'Michael Jackson ONE' Brings Us A Beautiful World That May Really Be Possible

The life of Michael Jackson has been the subject of speculation, accusation and rumor for many years. He's been vilified and lionized Now, Cirque du Soleil has opened its second show about the performer.

"Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour"is, as its title notes, touring the world. In the next few months it will be in the Republic of Korea, China, Australia and New Zealand.

Here in Las Vegas, "Michael Jackson ONE" opened June 30 at the newly renovated (and named) Michael Jackson Theater in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. It is a beautiful place and is home to a very beautiful show.

Writer/director Jamie King - who worked closely with Jackson - and Director of Creation Welby Altidor, working closely with Jackson's estate, have pt together a show for which superlatives are too weak. They oversee a first-rate group of creative people, including costume designer Zaldy, whose spectacular costume almost serve as scene stealers. Zaldy's costume for Mephisto in "Tabloid Junkie" is creative beyond belief. The character is made of radios, microphones, LED lights, tungsten bulbs, televisions, cameras and surveillance and, watching him, one gets an idea of how someone like Michael Jackson - prey for all those mics and cameras - might have at times seen the world.

Nathalie Gagne's beautiful makeup and the choreography by Ivan "Flipz" Velez, brothers Rich + Tone, Oliver Simola, Sidi Larbi Cherkaou and the team of acrobatic designers and choreographers, also add to the total visual wonder that is "Michael Jackson ONE."

Cirque du Soleil does not employ impersonators and uses the voices of their subjects - as they have done with the Beatles, Elvis Jackson - to sing their own music. This is a two-hour celebration of the music of Michael Jackson - the music that will live for generations.

There is a plot to the evening. With Jackson serving as spiritual guide and narrator, it is the story of four friends who are each given something by Jackson - a pair of shoes, glasses, a hat and - of course - that MJ glove. Of course, as with most Cirque shows, one does not have to follow the story to enjoy the spectacle on the stage.

This show focuses mostly on the Jackson glory years of the 80s, when he could do no wrong with his music and it all there, from the earlier youthful, haunting "I'll Be There" to the more mature hits, including "Thriller," "Bad," and so on.

"Michael Jackson ONE" is dazzling. It seamlessly blends fact and fantasy into a magical two hours. The theater boasts 7,200 speakers, including one in each seat, so the music is super loud at times, causing the young girl next to us to keep her fingers in her ears quite often.

On the other hand, the young woman behind us (Yes! I do watch the audience when I'm to write about a show.) mouthed the words to the songs with tears streaming down her face. Another audience member shouted, "I love you, Michael!" several times.

The name "Michael Jackson ONE" and the underlying theme come from Jackson himself: "We're putting love back into the world. To remind the world that love is important. To love each other. We are one."

As you leave the theater you, too, may believe that being one world is very possible. The magic of Michael Jackson as portrayed in the show makes a very convincing argument.

"Michael Jackson ONE" may be seen Saturday through Wednesday nights. Through August 31, the shows are at 7 and 10 pm From September 1 through December 30 they are at 7:30 and 10. Tickets are $69, $99, $130, $140, $150, plus limited Gold Circle Seating. Prices do not include LET, tax or fees. You can get them by phone at 877.632.7400 or 800.745.3000 or online at Mandalay Bay: http://mandalaybay.com/entertainment/michael-jackson-ONE/.

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