Le danseur Wade Robson – découvert et soutenu par Michael Jackson avant d’être engagé par AEG pour travailler auprès de certains artistes comme Britney Spears -  vient de déposer une plainte contre Michael Jackson pour attouchements sexuels.

Cette plainte à titre posthume ne semble pas arriver par hasard compte tenu des liens entre Robson et AEG, le producteur de spectacles actuellement en procès avec la famille Jackson.

Howard Weitzman, l’avocat de l’Estate of MJ, a envoyé le message suivant au site tabloid TMZ :
« La plainte de Mr. Robson est honteuse et pathétique. Voilà un jeune homme qui a déjà témoigné au moins deux fois sous serment ces 20 dernières années et a raconté dans de nombreuses interviews que Michael Jackson n’a jamais eu de comportement inapproprié à son égard. (…) A présent, 4 ans après le décès de Michael, il dépose cette triste plainte moins crédible que tout. (…) Nous avons confiance en la cour et pensons qu’elle verra cette plainte pour ce qu’elle est ».

MJJNews

Helmed by arena concert director Jamie King and choreographer Travis Payne, “One” begins its Mandalay Bay residency with preview performances on May 23.

Celine Dion, Elton John, Tim McGraw and Cee Lo Green (and later this year, Britney Spears) all showcase the chart-topping moments of their careers in spectacular residencies along the Las Vegas Strip. And this month, the timeless tracks of Michael Jackson will come to life in Michael Jackson One, a new theater production at Mandalay Bay by Cirque du Soleil that is written and directed by veteran concert director Jamie King, whose client list includes Spears, Dion, Madonna, Rihanna and Christina Aguilera.

One is King’s second creative collaboration with Cirque, as the former Jackson backup dancer also penned and directed Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour. The traveling arena show first premiered in October 2011 and has become Cirque’s largest and most expensive production to date, breaking its own records for the highest attendance of a single performance.

Yet rather than honoring the legendary musician’s memory with elephants, mimes and giant white gloves dancing to mash-ups of memorable songs, King opts for a character-driven plot for the Mandalay Bay Theatre. With 26 scenes, 60 performers and full versions of Jackson’s biggest hits, One follows four misfits on a transformative journey that leads them to personify Jackson’s personality traits: agility, courage, playfulness and love.

« Michael was a storyteller, and certainly he was a showman – he had all these great MTV music video moments and dance stage performances that we all remember, »  King tells The Hollywood Reporter, citing « Moonwalker » and « Thriller » as standouts. « You can’t do that in an arena; there’s 16,000 people, they can’t understand, they’re too far away. Whereas in a 2,000-seat theater, you’re right in the show, so you can go on the journey with our heroes. »

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The title of the show is a triple entendre: 70 percent of the set list is Jackson’s number one hits. Michael Jackson was also a one-of-a-kind artist and one of the most influential of all time. But at its core, One aims to celebrate the ethos of love and unity that Jackson captured throughout his career, through his concerts, song lyrics and philanthropy.

« The running theme by the end of the show [is] that we’re just all the same, because we are all the same, » says King. « It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, we’re all the same. It’s that oneness that I want people to leave with, because that was Michael’s message ’til the end. »

With full access from John Branca and the Michael Jackson Estate to the musician’s library of master recordings, musical director Kevin Antunes made sure to showcase the intricate layers that often get lost in a song’s final cut. For example, the theater’s front speakers play Jackson’s lead vocals, while the headrest’s speakers in each seat swoon with his background vocals, giving attendees the experience of being in the recording studio with Jackson himself.

« You’re not listening to a CD or an MP3, you’re listening to the raw audio of these master recordings in their full complete embodiment – you’re hearing it in a way that only Michael and his engineers had heard it when they had done [it], » says Antunes, who has also overseen the music for Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and Madonna, including her Super Bowl halftime gig. « What is true mastery is when you listen to his background vocals while his lead vocal is singing. If he was in the studio and he had his headphones on and he’s recording layer after layer of background vocals, it’s the things that he’s doing while he’s listening to his lead on his background track: he’s snapping, and he might ghost some of the lyrics, he could whisper some of the lyrics. Hearing that stuff, that’s the kind of stuff that I’d want the fans to get a chance to hear, and I contour some of the arrangements so that some of those things can be highlighted, because it gives you a true look into the artistry of this incredible entertainer. And nobody gets to really hear that except in this theater. »

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Differing from Cirque du Soleil’s other tribute productions, One never has a performer portraying Jackson onstage. Instead, the show strategically uses video and audio footage of the singer throughout the plot’s peaks and valleys.

