Michael Jackson has been gone for more than seven years, but his presence can be felt in Las Vegas more strongly than ever. Jackson felt at home in Vegas and was a part-time resident, but it’s Mandalay Bay’s resident Cirque du Soleil show Michael Jackson ONE that keeps the King of Pop’s spirit alive on the Strip. That spirit guides cast and crew at every show, and is especially present during special occasions such as this summer’s fourth annual celebration of Jackson’s Aug. 29 birthday at the Michael Jackson ONE Theatre, or the observance this week of the 25th anniversary of Jackson’s 1991 album Dangerous.
The weekend birthday celebration attracted hundreds of fans as well as members of the original creative team, including musical designer Kevin Antunes, choreographers Rich and Tone Talauega and writer-director Jamie King. They would all be on hand to witness the unveiling of the pinstripe suit Jackson wore in the video for “Smooth Criminal,” which remains on display in the theater lobby and joined the 10-foot Jackson statue that has stood in Mandalay Bay’s main lobby since July.
“When we opened the show three years ago, we had some of Michael’s costumes out in the boutique windows,” said Jerry Nadal, the senior vice president of Cirque’s Shows Division, in a video interview after several ONE cast members pulled a gold-colored drape from the six-sided display case to reveal the suit. “Now, in the main lobby here, we have the actual ‘Smooth Criminal’ suit that he wore in the video. It’s such an iconic piece of choreography that everybody knows.”
The 1930s gangster-style suit, modeled by a mannequin that performs the “anti-gravity lean” Jackson and his dancers execute in the video, was inspired by Fred Astaire in 1953’s The Band Wagon. The suit’s look and concept— a white, banded fedora, blue shirt and folded pocket square, blue armband and spats—would become an important element in ONE, inspiring the Smooth Criminals that battle the MJ Warriors. Costume designer Zaldy Goco designed the suits with UV drawings that are revealed when exposed to blacklight.
The HIStory statue that Mandalay Bay guests can see when they check in has intrinsic value to the show as well. Commissioned by Jackson for the cover of his HIStory album and created by American artist Diana Walczak, the 1,500-pound statue was brought on the HIStory tour. The album itself was a double-disc package containing greatest hits and a collection of new songs, many of which are included in Michael Jackson ONE and inspired characters and concepts for the show. “Tabloid Junkie” inspired the creation of Jackson’s antagonists, who wear capes featuring tabloid headlines in several languages, while “Stranger in Moscow,” “They Don’t Care About Us,” “Scream” and “Smile” provide moving and unforgettable moments in the show.
While much of ONE was thematically inspired by the newer material on HIStory, it was Dangerous that largely inspired the stage’s look. Set designer François Séguin wanted to bring the stage to life with the baroque look of the album cover and used moving towers, lights and video projections to evoke that. It doesn’t take a 25th anniversary or a birthday celebration to remind fans why ONE is still a thriller, though. To them, Jackson’s legacy is still alive and ONE testifies to why he was crowned the King of Pop.
Mandalay Bay, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Fri.-Tues., additional 7 & 9:30 p.m. show Nov. 23, $69-$180 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
SOURCE: Las Vegas Magazine
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They sure do keep it fresh. I have seen it 4 times so far ad each time there is something new to be in awe of and marvel at. The show is spectacular.My favorite number is Man in the Mirror though I love them all.o