"In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope.
In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort.
In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream.
And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe."
- Michael Jackson
I will never forget where I was when Michael Jackson passed away in 2009. It was a few days after I packed up all my stuff and embarked on the incredible journey that was Cavalia, preparing for the premiere in Chicago.
When Cirque du Soleil announced that they would be preparing not one but two shows paying tribute to the King of Pop, I knew they would find a way to make the legend live on. They secured Jamie King to direct and choreographer extraordinaire, Debra Brown, would be one of ten choreographers to help shape this hybrid arena rock show.
A departure from Cirque’s traditional tented shows, The Immortal World Tour uses a live band and more than 70 performers to bring an incredible stage alive. The voice is that of Michael Jackson with live musicians and backup singers. I have to admit that throughout the show I was waiting for Michael to appear on stage, you could just feel his energy.
I was curious to see the stage, lights, and acrobatic elements as this would be in an arena and a show that has to move every night or so. With regard to a tented show, it stays in a city for a few weeks and large-scale staging and props are secured without having to be moved frequently.
It is important to note that this was a dress rehearsal, so Cirque has 24 hours to work out the kinks for the world premiere tonight. Security was really tight on photos and I respected that. In truth, no photo can really do this show justice, you just need to go and see it.
Debra’s work did stand out! Not knowing which numbers she put together, it was going to be fun to see if I could guess. Some of the most beautiful moments of the show were choreographed by Debra.
MY TOP 10:
1. Costumes: Incredible. Cirque really delivers here. My favorite was the use of these LED suits that light up in intricate patterns and amazing colors. Really beautiful on stage!
2. Dangerous (Debra Brown): The most beautiful woman on a huge pole set the tone for Dangerous. Everything about this number oozed Michael. Simply, HOT!
3. Scream (Debra Brown): Janet and Michael in the background with a troop of acrobats.
4. Hoop (Debra Brown): When the hoop number took over the entire stage, I immediately knew this was Debra’s work. Intricate aerial work with LED costumes – one of my favorite moments of the show.
5. Straps (Debra Brown): People don’t realize how hard this is (you have leather piercing into your arm while a couple does all sorts of moves suspended high above the stage). There was something special watching this with a backdrop of Michael’s music.
6. Debra Brown: Having choreographed 11 Cirque du Soleil shows, this was just another example of her uber talent. She has dedicated her life to art of movement. Inspiring!
7. Jamie King: There is a reason why he is the most sought after director. He also was once a dancer for Michael Jackson.
8. Band: All Michael’s hits were present, all brought together by musical director Greg Philliganes. The iconic BEAT IT electric guitar solo had two incredible musicians – electric violin/cello (a personal favorite) and electric guitar. Just awesome!
9. Staging / Props: A giant sequenced glove, elephants a la Lion King, metal aerial apparatuses in the form of different animal heads, a hot air ballon, and a massive tree…all gorgeous! The stage was always alive with movement.
10. Dancers: The spirit and essence of the show!
As with most shows, there are some kinks to be worked out. I wasn’t that impressed with the Thriller number. Some transitions from numbers need to be worked on. A live audience really does speak volumes in terms of feedback. It was apparent that the audience didn’t really know when to clap at certain points. The show is around two hours and with a “20-minute intermission” 10 minutes in, I would re-evaluate if and when there should be an intermission.
Overall, the show was filled with Michael’s positive messages of love, hope, passion, and making this world a better place.
A truly inspiring evening and a must see live event!
We must still dare to believe...
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