« His presence, even on video, is so powerful, that it can be very tricky to use him, » says Welby Altidor, One’s director of creation. « What we wanted to do in this show is build Michael’s presence through his voice and feeling his shadow, to feeling him progressively becoming more and more present throughout the show, until we can create the longing. And then the apex, the moment where we’ll really feel that he’s there and he’s still with us. »

One is Cirque du Soleil’s most ambitious endeavor to date, as no production has ever had so many acrobatic performances in a single show. To avoid recycling routines from The Immortal, choreographers take advantage of the intimate theater setting and spotlight Jackson’s iconic moves at new heights. Cirque is also working with dance crews for the first time, having found new inspiration in groups from South Korea, New Zealand and Puerto Rico. All stage performers are dressed by Zaldy Goco, Jackson’s longtime designer, who also outfitted Lady Gaga’s first North American Monster Ball tour and joined with Gwen Stefani for her L.A.M.B. label.

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The high level of ambition for originality in One is familiar to choreographer Travis Payne, who has worked with Beyonce, Shakira, Usher and Jennifer Lopez, and collaborated with Jackson on and off for more than 15 years.

« Michael was always very, very clear that he just wanted to get to the best idea – it did not always have to come from him, the only thing he asked is that it’s something he’d never seen before, » Payne tells THR. « If it was anything that felt similar to anything else that’d come before it, he didn’t want any part of it. That’s what made him so innovative in all of his music and visuals … a lot of times, he was just inspired and motivated by things around him in everyday life. He might come into rehearsal with a drawing he did on a napkin the evening before because he just got a great idea, and then it becomes the set for ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ in This Is It. … You always left exhausted because he always pulled everything out of you and wouldn’t allow you to settle, because he wasn’t gonna settle. »

Many steps of One draw from Jackson’s creative process and attention to detail, which King witnessed firsthand during his first gig in showbiz as a dancer on Jackson’s Dangerous tour in 1992. He recalls watching Jackson backstage as he prepared for arena shows that had yet to use enhancements like video screens.

« You could see the attention to detail: every light mattered, where he was positioned so that he could get the right silhouette mattered, » says King. “To watch that level of interest and detail and to really care about every aspect of the stage so that it matches his movement and really goes along to the music so that every accent is hit with the lights, it was something I’ll never forget. »

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Cirque du Soleil already has seven resident shows along the Las Vegas Strip, but One is Mandalay Bay’s first Cirque production and moves into a theater that previously housed musicals Mamma Mia! and The Lion King. The Mandalay Bay Theatre’s entry is now outfitted with six floor-to-ceiling portraits of Jackson dancing the moonwalk in his white socks, sequined jacket and black hat. Brightly lit jewels accessorize the sapphire blue lobby, which features black and gold double doors that pay homage to Jackson’s signature military-inspired blazers.

« To be the entertainment capital of the world and now to feature the work of the greatest entertainer of all time, it didn’t take me too long when [Cirque du Soleil] presented the opportunity to us, I said, ‘Where do we sign?’ » says Chuck Bowling, president and COO of Mandalay Bay. « We think Michael Jackson’s music is generational, relevant and crosses so many genres overall. As long as people continue to love and want to celebrate Michael’s music, we’re gonna be the home for it for many, many years to come. »

But even with all the venue changes, master recordings and record number of acrobatics, the question remains: how can anyone make a Michael Jackson show that isn’t created by Michael Jackson himself?

« I do a lot of, what would Michael think? And how would he feel about this? Not trying to replicate anything that he would do, because we can’t do that. There’s only one Michael Jackson, » says Payne. « But to think, would Michael get a kick out of that? Would he think this is really great? Would he think that this is thematic enough? Or would he think this is strong enough? We’re just grinding in rehearsals to make the answers to all of those questions ‘yes’ and make it a piece in entirety that Michael would love and he would enjoy being an audience member at, that he would enjoy bringing his mother and his children to. »

Michael Jackson One opens at the Mandalay Bay Theatre on June 21, with previews beginning on May 23. Tickets range from $69 to $150 for nightly performances Saturday through Wednesday at 7 p.m.

