There are Cirque du Soleil fans who have seen every Las Vegas production created by the Montreal-based live entertainment visionaries. Then there are Michael Jackson fans who build an entire Vegas visit around Cirque’s tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson ONE. Two of them, a couple seated in Row K, seats 1 and 2, flew into Vegas from Phoenix just for a Monday performance.
The tall gentleman, decked out in spotless white from the fedora on his head down to his toes, is here for his fourth time. His guest has never been to the show before. He bounces around in anticipation, waving a giant unlit cigar like a prop that completes his outfit and interacting with the Tabloid Junkies who roam the aisles with their flash cameras. His seated guest looks on at the stage scenery before noticing the four people at the side of the stage who seem as if they're a little lost and disoriented by their surroundings.
The four people, it turns out, are the Misfits, protagonists of the adventure that is Michael Jackson ONE. Each represents an aspect of Jackson’s spirit, and each experiences challenges that test hidden abilities. Four items that were iconic elements of Jackson’s image—a hat, sunglasses, a pair of shoes and a single spangled glove—will play important roles in the Misfits’ journeys of self-actualization.
It helps to know those fundamentals going into Michael Jackson ONE, but not crucial. The series of tableaux assembled immerses the audience in surreal sensory stimulation that reflects Jackson’s aesthetics and interprets songs into scenes of expressionist jubilation. That’s apparent from the get-go when “Beat It” emanates from the sound system and the stage explodes with activity as an elastic-band acrobat swings circularly in the center of the scene.
“There’s so much to take in,” says the first-time attendee with wide-eyed wonder before the scene segues to a Moon Goddess floating above as the opening to “Stranger in Moscow” sets a melancholy mood and Jackson gently beckons “How does it feel?” Stardust rains on the audience, pulling them fully into Michael’s mystical realm.
Characters from Jackson’s songs come to life, such as the Smooth Criminals and Dirty Diana. Grace and beauty are exemplified in dance choreography, precision and power in martial arts segments. Some scenes are just impressive for the skill and coordination involved, such as when one Misfit learns to bounce on an elastic band during “Bad.”
The songs set the tone at every step, like tearjerkers “I’ll Be There” and “Smile,” big hits “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” and deep cuts “Scream” and “Can You Feel It.” It’s an emotional journey that creates drama with tech innovations, shadow puppet artistry and an appearance by the King of Pop himself.
It’s almost too much to take in during one show, which leads to people like the man in white coming back repeatedly and first-timers like his guest leaving with the surety that she’ll return to experience Michael Jackson ONE again.
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