Press Release

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil

MONTRÉAL, QC (November 3, 2010) – The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil announced today the official international launch of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour™ written and directed by Jamie King, the leading concert director in pop music today. This once-­‐in-­‐a-­‐lifetime electrifying production will combine Michael Jackson music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture.

A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.

THE IMMORTAL World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where we discover Michael’s inspirational Giving Tree—the wellspring of his creativity. The secrets of Michael’s inner world are unlocked—his love of music and dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty of nature.

The underpinnings of THE IMMORTAL World Tour are Michael Jackson’s powerful, inspirational music and lyrics—the driving force behind the show—brought to life with extraordinary power and breathless intensity. Through unforgettable performances Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour underscores Michael’s global messages of love, peace and unity.

In selecting Jamie King as Writer and Director for THE IMMORTAL World Tour, which will feature 60 international performers, The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil chose a director Variety called one of the most influential “movers and shakers” in the music industry, and the “Jerry Bruckheimer of tent-­‐pole concert tours". A multiple Emmy Award® and MTV Video Music Award® nominee, and greatly influenced by his early years working for both Prince and Michael Jackson, he has choreographed some of the most popular music videos and directed some of the highest-­‐grossing concert tours of all time. For the past 12 years, he has served as Madonna's creative director, having most recently directed her 2008 Sticky & Sweet world tour, as well as her 2006 record-­‐breaking Confessions world tour and hit music video, “Sorry”. He most recently directed Rihanna's Last Girl On Earth world tour, Celine Dion’s Taking Chances world tour, The Return of the Spice Girls reunion tour, Britney Spears' Circus tour and Avril Lavigne’s Best Damn tour. He previously directed and choreographed world tours for Madonna (Re-­‐Invention and Drowned World); Asian superstar Rain (Rain’s Coming); Ricky Martin (Black & White and La Vida Loca); Pink (Try This); Christina Aguilera (Back to Basics and Stripped); and his first collaboration with Britney Spears (Oops I Did It Again). He has worked with an array of superstars including Mariah Carey, Shakira, George Michael, Elton John, Diana Ross, Jennifer Lopez and even Ellen DeGeneres. This is Jamie’s first show with Cirque du Soleil.

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour will call on the diverse talents of the following creative minds: Guy Laliberté, Creative Guide; Jamie King, Writer and Director; Chantal Tremblay, Director of Creation; Mark Fisher, Set Designer; Zaldy Goco, Costume Designer; Kevin Antunes, Musical Designer; Martin Labrecque, Lighting Designer; Olivier Goulet, Projection Designer; François Desjardins, Sound Designer; Scott Osgood, Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer; Germain Guillemot, Acrobatic Performance Designer; Michael Curry, Props Designer.

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour will begin in Montreal in October 2011 and travel to select North American cities for the first leg. Additional cities and dates will be announced.

In April 2010, The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil announced an unprecedented arrangement for the creation, development, production and promotion of Michael Jackson projects, featuring touring and permanent shows, based on the music and songs of Michael Jackson. The two entities will each own 50 percent of each Michael Jackson project, sharing equally in the cost of creating, developing, building and producing the projects and in the profits from each project. The Estate of Michael Jackson will also receive royalty payments on various aspects of its intellectual property used in the Michael Jackson projects.

The tour begins in Montréal with shows on Sunday, October 2 and Monday, October 3, 2011 at the Bell Center. For three days only, Cirque Club members and MichaelJackson.com subscribers will have exclusive access to purchase presale tickets online beginning Wednesday, November 3 at 10am EST. Starting Saturday, November 6 at 12pm EST, tickets will go on sale to the public.