THR

Cirque du Soleil and The Estate of Michael Jackson announce
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE
Written and Directed by Jamie King

Exclusively at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas

Presale Window Starts February 22
for Cirque Club Members, MichaelJackson.com Subscribers and
Members of MGM Resorts’ M life Program

General On sale Begins March 7

Las Vegas, February 21, 2013 – The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil today unveiled that Michael Jackson ONE™ will open and take residency exclusively at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino this summer. Directed by Jamie King, Michael Jackson ONE will start its preview performances on May 23, 2013 and have its official premiere on June 29, 2013. This entirely new show is the second creative project to be developed between Cirque du Soleil and The Estate of Michael Jackson after the top grossing Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, currently playing arenas in Europe as it travels the world.

The show
Michael Jackson ONE is a state-of-the-art visual and audio experience creating a theatrical evocation of Michael’s creative genius. Guided and inspired by his music, four misfits set out on a transformative adventure. By journey’s end, they will personify Michael’s agility, courage, playfulness and love.

The name
Michael Jackson believed that all people are unique and equal, regardless of race or culture. His message was one of unity, harmony and hope for a better world. At once evocative and enigmatic, the name Michael Jackson ONE also presents a paradox: Michael was a multifaceted artist who strove to fuse together various musical styles and art forms. It is a fitting title for a unifying journey into the world of the King of Pop, the genius, the visionary, the One.

“This is our second project with the Estate of Michael Jackson which confirms how stimulating this creative partnership was meant to be”, said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil. “Michael Jackson is 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 new Cirque du Soleil theatrical experience not only respectful of Michael’s legacy but also very distinctive from Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour.”

“We are guided by Michael’s own philosophy in all that we do. In preparing for this production, Michael’s message to the cast and crew for his This Is It concerts was foremost in our minds. He counseled them on what the audience experience should be: ‘They want wonderful experiences. We want to take them places that they’ve never been before. We want to show them talent like they’ve never seen before. We’re putting love back into the world to remind the world that love is important. WE’RE ALL ONE. That is the message. ’ We feel the same, and that is what we are delivering both to lifelong fans and those just discovering his artistic genius with Michael Jackson ONE,” stated John Branca and John McClain, Co-Executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson.

Chuck Bowling, Mandalay Bay’s president and COO, said, “The partnership with Cirque du Soleil and The Estate of Michael Jackson represents an extraordinary moment for Mandalay Bay. We are in the midst of a major transformation at this resort, introducing a new set of experiences for our guests. Michael Jackson ONE is truly the crown jewel in that transformation and we cannot wait to share this very special production with the world.”

Along with Jamie King—who started his career as a dancer on Michael’s Dangerous World Tour and also directed the arena touring show Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil—, Michael Jackson ONE will bring together the creative minds behind the Michael Jackson Estate, John Branca and John McClain, and the diverse talents of the following creators (creators’ bios are available on Cirque du Soleil’s press room at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/press/kits/shows/michael-jackson-one.aspx):

Guy Laliberté – Creative Guide
Jean-François Bouchard – CEO, Creative Content
Jamie King – Writer and Director
Welby Altidor – Director of Creation
Carla Kama – Associate Director
Kevin Antunes – Musical Director
François Séguin – Set and Props Designer
Zaldy Goco – Costume Designer
Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon – Creators for the scene Man in the Mirror
Travis Payne – Choreographer
Rich and Tone Talauega – Choreographers
Parris Goebel – Choreographer
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui – Choreographer
Ivan « Flipz » Velez – Choreographer
Olivier Simola – Choreographer
Rob Bollinger – Acrobatic Performance Designer
Germain Guillemot – Acrobatic Performance Designer
Ben Potvin – Acrobatic Choreographer
Andrea Ziegler – Acrobatic Choreographer
Raymond St-Jean – Projections Designer
Jimmy Lakatos – Projections Designer
David Finn – Lighting Designer
Jonathan Deans – Sound Designer
Pierre Masse – Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
Nathalie Gagné – Makeup Designer
Brian Drader – Dramaturge
Manon Beaudoin – Characters’ Guide

Preview performances for Michael Jackson ONE will begin on May 23, 2013 at Mandalay Bay.

PREVIEW PERFORMANCES SCHEDULE:
• Saturday to Wednesday at 7:00pm. There are no performances on Thursdays and Fridays.

TO RESERVE TICKETS:
• Call 877.632.7400 or 800-745-3000
• Go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/mjone or mandalaybay.com
• Visit the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office or any of the MGM Resorts International box offices.

TICKET PRICES:
• $69, $99, $130, $140, $150, plus LIMITED Gold Circle Seating. Prices do not include tax or fees.
• Tickets are available 120 days in advance of the performance date.

For those of you who haven’t already figured it out based on the posts on the official MJ pages the last couple of days, there will be a press announcement on Thursday to reveal the name of the new Michael Jackson/Cirque du Soleil show which will live at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the date of the premiere and the on-sale date for tickets (including a pre-sale to MJ.com newsletter subscribers). It is a completely new show – not Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour. Check MichaelJackson.com or any of the official MJ social media pages for details on Thursday.

The Executors of Michael’s Estate were shocked to learn of the attempt to sell Michael’s medical records. Immediately upon the information being brought to their attention, the Estate’s lawyers were directed to send an appropriate letter to the auction house and are taking all steps possible to ensure that these private records remain private.

« Michael Jackson donnait toujours des objets à ses amis, ses fans, des enfants malades auxquels il rendait visite et d’autres personnes qu’il a rencontré au cours de sa vie. En conséquence, l’Estate ne possède pas tous les costumes et/ou autres objets ayant appartenu à Michael Jackson. Beaucoup de personnes possèdent maintenant différents objets de Michael Jackson et ces articles sont la propriété de ces individus; l’Estate ne peut pas contrôler ce que ces particuliers font avec les biens qui leur appartiennent. Mais tous les fans de Michael peuvent être assurés que même si l’Estate ne possède pas chaque article porté par Michael à cause de sa générosité, l’Estate détient plus qu’il ne faut de costumes et d’accessoires de mode ainsi que d’autres biens ayant appartenu à Michael pour permettre de créer un musée/une exposition que les fans pourront admirer et où ils pourront honorer Michael de façon appropriée. Les fans qui ont assisté au Michael Jackson Fan Fest à Las Vegas l’année dernière ont pu le constater. Tout ce qui faisait partie de cette exposition était et restera propriété de l’Estate et il reste beaucoup d’objets qui n’ont pas été exposés. Bien qu’il soit prématuré de le faire maintenant, l’Estate attend avec impatience de partager ses futurs projets avec les fans, le moment venu. »

« Michael Jackson was always giving items to friends, fans, sick children he visited and others he met throughout his life. As a result, the Estate does not own all Michael Jackson costumes and/or other pieces. Many people now possess different Michael Jackson items, and those items are the property of those individuals; the Estate cannot control what private citizens do with their own property. But all of Michael’s fans can rest assured that while the Estate may not have every single item ever worn by Michael as a result of his own generosity, the Estate does have more than enough costumes and fashion accessories along with all Michael’s other possessions to enable the Estate to create a museum/exhibition for fans to enjoy and to honor Michael appropriately. Any fans who attended the Michael Jackson Fan Fest exhibit in Las Vegas last year saw that. Everything that was part of that exhibition was and remains Estate property and there is more property that was not displayed. Although it is premature to do so now, the Estate looks forward to sharing its future plans with then fans at the appropriate time. »

L’Estate tient à faire savoir aux fans de Michael Jackson que certains costumes de la star appartenant à Michael Bush et Dennis Tompkins – et qui font actuellement partie de l’exposition promotionnelle pour le livre The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson – NE seront PAS vendus aux enchères le 2 décembre prochain.

Michael Bush et l’Estate sont d’accord sur le fait que certains de ces vêtements légendaires ont besoin d’être préservés et font partie de l’héritage de Michael Jackson. Au terme de la vente aux enchères, ils seront remis à l’Estate.

Michael Bush a également publié ce communiqué hier sur sa page Facebook:

“Chers amis, j’ai été profondément touché par toutes les marques d’amour et d’admiration que j’ai pu voir de mes yeux lors de la sortie de mon livre King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson. Le livre contient les nombreux styles de vêtements que j’ai eu le plaisir de créer pendant près de 25 ans de collaboration avec le plus grand « Entertainer » de tous les temps. Bien que certains objets que Dennis Thompkins et moi ont collectionné pendant des années seront vendus aux enchères le dimanche 2 décembre par Juliens Auction à Beverly Hills, j’ai décidé d’offrir plusieurs costumes initialement prévus pour la vente à l’Estate afin qu’ils soient préservés et continuent de faire partie intégrante de son héritage dans les années à venir. J’ai bien conscience de la valeur historique de ces costumes et même si certains d’entre eux sont des cadeaux personnalisés que Michael Jackson a pu me faire, j’ai aussi eu le bonheur de les partager avec les fans lors des récentes expositions. Certains de ces vêtements feront partie de la collection permanente de l’Estate ». – Michael Bush, designer et auteur de The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson.

Pour lire la version originale de ce communiqué, cliquez ici : https://www.facebook.com/michael.l.bush.35.