Cirque Du Thriller? Jackson Estate & Cirque Du Soleil Hook Up

The music of Michael Jackson will live on in a new venture between the estate of the late singer and Cirque du Soleil, Access Hollywood has learned.

Cirque du Soleil announced they are developing touring and permanent shows, based on the music and songs of Michael. A nightclub is also planned to open with the Las Vegas production.

The first of these projects will be an arena-touring show in which fans will experience the excitement of a Michael Jackson concert, is expected to debut in late Fall 2011. The touring show will have an extended run in Las Vegas at the MGM Mirage, with a permanent Vegas show expected in 2012.

"This will not just be a tribute to Michael's musical genius, but a live entertainment experience that uses the most advanced technology to push every creative boundary as Michael always did," John Branca, co-executor for Michael's estate, said in a statement. "Having attended Cirque du Soleil performances with Michael, I know he was a huge fan. We are excited to be partners with Cirque du Soleil to give Michael's fans a truly unique way to hear, see and feel Michael's music."

Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque du Soleil, also expressed his excitement about bringing the pop star's music to the stage.

"Michael Jackson is the King of Pop and an all-time phenomenal artist, both timeless and contemporary. As a creative challenge, this project is the ultimate. Through the use of cutting edge technology, we will produce a Cirque du Soleil experience not only worthy of Michael but unlike any other we have created before," Guy said. "We are also so pleased that our longtime partner MGM Mirage has once again joined us in presenting another unique creative experience in Las Vegas."

The singer's mother, Katherine Jackson, said the entire Jackson clan is looking forward to the stage show, saying, "Our family is thrilled that Cirque du Soleil will pay tribute to my son in such an important way."


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MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Michael Jackson - Las Vegas - Pop - Katherine Jackson - Music

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