‘Michael Jackson One’ hosts fifth annual birthday bash
It was a memorable day in pop-music history: Aug. 29, 1958. Michael Jackson was born and rose to global solo stardom stepping out of the Jackson 5 from Gary, Indiana. Nobody guessed the impact the happy smiling youngster would have on the world of music.
Tragically, it all came to an end on June 25 2009, when the world mourned his death. But his legacy lives on and will for decades to come. There’s been a slew of all-time, best-selling records; there have been TV commercials, there have been videos and our Cirque du Soleil artistic company has launched not one but two musical shows about his life.
Two days ago on Aug. 29, members of the cast of “Michael Jackson One” at Mandalay Bay teamed up with the estate of Michael Jackson to celebrate the King of Pop’s birthday on the Strip. The fifth annual birthday bash dazzled guests throughout the day, commemorating the special occasion with unforgettable activities, coveted prizes and a never-before-seen performance of “Blood On The Dance Floor.”
To kick off the festivities, guests enjoyed a rare, sneak peek “behind the curtain” of the world-renowned show as they observed cast members rehearse for that night’s show. Fans watched up-close the inner-workings of the production also witnessing a scene change onstage for the first time. As part of the experience, acrobats from the show participated in a Q&A, with lucky guests also winning prizes during a game of Michael Jackson trivia.
The celebration continued with a never-before-seen, one-time-only performance by the cast of “One,” who joined forces to create a specially choreographed number in honor of the King of Pop on his special day. Performing to Michael Jackson’s “Blood on the Dance Floor” — a song not featured in the show — the cast captivated audience members as they performed their original choreography, complete with mesmerizing aerial acts, magical silhouette imagery and stunning dance routines.
Following the performance, Michael Bush, Jackson’s designer and dresser for 25 years, participated in a special book signing at the Michael Jackson One Boutique, where he signed copies of his book “The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson.” Guests were invited to a meet-and-greet birthday cake reception, where they mingled with members of the estate, and show director Jamie King and choreographer Rich Talauega, with cast members of “One”.
Here’s a YouTube video of the Talauega brothers (Rich and Tone) from American Samoa discussing how they created the famed Michael Jackson hologram illusion:
