July 21st, 2012 
Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL has created a living and breathing entertainment beast from the raw energy, beauty and social and personal revelations embedded in Michael Jackson’s body of work. I attended the performance at the Verizon Center and you would have to be wooden not to be swept up in the imagery, beauty and emotion of this Cirque du Soleil performance. As a first-time viewer of this legendary company, I could feel the power of the music in my body and viscerally experienced the performers’ exuberance and the artistry of the sets and costumes.
Dancers perform Michael Jackson's famous leaning dance/pose (Photo: OSA Images)
Having once taken a trapeze class, this writer could appreciate first-hand the beautiful acrobatic performances that interpreted the spirit and genius of Michael’s music and dance moves. Spinning, flying bodies encased in electric costumes evoked a sense of human fireflies on the stage in dream-like colors not found in nature. Fantasy merged with artistry and energy is the lasting impression that lingers long after you leave the venue. Michael would have been proud.
Cirque du Soleil’s riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down through the genius of the flawless acrobatic performances. Whether you are a lifelong fan of Michael’s career and music, or experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, this show reinvents and interprets the King of Pop’s body of work and celebrates a legacy that continues to transcend generations. Even a casual fan of the icon will find him or herself swept away by the imaginative interpretations of the music left behind after the untimely death of one of the 20th century’s most revered pop artists.
Cirque du Soleil's interpretation of Michael's Dangerous (Photo courtesy:OSA Images)
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.
Using theatrical and acrobatic language, this engaging show inhabits the music and lyrics drawing the audience in through special effects, acrobatic feats and sheer energy. Large screens in the back drop and just above
the musicians bring Michael Jackson back to life, connecting the performances on stage with the artist’s original electrifying performances and music videos.
The event begins at the beginning of Michael Jackson’s career which, of course, involves depicting the child. 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.
As complex as Michael was, this production seeks to emulate that spirit and innocence. To experience this performance is to enter into the wonder of childhood relived while moving to the iconic beat of one of the greatest performers of our time. As an immersive performance, it is hard to imagine a rival for Cirque du Soleil. Their view of the subject matter transcends words and enters your body in a unique way that provides a new view of the artist and his work.
