” Silverman explained.

Will there be the favorite songs and video-inspired performances that are standard Michael Jackson?  Yes.  The show opens with the character of the Mime who is embodied by the “spirit of Michael Jackson” who narrates the show.

Audiences are taken to Neverland, Michael’s home for many years, and brought through the gates into Michael’s world.  The show continues with over twenty scenes and dance numbers including Wanna Be Starting Something, Dancing Machine, Smooth Criminal, This Place Hotel, Thriller, Earth Song, Will You Be There, Billie Jean, and a soul-stirring finale of Man in the Mirror.

Other highlights of the show include the amazing props including giant shoes that directly reference Michael’s penny loafers, and the six-foot tall sequined glove that allows the dancer inside to create various hand positions using their full body.

If you ever saw Michael Jackson in concert, you could not help but be amazed and mesmerized by his performance. Here is one more chance to feel Michael’s spirit and honor his amazing talent.

Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour comes to Chicago’s United Center July 20^th and July 21^st.  For tickets and more information about the tour log on to www.cirquedusoleil.com/michaeljackson


Photo credits: Cirque du Soleil/Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour