Michael Jackson Tour: Cirque du Soleil Brings Late Pop Star to Fans With 'ONE'

As you know, the Michael Jackson "This Is It" concert series fell through following the pop star's death in 2009. The good news for Jackson's fans is that they can still experience the pop star's music through a new production from performance company Cirque de Soleil. 

Cirque is coming to stages with its second show themed around Jacko's music. "Michael Jackson ONE" will open on Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The show will be different than last year's "The Immortal World Tour," which made $140.2 million in sales during 2012. The total made it the sixth-highest -grossing tour of the year. 

"ONE" will take a different approach to Jackson's music however. "Immortal" featured high-flying action typical of the Cirque group, but writer and director Jamie King says that "ONE" will be a more intimate experience for viewers. 

"You'll feel much closer to Michael with this show," King said. "From the costumes and choreography, to his actual voice and images on video, Michael is present. He is our guide."

King has personal experience with Jackson, having served as a dancer for the performer during Jackson's 1992 tour. It's his opinion that no one should try to imitate Jackson, hence his use of video screens for "ONE." 

"Having worked with him, I was adamant that no one should play him," King said. 

The narrative tells the tale of "four misfits who are on a journey with Michael as their spiritual guide, and one by one they come upon four of his talismans: a hat, shoes, glasses and that iconic glove. They are transformed and rewarded, and ultimately end up in Neverland."