King of Pop lives on as Cirque du Soleil tour debuts in Dubai

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil is set to perform its Middle East debut in Dubai on Monday night.

With 21 shows running until Jan. 14, this celebration of the “King of Pop” and his record-breaking career in music will feature 49 performers. The cast consists of singers, dancers, musicians and acrobats collaborating to pay tribute to the Jackson’s dance moves and music.

Cirque du Soleil describes the show on their website as “a riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world.”

Four of the 11 band members in the show worked with Jackson before his death, including drummer Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett, who played alongside the moonwalking pop star and his brothers for over 35 years.

The show, written and directed by Cirque du Soleil’s Jamie King, has earned $325.1 million to date from its 406 shows in 117 cities in 26 countries. The performance series has so far drawn in three million concert-goers.

Dubai’s venue has maximized its seating space to be able to accommodate 6,000 people at a single show, organizers said in a released statement.

Omar Saab, commercial director of organizers Duvent Events Management, added: “The hybrid of two greats - Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil - is what makes this a fantastic show that surpasses anything the city has ever seen.

Cirque du Soleil has also produced a second show as tribute to the King of Pop. The show, entitled “Michael Jackson One,” has been recently performed in Las Vegas; while ‘Thriller Live’ - a show directed by award-winning choreographer Gary Lloyd – is currently celebrating its fifth year in London’s West End.