Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour

For the first item of Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour, I was prepared to be disappointed. It appears to be going to be a fairly conventional concert, albeit a good one - with good quality dancing and aerials.

Do not go home. While it doesn't quite start with a whimper, this show grows exponentially with each number, so that it becomes overwhelmingly stunning.

The choreography is outstanding - tightly executed, it is inspired by the original Michael Jackson numbers. This show has huge appeal for dance fans.

Michael Jackson fans will also be in their element. First and foremost, this is a tribute show. Retaining Michael Jackson's original vocals, the music is supported by live musicians (Mariko's electric cello is a highlight and Desiree Basset's lead guitar particularly impressive) and live backing singers. The merging of live and recorded music is seamless. Michael Jackson's original artistic concepts remain the dominant theme for each number, but the addition of Cirque du Soleil elements give further dimension. There were some obviously dedicated 'MJ Fans' in the audience and it was clear that they were in their element.

Fans of "conventional" Cirque du Soleil are also well catered for in this arena rather than big top production. Standouts include the performance of Australian Felix Cane, pole dancer extreme, multiple aerialists, the work of contortionist Baasansuren Enkhbaatar and the silks skills of (I assume) Giulia Piolanti. It is a credit to this production that despite an apparent programme change, the quality remained superb.

The audience were also enamoured by dancer Jean Sok Bboy Hourth, who demonstrates amazing dancing skills and who happens to have only one leg. His skills and dynamic performance deservedly received huge acclaim.

Central character and principal dancer and mime Mansour Abdessadok presented, at least in part, a representation of Jackson himself. This performance was well measured and almost underplayed to great effect.

With this show at the beginning of the Australian leg of the tour, I am reluctant to reveal much detail, as the constant surprise of this show is much of its appeal. Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour is a huge show that is generous with its spectacular moments and will leave audiences well satisfied.

Kimberley Shaw

Photos: OSA Images / Costumes: Zaldy Goco / ©2012 Cirque-°©‐Jackson I.P., LLC