Most of us remember exactly where we were on June 25th, 2009 and it’s hard to believe it’s already been over five years. Austin area Michael Jackson fans of all ages were in for a treat when Cirque du Soleilbrought their THE IMMORTAL World Tour to the Cedar Park Center on August 5-6, 2014.
In comparison to the many other Cirque du Soleil productions, this touring show is unique in the sense that it combines and brings the excitement and innovation of Michael Jackson’s music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil’s unparalleled talent and creativity. Forty-nine international dancers, musicians, and acrobats were featured in presenting a rock concert type format performance with Cirque du Soleil’s unparalleled creativity. Many aspects of Michael Jackson’s life are touched upon: his childhood, The Jackson 5, Neverland, his love of wildlife, desire for world peace and even his beloved pet chimpanzee Bubbles.
This performance is aimed not only at entertaining lifelong fans but also those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the very first time. This show really blends together incredibly well. You have the dance, the acrobatics, the live band, giant video screens showing clips of Michael Jackson capturing the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.
It is hard to ignore the talent of professional dancer and performer Jean Sok. Jean doesn’t let the fact that he has one leg prevent him from being insanely amazing. Now twenty-eigh years old, he’s been dancing since he was fifteen and in 2012, he stole the show during the Billboard Awards during the Ceelo Green/Goodie Mob tribute to Beastie Boys’ MCA. With mind blowing moves that would be impressive with both legs, Jean Sok ripped up the floor with just one.
A special highlights was the acrobatic routine which was performed during ‘I just cant stop loving you.’ It was truly beautiful and absolutely flawless. The Human Nature number with ever changing LED twinkle lights body suits as the artists performed was simply incredible and magical.
THE IMMORTAL World Tour succeeds in paying an honorable tribute to the late Michael Jackson as well as getting the crowd singing and dancing as they played many hits that we remember well from his life-long career. It’s really impossible to even pretend that any of the Cirque dancers can replace or equal the talent of Michael Jackson but the performers were all extremely adept at performing many of our favorite choreographies. If you have seen other Cirque Du Soleil performances, although different in that there are less crazy and over-the-top Cirque-type performances, it is still incredibly stunning and a Michael Jackson tribute that will touch your heart.
