Curiocity: Michael Jackson's 'Immortal Tour' Set For Minneapolis
Is it too soon? Or is Cirque du Soleil capitalizing on an opportunity of a lifetime?
Today, the announcement was made that the new Cirque show, "Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour" will come to Minneapolis next year. The show, slated for 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2012, is said to be in partnership with the Estate of Michael Jackson -- perhaps creating the ultimate memorial.
It's true, Michael Jackson's impact on music and dance has forever changed the landscape of pop culture. But I have to be honest that my initial reaction to seeing the words, "The Immortal World Tour" was, well, kind of creeped out.
The preview for the show boasts of Jackson's legendary tours and his ability to rock massive audiences for most of his career -- and there's no doubt he had an impact.
And it's true that Cirque du Soleil has been quite successful with similar tributes to the Beatles and Elvis -- though both were many years after the height of their success (and deaths of certain performers). So I just wonder if the world is ready for a reincarnated Jackson just yet.
But that's, of course, rivaled by an intense curiosity for an experience showcasing Jackson's top hits and stellar moves. One can only imagine the crazy concepts a Cirque du Soleil mind could create for such an iconic figure.
The tour is said to take place in a "fantastical realm" where the audience finds Jackson's origin of creativity -- a Giving Tree. According to the press release, "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."
Hmm, again I must wonder, too soon? Neverland Ranch still has more negative memories attached to it than the positive ones Jackson was aiming for, but with time his legendary status is slowly overshadowing those final troubled years of his life. Still, words like fairy tale, magic and beauty of nature can't help but conjure up bizarre memories of the King of Pop's strange transformation.
The show is also said to include 60 international performers and has Mr. Jamie King at the helm, as its writer and director -- who worked closely with Jackson (not to mention Prince, Madonna, Rihanna, Britney Spears, the list goes on and on ...).
My inner Michael Jackson fan truly hopes this show will be a thing of wonder and a true honor to the pop legend's vast history. I just hope we're ready to be a part of his world, once again.
Tickets for the "Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour" go on sale at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 9 for Cirque Club members online here. Tickets for the general public go on sale at noon Saturday, March 12 here. Tickets range from $50 to $250.
