King of pop returns

Cirque du Soleil's show The Immortal World Tour features Michael Jackson's iconic elements like his dances and costumes. Provided to China Daily

Michael Jackson never toured the Chinese mainland, but a new Cirque du Soleil spectacular inspired by the megastar's songs and dances will give fans a taste of their idol's live show. Mei Jia reports.

Canadian troupe Cirque du Soleil is working with Michael Jackson's former music and dance partners to bring the King of Pop's spirit and energy to the Beijing stage in August via The Immortal World Tour shows.

Despite being one of the first Western pop icons to be embraced by Chinese audiences, Jackson, who died four years ago on June 25, never performed on the Chinese mainland.

Laura Silverman, spokesperson of the troupe, says this is the first time Cirque du Soleil has used Jackson's music and choreography.

"Working together with The Estate of Michael Jackson, we got access to all of his original tracks," Silverman says.

"Our show has a lot of Jackson's iconic elements in, like his dances and costumes. It will present all sides of Jackson to celebrate what an amazing artist he was and celebrate everything about him."

Zhang Rui, known as Keen, who heads Jackson's Chinese fan club, says the show will be the first "official Jackson show touring the mainland, which is very meaningful to his Chinese fans.

"The show is full of highlights that will make you feel Jackson's presence everywhere," Zhang says. "To us who miss him very much, that comforts us a lot."

Zhang looks forward to seeing the show's high-tech 3D projection of Jackson, video clips about Jackson and rare recordings.

"All those things bring him to life onstage," Zhang says. "It's really a once-in-a-lifetime chance to feel our idol's talent and to get his messages of love."

Featuring more than 30 of Jackson's songs, including the big hits and lesser-known tracks, the show is a mix of dance, music, acrobatics and original stage and costume designs inspired by Jackson's creativity and artistry.

The show's international cast, including 50 dancers, unveils "the secrets of Michael's inner world" to show "his love of music and dance, fairytales and magic", Silverman says.

"When it comes to Jackson, we only do the best of the best," she adds.

Related:

Emotional show for choreographer brothers

Michael Jackson's son to testify in singer's wrongful death trial

Dispatch audio reveals details of Paris Jackson suicide attempt

Los Angeles judge orders probe after Paris Jackson suicide attempt