Cirque du Soleil and the estate of Michael Jackson have announced plans to stage a Cirque du Soleil production based on Jackson's music. The production will begin as a national arena tour in 2011 before becoming a Las Vegas show the following year.
Story Created:
Apr 20, 2010 at 10:43 AM PST
Story Updated:
Apr 20, 2010 at 12:53 PM PST
Following in the footsteps of the Beatles and Elvis Presley, the music of the late Michael Jackson will be the basis of a Cirque du Soleil production that will begin with a national tour then have an extended run in Las Vegas, the singer’s estate and Cirque officials announced Tuesday.
“Michael Jackson is the King of Pop and an all-time phenomenal artist, both timeless and contemporary,” said Guy Lalibert, founder of Cirque du Soleil. “As a creative challenge, this project is the ultimate. Through the use of cutting-edge technology, we will produce a Cirque du Soleil experience not only worthy of Michael but unlike any other we have created before.”
The partnership between the Jackson estate and Cirque du Soleil will produce an arena show that is expected to debut with a national tour in fall 2011. The show will begin a run at an as-yet-undetermined location in Las Vegas in late 2012, thanks to a partnership with MGM Mirage, officials said.
The Las Vegas production could also be accompanied by the opening of a Jackson-themed nightclub, according to the estate and Cirque.
“This will not just be a tribute to Michael’s musical genius, but a live entertainment experience that uses the most advanced technology to push every creative boundary as Michael always did,” said John Branca, co-executor of Jackson’s estate. “Having attended Cirque du Soleil performances with Michael, I know he was a huge fan. We are excited to be partners with Cirque du Soleil to give Michael’s fans a truly unique way to hear, see and feel Michael’s music.”
Jackson’s estate and Cirque du Soleil will equally share ownership of each Jackson-themed project, splitting the development and creation costs — and the profits. The estate will also receive royalty payments on various intellectual property used in the projects, according to a statement issued by the parties.
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