Arts Entertainment

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil Was a “Thriller”

By. Andrea Comer
Inquiring News

Hartford - As a fan of Cirque du Soleil, the King of Pop would have been proud. Almost three years after his death, the fantastic Cirque masters presented a thoughtful tribute to Michael Jackson, which made its Hartford stop at the XL Center on May 2nd and 3rd.

Jackson’s life was itself a fairy tale – from his humble beginnings in Indiana to his icon status. His life story was majestically laid out for a packed crowd in decades of music, concert and video footage, powerful images and astounding performances. The show featured more than two dozen performers who danced and soared through a host of songs, from hits like “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” with the Jackson 5 to his solo classic “Thriller.” Just about every performance incorporated the singer’s legendary choreography, including the crowd-pleasing moonwalks and leanings.

For those vignettes that didn’t, there was plenty to astonish, from the contortionist in green garb dancing around a giant book to aerial dancers spinning through the air to “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” to the pole dancer’s mind-bending “Dangerous” routine. There was even comic relief in the form of dancing penny loafers with white socks and the legendary white glove. A human dressed as Bubbles was also included for laughs presumedly, but came across as more bizarre than entertaining.

Although a journey through the life of MJ, the show didn’t seem to follow a particular story line. Rather, fans received snapshots of the singer’s most memorable moments – fans hoping for full versions of songs like “Beat It” or “Billie Jean” were disappointed. That said, the show was careful not to dwell on any moment too long, so clearly emotional points like “What About,” didn’t last long enough to invoke Michael’s pain.

The closing performance, “Black or White,” which featured an MJ hologram, brought the crowd to its feet, and left them wanting for more. In truth, it was a reminder that even with a show dedicated entirely to him, the reality was that his loss is more than any tribute could overcome. “Immortal” was a reminder that while his memory lives on, there was so much more we were looking forward to.

OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK ANNOUNCES NEW OPRAH.COM 'GIVE SWEET THANKS' HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES  A Chance for Five Individuals to win $500 and Matching Donation to Local Charity

Los Angeles, CA - OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today the launch of an online holiday sweepstakes at Oprah.com in support of the new fall series "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's." Starting today through November 28, viewers can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win $500, in addition to a matching $500 donation to a local charity in their community at www.oprah.com/sweetthanks.

 
Viewers are encouraged to share a Thanksgiving family tradition (e.g., favorite recipe, family activity, fun memory, etc.), using the text and photo upload tools available on www.oprah.com.

Five winners will be chosen at random and are eligible to receive:
• $500 award
• $500 matching donation to the winner's local charity for the holidays

Winners will be announced on on-air December 3 during the season finale of "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" on OWN.

About "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's"
Saturday, 9-10 p.m. ET/PT When Robbie Montgomery - one of the original back-up singers for 1960s soul duo sensation Ike and Tina Turner - toured with the band, she poured her creative gifts into her cooking as much as her singing. After the singing stopped, Robbie took her mother's soul food recipes, passed down through generations, and created the empire known as "Sweetie Pie's," St. Louis' iconic and wildly popular soul food restaurant run by Robbie and her dynamic family. With two successful locations, Miss Robbie is upping the ante and preparing to open a third restaurant with the help of her son and business partner, Tim. While Tim and his girlfriend, Jenae, also prepare for the birth of their first child - and their wedding - Miss Robbie, who has never been married, continues to look for love at the age of 71. "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" follows the loud, loving and still very musical Montgomery family as they struggle with the demands of expanding their family-owned business, one soulful dish at a time. Produced by Pilgrim Films & Television.

About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
A joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN debuted on January 1, 2011, in approximately 77 million homes on what was the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own and www.press.discovery.com/us/own.

By Frank Prater Inquiring news
Uncusville - Jay Z and Kanye West, Roc-A-Fella's reigning royal dynamic duo, performance at the Mohegan Sun Arena, was not only fantastic, it proved one other thing. Although superstars in their own right, it showed that (two) musical titans can 'check their egos' and produce a 'jamfest' whether performing side by side or delfing into their own individual hits list. You literally got two shows for the price of one! Each performed mini solo sets, pulling from their extensive solo catalogs, while incorporating songs from their current platinum album, Watch The Throne. Throughout the arena was engulfed with psycedelic lasers when Jay-Z and West weren't performing atop their own 40 foot video risers. Amid the music's thunderous subsonic bass lines, video boards broadcasted simultaneously piercing images of America ugly past (KKK), present ( election of Barac Obama) and future ( a greener and tolerent landscape).

Watch the Throne? No need to. These Kings of Rap are at the top of their game and here to stay.

Montreal - (October 2, 2011) – The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil are proud to present tonight the World Premiere of Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour™ in Montreal at the Bell Centre. Proudly presented by Sun Life Financial, tonight’s performance is the kick-off of the world tour which will travel across North America and the rest of the world. The show was written and directed by Jamie King, the leading concert director in pop music today.

Members of the Jackson Family, including Michael’s mother, Katherine, and his three children, along with special guests and generous donors for La Soirée ONE DROP will be on hand to experience this once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production that will combine Michael Jackson music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture. “I am excited to see how Michael’s vision and passion for music and dance will be interpreted by Cirque du Soleil for The Immortal Tour,” said Mrs. Jackson. “His vibrant spirit and love for performing will be honored in this unique tribute to Michael’s legacy.”

A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to
transcend generations.

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. 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. The creative team for Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour is the largest ever for a Cirque du Soleil production. For tour cities and ticket information, please go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson.