Las Vegas: Cirque prepares to unveil ‘Michael Jackson ONE’

“Michael Jackson ONE,” Cirque du Soleil’s tribute to the late King of Pop that’s currently in previews, will make its debut June 29 at Mandalay Bay.

The numbers alone tell an interesting story. To wit:

— 5,412 seat speakers, three for each of the 1,804 seats.

— 234 moving lights

— 28 strobe lights

— 587 lighting fixtures

— 295 custom-built LEDs in various set pieces

— 2,200 Swarovski crystals lighting performers’ faces

— 26 video projectors that help fill the room with images and the music of Jackson (who, by the way, sings every song through the magic of audio and video).

— 63 performers from 17 countries including the U.S., Britain, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Israel, Kenya, Russia and South Korea.

— A 26-member creative team that includes 11 dance and acrobatic choreographers.

But does it have any soul? Based on a preview I saw, yes. It was easy to channel my inner Jackson.

“Many of the choreographers have worked with Michael in the past, starting with the director of the show, Jamie King, but also Travis Payne and the Talauega brothers, Rich and Tone,” says Welby Altidor, the show’s director of creation, who oversees the logistics of the creative process. “Much of the choreography includes Michael’s iconic moves including the ‘Moonwalk,’ ‘Lean In’ from ‘Smooth Criminal,’ and ‘Thriller.’”

Tickets cost $69 to $180 (excluding taxes and fees). Previews before June 28: $62.10 to $162. Performances are Saturdays-Wednesdays.

Info: “Michael Jackson ONE,” (877) 632-7400.

[For the Record, 1:11 p.m. June 18: A previous version of this post incorrectly reported the opening day as June 28. It is June 29. Also, the last name of brothers Rich and Tone is Talauega, not Talega.]

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